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Post by Guinevère on Jun 22, 2010 13:20:53 GMT -5
Guinevère sat all her supplies down on the table and stood their for a moment looking down at them. She had everything she might need to measure the man Merlin was going to send to her today. Gwen liked doing favors for friends, it meant she was needed and they thought enough to trust her. Today was going to sew a tunic for someone who needed to look like a knight. Gwen had not even overly questioned Merlin's request of her. She was just glad to help.
Merlin had said the man, Lancelot, had saved his life in the woods and for that Gwen would help him out. Merlin was her best friend, and for a brief time she had even thought he could be more. In the end however, she decided that Merlin was better as a friend the feelings she felt for him were not of love but of a loving friend. So when someone saved his life, she was grateful and wanted to do something nice for him in return.
Gwen was unfolding some fabric and unwinding her measuring tape when she heard someone knock on the door. With out thinking she felt her self smile, as she was someone who liked people and enjoyed their company. Even more so knowing it was someone, who had gone out of their way to save her friend. Walking over to the door, Gwen opened it. "Hello, come in."
[Lancelot]
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2010 14:17:38 GMT -5
Lancelot was not very comfortable at all. In fact he was quite uncomfortable about the path that Merlin was leading him down. He had served the Earl of Huntingdon quite faithfully as a page, for several years, learning the ways of being a knight. His dream, though, had always been to become a Knight of Camelot. On his way to Camelot, he had run across this young man who was about to be attacked by a strange creature in the forest.
His name was Merlin, he had told him, and he insisted that Lancelot had saved his life. In any case, they had run away from it, unaware that Lancelot had been injured. When Lancelot had awoken, after his recuperation, in the Physician's chambers, he had told Merlin of his dream to be a Knight of Camelot. Amazingly Merlin had said that he knew the great Arthur, and would speak to him about the possibility of trying out as a Knight.
When Merlin returned he had both good news and bad news. The good news was Arthur was more than happy to meet him. The had news was that he had to be a noble to apply. Although it had been said that his family was of French nobility, there was no proof,and he was definitely not an English noble. He had almost given up hope when Merlin returned and produced a seal of nobility. He was the 5th son of the Earl of Northumbria?
Where did Merlin get this seal? It was against very principle that he had been taught about knights, and especially Knights of Camelot. Merlin, though, convinced him it wasn't really cheating. It just got him in the door. He would have to prove himself to Arthur on the field of combat eventually. However, before he could meet Arthur to just apply, he would have to look the part, and he definitely did not .... yet. Merlin said he knew somebody, though, a seamstress, and he sent word to her, and after a short time sent Lancelot to see her.
Lancelot expected the person to be an older lady, very experienced in sewing. It was to his amazement that when the person opened the door , in answer to his polite but firm knock, that he found this young woman, standing before him. Was this the right place, or was this the seamstress's assistant? "Ummm ..... milady ...... mademoiselle .....I'm not sure if this is the right place or not ..... my name is Lancelot ..... and I've been sent to seek out a seamstress ...... by Merlin. If I'm mistaken, my humblest apologies," he said hopefully, giving the pretty young lady the slightest of bows.
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 27, 2010 18:20:12 GMT -5
Gwen gave a brighter smile when she saw the man on the other side of the door. "You have come to the correct place." She told him, "I am Guinevère but everyone calls me Gwen. It's easier." She explained, "Please come in." She stepped back so that he could enter and then she shut the door. She watched him for a moment, surprised by how hansom he was. She did not want to be caught staring so she ducked her head and walked over to the table. She started to finish laying out the fabric. "It's a pleasure to meet someone Merlin speaks so highly of."
"I wanted to thank you before we began," She stole a shy glance at him before looking back down at the fabric she was done laying out. "For Merlin. He said you were a real hero. That you saved his life. Merlin is a dear friend, and I want to thank you for helping him in the woods." She looked at him and smiled brightly. "So thank you, thank you very much."
Picking up her measuring tape, she turned to face him fully. She waited a few moments before moving near him. Trying to let the butterflies in her belly settle. She had told Merlin that she rather be with normal men, like Merlin. She had even thought Merlin might be someone special, until she kissed him. It had not been a passionate kiss, and had told her that perhaps Merlin was more dear friend then much more. Still, Lancelot did not look like a normal man. He appeared as if he had some training, or at lest worked hard with how there was not an ounce of fat on him that she could see. He seemed to appear very strong, and make Gwen feel small standing near him. Oddly, it was not a bad feeling. She hoped very much that he would stay in Camelot as a knight. She wanted to know more about him.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2010 22:30:43 GMT -5
Well, even if this was not the right place, she did have a welcoming smile, at least, he thought to himself. Within moments, even with his rather awkward introduction and question, she had confirmed that he was at the right place. "Gwen," he said slowly, "that's a fine name," ending his statement with a smile. "Gwen is indeed simpler, but the longer form of your name is beautiful as well, mademoiselle ..... milady." In short order she had invited him in, and before she had withdrawn the invitation, he quickly made his way inside. He had been expecting someone older, but he got the distinct impression that this pretty young woman was the seamstress herself .... he had a hunch.
He also noticed how she looked him up and down, as if she were evaluating Lancelot. He assumed that she was trying to size him up as part of the fitting process. She quickly left him over by the door as she went over to a nearby table. He assumed that she was looking for something. "Ah ..... perhaps Merlin is over-exaggerating my talents, milady. Thank me? I was only doing my duty as a knight and as a fellow man should do, no?" He noticed the furtive glance that she gave him, and he was both amused and confused.
"Yes, well, I suppose I did, but it was not something that I would not have done for another. However, I am quite glad I did. I think it would have been a great loss if the creature had taken Merlin. I think anyone would be fortunate to have Merlin as a friend." He wondered if Gwen would be willing to be his friend as easily as Merlin had proved to be. However, at the moment he was the most interest in Gwen's seamstress skills. "Oh, you are quite welcome, ma cherie," and he took her hand and gave it a polite kiss, just lingering over it a few more moments than usual, before standing back up and looking her in the eye.
He saw her pick up her measuring tape and move toward him. However, she seemed to have a question that she wanted to ask him. Maybe more than one, he thought. Their primary mission, though, was getting Lancelot measured for his tunic and the rest of his uniform. She was close enough so that he had a good scent of her, and he found it quite pleasing. Trying his best to ignore the attraction that he had to the young woman, he asked, "and what would you like me to do?" He also wondered how much she would tell him about herself.
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 27, 2010 23:03:12 GMT -5
He seemed very polite, and very kind. Kindness was something Gwen liked in others. Merlin was very kind, and very happy in general, which was one of the reasons she got along so well with Merlin. It had been an almost instant friendship with between then. "Thank you," She said with a small blush, when he completed her name.
"Their are not many men who could also have honestly claimed to have done the same for someone they did not know." Which was true, not many risked their lives for strangers when they earned nothing by it, "I think Camelot would be very lucky to earn a knight like you. I hope Merlin and you succeed with this." When he spoke of Merlin's death as a great loss Gwen agreed with a earnest nod of her head. "Merlin is one of the rare sorts, ones who the world would be darker with out. I do not think I could thank you enough. I am sure Guais feels the same way for your aid."
When he took her hand to place a kiss on it, Gwen knew she was blushing then. She let her fingers linger in his hand before forcing her self to slowly pull them back, felling very lost while staring into his eyes. Had she not needed them to work with, she might have been temped to leave her fingers in his. 'And what would you like me to do?' Gwen was still staring up into his eyes when he asked her this, and she answered honestly, "Just stand there . . . " It took her a moment to realize that she had not finished her sentience and she gave a small jump and blushed while looking down, ". . . while I take some measurements."
She wondered for a moment on where to start but then decided it was best to start with the pants she would have to make, as that would take more work then the loser tunic. She dropped slowly to her knees and started to measure the length of his leg. "Did you always want to be a knight?" She asked hoping it was not too personal.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2010 23:34:25 GMT -5
She had several positive characteristics, he thought, besides her obvious beauty, of course. She had the ready smile, even for a perfect stranger such as himself. Also, she had the rare ability, or so it seemed, of expressing thanks to others. Even for something so simple as complimenting her on her name. He noticed the slight blush, as he returned her words, "Once again, you are quite welcome."
"I would not know that much of other men, milady, since I have spent much of my life quite alone. Outside of that, I remember my mother saying, like my father, I had the ability to be alone .... to be separate, even in a crowd. All I know is what I have been taught honor and duty and doing right by others, requires. Well .... I don't know if Camelot would be lucky at my elevation or not. If I am worthy it will happen, and if I'm not, I won't. But yes, I am hopeful that it succeeds. I think I have much to give to Camelot, if I am permitted."
At her words about Merlin he simply nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, I trust that Gaius would feel in a similar way. I think, from what I've seen, that he cares for Merlin a great deal. You have already thanked me more than is necessary, I assure you." When he looked up, into her eyes, from his extended kiss of her hand, one of the things that he wanted to see was the type and manner of reaction he had caused. The first thing he saw, of course, was the return of a blush to her face. The next thing that he noticed was the extended period of time it took her to respond to his question, at least in a complete sentence. "Very well, milady, even I am capable of that," he chuckled. "Where would you like to start?"
He saw her look down at his legs, so he figured that she would start near the ground, and then work her way up. That opinion was confirmed as she dropped to her knees. But then she asked a question he had not been expecting, at least not from her. "A knight .... no ..... not always. My family had once been French nobles, but I was in training to become a carpenter. However, when my village and family were wiped out by northern raiders, I swore to myself that I would never be so helpless again, and I dedicated myself to swordcraft."
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 28, 2010 0:02:35 GMT -5
"Then it will happen, because you are worthy." She replied from where she was. Surely a man who would so readily give his life for another--by fighting off a creature no one even knew about--would be knight worthy. All he had to do was survive Arthur (which was hard enough) and he would be in. Gwen thought Arthur was a bully at times, and overly arrogant at others. Still he was a fair man when it came to his knights, Gwen knew if Lancelot could last longer then the sands in the hour glass, then he could have the chance to prove to everyone what she and Merlin already knew. How brave he was.
She ran her tape down the length of his leg, and around his thigh and cafe, while making sure her eyes (and especially her hands) moved no were else by mistake. It would be to embarrassing to have to explain something like that. She knew if she made that mistake her face would go bright red and he might think she had gone mad. When she moved higher, to his waist it was a bit harder, but if she went slower, then she could do it.
She felt sad for him and his story. Always alone? She was a people person, and did not like to be alone, so the though of someone being alone, even in a crowd was almost heartbreaking. She would make sure he was not so alone here. . . . . not that she was planning to make a claim . . . . just try to be his friend. Help him meet others and enjoy what Camelot had to offer. That would be fun, wouldn't it? Surely getting to know someone would be worth it, especially one like Lancelot.
When he spoke of his family's death, Guinevère looked up at him with a sad expression. He had lost everything! How awful it must have been to be so alone after that! She could almost see him as a carpenter, it might even explain her earlier thoughts on why he appear to strong. She could well see how he would feel helpless, and said a silent prayer he never would feel that way again. "I am sorry about your family. That must have been very hard for you. I should not have asked, I did not mean to draw out hurtful memories." She reached up to his hand and gave it a comforting squeeze before forcing her self to once again let go and work. She was almost ready to stand up and work on his upper body. She just wanted to check the waist again.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2010 6:00:48 GMT -5
"How can you be so sure of either one, of my success or my worthiness. After all, I am not noble enough, to be sure." What did she see in him that others did not, he wondered. He knew that Merlin had said that this was not really cheating .... that he was only getting his foot in the door and then he would get to prove himself. He would only have to last a certain amount of time on the the training field in opposition to Arthur.
He felt her soft but yet the strong fingertips of her hands run up and down the lengths of his legs, tickling and exciting his skin there, as she used her measuring tape. He began to wonder somewhat exactly how experienced she was at work like this. He did not notice that her hands were wandering any, but he still wondered. She then moved up to his waist, which was even more naturally ticklish, and much to his consternation, found his muscles there jerking due to his ticklish sensitivity there.
He then noticed her reaction to his telling of his past history, and some of the things that had made him into the man he was now. The truth was, of course, that he had become comfortable in being alone, besides, there was always knightly work to do, which did not necessarily require being sociable. He would not, though, he decided, mind getting to know Gwen a bit better. After all, being a friend of Merlin was a good reference wasn't it?
She was very affected by the story about his family, he judged, by the expression on her face, and the look in her eyes as she looked up into his face, as she had worked on measuring his waist. "That is very kind of you to say ..... Gwen ...... thank you. There was nothing I could have done, unfortunately, to prevent it. I guess it was meant to be. No ..... you should not blame yourself for bringing it up. I am honored that you would want to know more about me and my past. Besides, many of the memories of my family, and the village are happy ones." She then surprised him by reaching out for his hand. Her hand was warm and soft and comforting, almost as though she was transferring some energy to him. He wondered how his broad hand felt to her. She then shifted her attention back to his waist, apparently re-checking her measurements.
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 28, 2010 12:15:00 GMT -5
"I am sure," She told him honestly, "I think a man brave enough to fight a creature such as Merlin described, is brave enough to be a knight under the prince. I think a man selfless enough to give his life for a stranger, and then modest enough to not want thanks, is already a knight in his heart. Never doubt your worth, Lancelot, just because you are not born into their world, dose not mean you do not belong." Besides, if the prince picked up on Lancelot's doubt he would bully him. You had to be strong to stand up around the prince. If you were not then he walked all over you as if it should be your please to allow him to do so. Granted he had started to soften, but not enough. Gwen wanted Morgana to become Arthur's queen one day but almost didn't at time because it would mean Morgana would have to marry Arthur.
He spoke of his family and he did not seem sad, which made her feel a somewhat safer about asking about them. She could not imagine her father dieing and prayed it would not happen for years and years. He was all she had to lose. Lancelot had lost everything, and he seemed to survive, but Gwen wasn't sure she'd be that strong. To be able to speak of it with out her heart breaking. Her father was still somewhat young and healthy. So she had no worries about him dieing any time soon. "I am glad you are able to recall the happier times rather then the end." She wanted to know about them but also, didn't want to pry. Even if he said he was honored she wanted to know more she didn't want to press him. Besides, they would have time to get to know each other over time.
Gwen felt the little jumps he made and fought to hold back a smile. She would not make a jest about him being a ticklish knight, as she did not wish to offend him and she had to resit the urge to do it again. "Forgive me." She almost whispered, while trying to hide the humor in her voice. She stood up, and keep her face lowered to keep her humor hidden.
"If you will hold your arms out like this," She reached for his hand and pulled them up, spreading his arms so they were straight out, her arms were not as long as his, so she had to let go of his hands as he did so. "I can measure, and try to make this fast." She wondered if this made him uncomfortable. She ran her measuring tape from his wrist to his shoulder, then this shoulder to his other shoulder and from there to his other wrist. She noticed her eyes only came to his shoulders. He was taller then her, and she had to look up to see his face making her feel small again. Just as last time however, it wasn't a bad feeling, and Gwen hoped he might decided to visit her some after he joined the ranks of the nobles.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2010 15:02:56 GMT -5
"I was taught that a knight's duty, at least one of them, was to defend those who cannot defend themselves. For someone who is a seamstress you seem to have well-developed ideas of what a knight should be. So ..... the ingredients are bravery against monsters, selflessness, even for strangers, and modesty." Lancelot then considered the real question that her points made. Which was the most important thing, to be recognized as a knight by a sovereign, or to simply act like a knight should. Is it what you wore that made you a knight, or what was in your heart, he asked himself. "Well, if you believe in me ma cherie, how could I doubt my worth," he said with slight smile. "Only time will tell if I belong."
As he stood there, awaiting for the measurements to continue, he had told her something of his past life. So many years had now passed since the horrible events that took his whole family from him, it almost seemed like another life, and not his. "So, why don't you tell me something of your family and your life here. How do you find Camelot? Do you like it here?" The truth of the matter was, he understood now, was that you tended to remember the good times more than the bad, and he had been fairly young when it had happened. It had allowed him to forget, at least a little. "Is there anything you would like to know," he asked, as he stood there awaiting her next instruction.
He could see the little twinges in her face, as her hands explored across his waist, and he figured that she had noticed that he was quite ticklish there. That meant, though, that she was trying to hold her smiles and laughter in. Obviously she was polite enough not to embarrass him over his ticklishness. Suddenly, she looked down and away, and he figured she was just barely holding in the laughter, which would have been at his expense. "Forgive? .... There is nothing to forgive ..... you are just doing what has been asked of you."
"Like this, milady?" He held his long arms straight from his sides. "When Master Le Fey was giving me some of my first training, he had me hold a sword in both hands, keeping the blades parallel to the ground as long as I could. It was quite painful at first, but it did allow me to build up strength in my arms and shoulders. So .... you can take your time ..... I can hold them here for quite awhile." She was quite close to him, as she took her measurements, especially when she was measuring from shoulder to shoulder, and then when she measured around his chest at its biggest point. "I do hope that your tape is long enough," he joked. He noticed for the first time that she was a bit shorted than he was, as he looked directly down into her eyes, and wondered if she found the several days worth of stubble on his face unattractive. After this work was done, he wondered whether she would want to see him again. She probably had someone she was seeing anyway, he told himself.
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 28, 2010 22:23:51 GMT -5
"I am not a seamstress. I am Lady Morgana's handmaiden, and personal servant. I thought about being a seamstress once, but Morgana has become a dear friend of mine. I enjoy working for my friend. I learn about knights from her sometimes, as she is the King's ward. The rest I learn from my father. I am sure you will end up meeting him. He is Tom the blacksmith, and most knights get work done from him if the castle's smitty is full up." When he teased her about that she claimed a knight was made of she smiled, "You see, you already have the makings of a knight you just need to brave the prince and you can be made official."
Of her family? Of the simple life she had lived? She thought for a moment, trying to think of anything exciting that had ever happened to her here. "I am not sure what to tell you," She admitted, "I was born and raised in this house, by my father. I became Morgana's handmaiden at a young age, and have worked for her since. I hope one day she will be marry the prince and later become queen." Was there anything she would like to know? She had a million questions, but could not narrow it down to just one. Where to start?
Before she could ask, he told her about his training. She thought that sounded harsh, but apparently it had taught him well. When he talked about strong arms, her eyes (and hands) lingered on his. "I see." She spoke softly before shaking her head slightly and correcting her self. "Not that I was staring. Cause I wasn't. But I was measuring." She hated it when she rambled on like this, and she did it when she was embarrassed or shy. "I promise to be quick so you do not have to rely on your knightly training to survive me." She joked back.
Then she thought of a question she wanted to ask. As she wrapped her tape around his chest to measure, she asked it. "Do you like being a knight better then being a carpenter?"
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2010 23:03:51 GMT -5
"Oh ..... my apologies ...... mademoiselle. I just assumed from what Merlin said ..... that you were the best seamstress in Camelot, that that was your position. Lady Morgana? You would not happen to know her last name. My first trainer had a daughter by the name of Morgana, but it would be too great a coincidence, I'm sure. It is always good when the one you serve can also be your friend." Lancelot went on to listen with a great deal of interest, as she talked about both Morgana and her father.
"Well, its always good when you can pick up knowledge from a variety of sources. Your father is a 'smithy then ...... I will be pleased to meet him when I have the opportunity. Hmmmm ..... from what I've heard, braving the prince, even for 60 seconds won't be an easy task, that is, even if he gives me the opportunity," still somewhat doubtful that Merlin would be able to arrange it for him.
Lancelot smiled, thinking whatever that she had to offer would be just fine. Knowing a little bit about each other would give them a good starting point for conversation. "I've found that the beginning is almost always a preferable place to start," he chuckled. He thought that was a good start, and he nodded his head in approval. Within moments, though, by the look in her eyes, she had a question for him.
He headed her off, for a minute or so, telling her about his training. He noticed that her eyes seemed to stare at his arms as he talked about the training he had been put through for strength. However, not only her eyes, but her hands lingered as well. No doubt, part of the measuring process, he told himself. After a few moments, though, she broke out of her focus on him, claiming that she wasn't staring. "Of course you weren't. I'm sure that you were just concentrating on your measuring tape," he smiled back.
Finally, though, came her question, "a carpenter or a knight .... that is an interesting question. I've always been a carpenter. I just took up being a knight as a reaction to my family being wiped out. They are usually quite separate, with one involved in creation and the other often in destruction. Sometimes they do overlap, as in the building of catapults and siege towers. But I would say that carpentry provides more personal satisfaction, but being a knight is more important to do well, since it can be a matter of life or death. So .... I don't know ..... but being a knight has always been my dream ..... my obsession .... I guess."
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 28, 2010 23:51:59 GMT -5
"Merlin said that?" She asked with a blush. Gwen thought she was good but Merlin's praise made her feel special. "I will have to thank him for such high praise." She he spoke of Morgana, Gwen thought back to something he had just said, and then looked up at him in pleased surprised. When he had said Master Le Fey she had not made a connection. Now she had. "Her name is Morgana Le Fey!" She said excitedly, "She must be his daughter! Her father died when she was young, and she came to live with the king as his ward."
Gwen also blushed, but smiled brightly at his teasing. "Yes, that was what I was doing. You can rest your arms now." She reached up to wrap the tape around his neck and for her self momentary distracted by his eyes. She hoped she would remember all these measurements. She had never forgotten before, but Lancelot had a way of distracting her. She looked down at the tape and then pulled it back. There, she should have all she needed from him. . . . Oh! Maybe not. She reached for one of his arms and pulled it out to her slightly and measures around it. She did this as he answered her question.
She wished they were better friends so she could tell him that if one gave him more satisfaction, then he should do that. The way he spoke of being a knight, she wondered how happy he would be fighting Uther's wars on magic. Knights did allot more then that, but she would imagine that part would be hard for him. She hoped he found what he was looking for. "I hope you become one then, and impress everyone with your already knightly talents. The prince is very skilled-he enjoys boasting on his skills and claims he has been trained to fight since before he could walk, but if you can charge a beats as big as the one in the woods, surely you can last against a man."
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2010 11:10:31 GMT -5
He saw, even with her beautiful dark complexion, a tint of color come to her face. "Yes ..... why do you ask ..... is it not true?," he said hoping to get her to respond, and to see what her reaction to be. "I'm sure he will be pleased if you would that, as well as embarrassed," he chuckled. "Yes ..... my carpenter master had done some work for the nobleman, and asked that instead of payment if he could give him some lessons in swordcraft. At first, Gorlois, thought it was a joke, but he said that I did have some natural skill, and he put me through some training. Unfortunately, he perished in battle before he could put a lot of time in his student. Yes ..... I saw her several times .... but it was long enough ago that I doubt she has much memory of the thin lad I was then."
He smiled back, not willing to press her on what she was doing, in addition to using the measuring tape. He had no desire to lose a friend as rapidly as he had apparently gained one. "Yes, I thought as much. Thank you," as he finally relaxed his arms. "Are you sure that was long enough?," he said with a slightly mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eyes. As she measured his neck, they were close once more, probably closer than they had been at any time so far.
She was close enough that he could here her breathing, and if she was not looking at the tape she almost had no choice but to look into his eyes. He thought that her rate of breathing had increased, but he wasn't completely sure. He thought she was finished, until she took one of his arms to measure the circumference around it. He could tell, though, that she was trying to listen his answer to her question, since she didn't appear to be concentrating as much on her work. After all, he thought, what else could she be focused on?
"Yes, it is always good if you can not only reach out for your dreams, but be successful at attaining them. I am not so full of myself that I think that I'm a match for the great Arthur. I only want to survive long enough to be given the honor to ride with him. I do have some skill, mind you, but he's been training, probably with the best teachers, nearly his whole life. I'm smart enough to know that I have little chance to stand up to him for more than the allotted time," he said with a grim smile. "There is a fine line between courage and bravery, and foolishness and recklessness. Although its outcome was positive, it was mainly just due to luck and chance we survived. It would be like charging Arthur in battle without taking a shield with you for protection," he laughed.
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Post by Guinevère on Jun 30, 2010 17:24:19 GMT -5
Gwen laughed softly, "I will take the flattery, even if I have my doubts over Merlin's claim." She turned to sit the tape down on the table, before looking back at him. "You can judge him claim when you come by tomorrow afternoon, perhaps after meal time, and try on your new clothing. Merlin said you were staying with him? I work in the castle until then, Perhaps we can walk back together when you are ready?" She offered and felt nervous about his reply. Gwen also could not wait to ask Morgana is she recalled a thin lad named Lancelot from her youth. Maybe learn something more.
At his teasing on being long enough for holding out his arms, she grinned brightly, "Yes, I am sure that was long enough. I would hate to put all your youthful training to the test. Imagine if you failed, then mere lowly servant would have done done your swords." She joked back. Gwen would not have used the phrase lowly servant around Morgana, or anyone of noble rank, however she was not ashamed of being who she was. She was rather proud of it, which was why she felt she could call it such in times of jest. Mainly only to Merlin, but to Lancelot as well.
"The prince is known for bring down men very fast. I am not sure if that helps you any. Perhaps if you watch him train you can try to learn something. My father used to tell that to men getting swords from him. He would tell them to watch the man the were fighting, to learn him. I never quite learned what to look for, but I hope his advice helps you some."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2010 7:15:45 GMT -5
Lancelot loved that this girl could laugh so easily, and sincerely. "Well, most girls I have known have always taken to flattery quite well I believe. So it doesn't appear that the trend will be broken here. Oh .... I have no doubts," he said as he looked down into her eyes. "Yes ..... that sounds like an excellent plan. I'm ready to start back whenever you are ready ..... that is ..... if the measurements are finished. Unless you need something else." He looked down deeply into her eyes, taking in a deep inhale of her scent. Honestly, he wasn't sure if he wanted her close proximity to end quite yet. "Yes. I'm stayin' with Merlin now. I hope to move into the knight's quarters at some point, though," he winked. "Then I'll look forward to the fittin' tomorrow as well."
He smiled back at her teasing in return. "Well, that's a good thing, then. I could not think of someone, at present, that I would rather be test by, mademoiselle," he said wondering if he would get a blushed reaction. "I would never refer to you as a lowly servant, ma cherie. That should never be the term used to describe you, although I suppose I should withhold final judgment until the fitting tomorrow," he said with a mischievous grin.
"Yes, I have heard many stories about the Prince and his skills. That does sound like good advice. I expect that I will have several opportunities to observe him whether and before I am given an opportunity to face him. Although I have heard great things about him, I have heard from some that he is somewhat arrogant and knowledgeable of his superiority over others. Perhaps I can use that overconfidence against hi, when the time is right, no? That is one thing that Garlois taught me .... use not only their weaknesses but their strengths against them."
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Post by Guinevère on Jul 1, 2010 19:12:37 GMT -5
Gwen found that she liked him teasing her. She had told Merlin she liked ordinary men, but Lancelot was proving her wrong. She was finding that perhaps the strong more-then-ordinary was what it took to make her blush, and her heart beat just a little faster. She hoped he stayed around, so she could find out just were this could go. Maybe, invite him to meet her father if things did not cool between them. From there, who knew?
When he looked into her eyes, she had troubled thinking clearly. It did not help that he seemed to say the right things at the right time. Things she did not expect him to say, and while the lines he spoke came out smooth, almost practiced, she knew they were just in the moment words. Which meant he could not have practiced them. Only meant them.
She felt her self blush while she looked up in his eyes, and she almost looked down. "Even so, I will not test your strength to often." She replied, "And I too, look forward to the afternoon, when I we will if Merlin's judgment is true." Gwen knew she would be working extra hard tonight to get this perfect. She did not want to disappoint him. She wanted everyone to look at him and think he was one of them.
Gwen thought Arthur was a bully, even if he was starting to show signs of kindness. She would never say so around his men or around people she did not trust not to repeat her words, as she did not want to lose her job, but she wanted Lancelot to know he was right. It might help. "I have not watched many of the knightly tests he gives out but the few I have seen always begins the same." She shook her head slightly as she smiled, almost as if she thought it was overly dramatic, "He gives the same speech, and then attacks hard and fast, hoping it will be over quickly so he can boast about how skilled he is. He is not a bad prince, he just likes to remind everyone of how good he is."
"I will have these ready for you, by tomorrow after meal time." She watched him for a moment, "Tell Merlin I said not to keep talking about me. He will rise your expectations to high." She teased.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2010 21:18:59 GMT -5
Well, Lancelot thought, at least he had not sent her running yet. She seemed to like the things he said, and the way that he gazed into her eyes. He had to admit that girls had generally been attracted to him, but actually, he had always felt awkward around them. So he had just generally stayed silent. Gwen, though, was different. He felt quite relaxed and confident around her, but he had no idea why.
He did notice, though, that she actually seemed to pay close attention to whatever he was talking about, whether it was something about his past, or someone he had an opinion about, or talking about the strategies that he should take against Arthur. In the short time that he had been around her he just found the ability to strike up a conversation as natural as if he had known her all of his life.
He also found that although her eyes did seem to seek his out, that she couldn't maintain eye contact very long, before she had to look away. He could almost sense a blush, although it was nearly impossible to see, he thought. "Too often? And how often is that? I'll look forward to these tests, just as I 'll look forward to tomorrow afternoon. Oh I'm sure, at the very least, that its likely that Merlin underestimated your abilities," he said, smiling mischievously.
She then moved the conversation of Arthur's tactics. It was obvious that she had watched many of the training matches. He was satisfied that his thoughts about Arthur were true. He had more skill than anyone, but his many early victories could mean that he could be frustrated and his over-confidence used against him. "Yes, I thought as much, Gwen. His over-confidence may be the only chance I have. I hope it and what little skill I have will be enough."
He laughed at her last remarks. "That will be fine Gwen. You might tell Arthur not to mess my new outfit too much. Merlin? Oh, on the contrary! I will tell him to tell me much more, so I will know just what to expect from you," he winked.
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Post by Guinevère on Jul 1, 2010 22:01:57 GMT -5
Gwen blushed again when he winked and looked down for a moment, she hated being shy to the point eye contact was hard for her at times. She was getting better, but still there were times, like now when she felt unsure. It wasn't a scary unsure feeling, but one that held possibilities. She hoped Lancelot surprised everyone and lasted the whole time or even won. She knew it might not happen, especially the winning part for Arthur never lost but she could hope for Lancelot's sake. "It depends on how often our paths cross while your in Camelot." She told him when he asked about how often she might teasingly test him.
"If I may, I would like to be told when you are to meet him, for the test. I would like to watch if you would let me." She wanted to see more of him, and wanted to see him doing that he loved doing. She wanted to be there to cheer him on and clap when he passed and support him should the worst happen and Arthur best him. Either way, she wanted to be there for him.
"I am hardly on such terms with the prince," She admitted, "You might have to ask, Merlin to ask him. However I might not recommend it. He can be a bit of a bully sometimes. He might try to damage it to spite you." Gwen had told Merlin on their first meeting that Arthur was a bully and thanked him for standing up to him. Arthur had been bullying his servant and Merlin tried to make him stop. Now Merlin was the servant who got bullied. "I fear my ears shall be burning all day if you and Merlin speak of me all day. Surely you two can think of something better to do with your free time?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2010 10:30:18 GMT -5
Lancelot continued to notice how uncomfortable Gwen seemed to be around him. She kept having difficulty making eye contact with him. Was he looking at her too much .... was it to the point of staring. That was surely not very knightly behavior on his part, now was it, he thought. "Well, then, I hope that it does not happen too often, for your sake. I mean ..... if you see me too much, you'll probably just be bored with me, I expect, milady." Now, that was not the smoothest response, now was it, he silently reprimanded himself. Oh well, she probably has someone she already has an interest in and is a waste of time, he logically considered.
She was expressing an interest when he would meet up with Arthur on the training field. Interesting .... she must be somewhat curious. However, she may just want to see how her work holds up on the field of battle, he thought to himself. "I'm sure that if I am not able to let you know, that Merlin can get a message to you, so that you can watch Prince Arthur rack up another of his victories."
She apparently did not get his little joke, he thought. Well, he was never known as one good at telling jokes and stories. Lancelot was always the most serious student, whether it was at learning carpentry or learning swordcraft. "Yes, I imagine nobles and servants don't get to mix in general conversation much. I'm not sure if he's a bully or not. Sometimes people get a reputation without really meaning to. However, I expect him to give me a round thrashing if he's able to. He has to test any man who will fight beside him in battle, and protect his back. It is in his best interest, as well as the kingdom's." He laughed at her last comment. "I can think of absolutely no better subject for Merlin and I to spend our time talking about, and such a pretty one at that," he said with the slightest of smiles and a nod.
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