There's always hope

The Guinevere Appreciation Meme

"It’s always good to ask just in case, because you never know really." Danielle spoke, knowing it was definitely the best thing to do if you were in any certainty of doubt.

"Yes, you're right," Gwen agreed, then she took another sip of the wine. "Would you like to have some more fruits?" she asked the Countess.

"I want to be with you, Guinevere."

Gwen's mouth dropped open, hearing Arthur's words. She wasn't expecting him to be that direct. But what he said made her heart swell and she found herself smiling at him. She hoped this would give him some courage to be able to finish it (she felt that it wasn't the end of his confession), because she noticed how nervous he was. She gently squeezed his hand as an encouragement and she listened to him.

“Aahh – it might sound off but I can understand such a sentiment.” A moment passed in uncertainty for the Princess, unsure of how to speak the next words to a servant. While they might talk happily and in a carefree manner at this moment; their worlds were drastically different. “As someone who constantly finds themselves surrounded by maids and servants whose job it is to do things for me… I can see why someone would wish to learn how to stand upon their own small feet.” Eyes would soon look down at her own feet which were covered by elegant green slippers; a quick wriggle of toes given as if to prove a point.

Gwen nodded when Mary told her that she could understand this sentiment. She could understand it herself as well, but when Elyan left, she felt that he had betrayed their father, their family and it took her some time to forgive him that. "It's understandable," she agreed. "Yet it took me some time to accept it," she admitted. A small smile touched her lips as she listened to Mary speaking. Her words made her think of Prince Arthur, whom she couldn't imagine wanting to stand in his own feet - he seemed to be perfectly fine with servants doing everything for him.

Aryn showed a grin then. “Lets go!” She waited for Gwen to take her shawl, before linking their arms with a smile. She had to blink several time at first, as the sun shone right into her eyes. “It is really sunny today.” She commented with amusement.

Gwen put her shawl on her shoulders, then she linked her arm with Aryn's as they stepped out of the house. The sun was very bright after staying in the house, which was a bit darker.

The world outside of the two of them seemed to fade; colours dimmed and the noisy bustle of the courtyard became distant, further away. The blush upon her cheek did not go unnoticed, and Arthur could not help but take it as a good sign. A steady hand reached out, and with a delicate touch he cupped her chin, raising her face upwards. This was a hand that gripped hard upon the hilt of a sword and opened men from groin to neck. A hand for bringing death to the enemies of Camelot. A hand that killed. And yet, it was a hand capable of tenderness, and it was with great tenderness that Arthur raised Guinevere’s face upwards.

Gwen wasn't expecting Arthur to touch her - it took her by surprise and she gasped as he reached out and cupped her chin. But then warmth spread through her body and soul and a small, shy smile appeared on her lips. It was new to her that Arthur, a fierce warrior and also, a royal prat could be this gentle. Seeing him smile, her smile grew wider, too. However, it faded, when he said he had told her to call him Arthur. Oh yes, he had, indeed. Realising this, she lowered her gaze and her cheeks turned red. "I-I'm sorry, M... Arthur," she apologised, almost saying 'My Lord' again.