And Yet Again [Gwen]

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There was so much to do about the war, but so little time. The days were getting shorter as the nights seemed to drag on forever. It was almost as if life was taunting every breathing soul in this country, and still, nothing was really being done to prevent the upcoming catastrophe. From what Morgana understood, this war was a great deal for anyone who chose to fight. And also for those who chose to evacuate. Morgana, for one, would never evacuate. There was far too much at stake here for her to do such a thing, to run from something she was so sure could bring about the downfall of Arthur and anyone who followed him.

The opportunity was far too great for such a cowardly act from Morgana's part. She hadn't run from a thing in her life, and certainly this war would not hinder her either. But it would help to know what everyone in Trenale was thinking of doing about the situation. Many were fleeing to the island sanctuary, and others were fighting. They had been given the opportunity to become traitors of their land, had they not? No, but everyone posed as noble-hearted heros. Nobody would turn against their own people. Not even the immortals.

There was but one thing that remained for Morgana to do, and it would be a surprise for the people Arthur was leading into battle. To complete her task, however, Morgana would require a very well-trained horse, a sturdy one. She would not have come to Trenale without her most loyal and loving white stallion, Angel. Despite what he had been through, the horse always carried out his duties, and had even protected Morgana on more than one occasion. He deserved to be treated right.

Morgana walked over to the stables, prepared to give her Angel a treat, and to brush him down, to clean him so that his coat would remain the beautiful shining white he'd always had. She hadn't been prepared, however, for her mortal enemy to be there at the same time as Morgana planned. She nearly dropped the sugar cubes from surprise, but kept her guard up.

Clearing her throat, Morgana walked right in saying, "Gwen. A pleasant surprise." It felt as though someone had to be her puppeteer to say such words. They tasted bitter upon her lips. And she feared she would have to say more words like these. To not fail herself, Morgana flashed the other lady a genuine-seeming smile.

[Guinevere]

Guinevere had been lost in thought as she came back in to the stables, leading her horse behind her. Once again she hadn’t decided to ride but simply take her dear horse out for a walk so that it didn’t feel trapped up in it’s stable all day. She would need to remedy that soon, she could tell he wanted to run, to gallop, and she just couldn’t risk that, not right now. Perhaps if she spoke to Levain, maybe he would care for him for her.

So it was because she was thinking how best to phrase the question to Levain that she hadn’t noticed another presence in the stable. The minute she heard the voice however she took a step back, one of her hands flying to rest on her stomach. Call it motherly instinct, but she could tell when danger was around. Of course when she saw that it was Morgana she relaxed…but only a little.

“And you,” said Gwen with a smile.

Why did it sound forced? Why was she forcing the smile? This was Morgana, she was basically Arthur’s sister, the two of them being raised together, they ahd always got along in the past…why would she think it was forced now?

“You are well?” asked Gwen as she began to lead her horse into the stable, her hand not moving from her stomach.

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Really, there was no way out of making conversation with Guinevere now. That would be rude, and the lady would surely know that Morgana was not being her usual self. What was her usual self anyway? Nobody had made her to be this way; she had always been like this. Her hatred for Uther had merely ignited the fire within her and she had finally given way to sparks. The good, kind-hearted Morgana had been a fake. She should not have ever existed. She might have been slightly deranged while being so.

The powerful Morgana was a lot more entertaining. She liked being dark, being shady, even if she had to pretend to be another for the time being, to hide herself. Arthur would one day get a taste of his medicine, thinking he would be king one day, and seated on the throne with his precious princess Gwen.

Morgana did everything in her power not to glare at Guinevere, or to light up with flames as the thought of this woman taking her crown crossed her mind. Gwen would never be queen. Not if Morgana could help it. She had not hoped to ever cross paths with Guinevere here at this school, but she appeared to have no choice in this matter. Being civil and courteous was her duty, and if she had faked her every smile, her every slight bow, and her every kind word in the court and so far, then speaking with Gwen should be a breeze.

"I am very well, Gwen." As if Morgana would lower herself to calling the princess 'my lady'. She did not deserve it. Not one bit. The king's ward was should be far more important than the darling prince Arthur's betrothed. Just the word. Morgana nearly gagged. "I have decided to come visit my precious Angel, let him know he's not forgotten. You know how the stallions can be," she replied with a slight shrug.

"And you? Are you well, Guinevere?" Morgana frowned a little at the fact that Gwen was guarding her lower torso so securely. But she only glanced for a second, catching herself, and grinning again. That smile was going to have to be plastered on her face. "Are you hurt?" Ah, she feigned deep concern. "Would you like to sit down a moment, perhaps?"

Making Gwen as uncomfortable as possible was her top priority for the moment.

[Guinevere]

“No, no I am quite well,” said Guinevere even as she felt every other part of her body scream otherwise, “I appreciate your concern however.”

Leading the horse into the box she stood beside it, ready to start removing the saddle which hadn’t been used at all. She glanced at the other woman, she hadn’t changed much since they last met, which was good she supposed, it was nice to see some things staying the same. Of course, something had changed, because Guinevere used to get on fine with Morgana, and now…no it was silly of course she still got on with her. It must just have been the absence, going for so long without speaking.

“It is certainly nice to see a friendly face from Camelot,” she said managing to force another smile, “most of the women in Camelot hate me now since I have stolen away their eligible Prince.”

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Morgana stared for a hard long time, almost dubiously, until she decided that a simple smile could fill that silence for another moment. Practicing her gentleness and kindness at the castle was great for this school and country. It was definitely different, but it helped. Upon being asking Morgana, could hardly even remember what she was like before these days. She liked not to dwell much on the past but rather the future, unless, of course, she had been betrayed.

Keeping her eyes fixed on the other woman, Morgana tried reading Gwen's thoughts by merely observing her actions. Of course, that was an impossible task, but if Gwen was feeling slightly...as awkward as Morgana was (not that Morgana even felt awkward...she was too proud to admit it), then she might be questioning a few things. How was Morgana before she'd had her gift of sorcery fueled?

She grinned warmly this time at Guinevere as the other lady spoke of friendly faces, and tried hard not to let the phrase 'eligible Prince' cause her grin to fall. This was a lot more difficult than she thought. "Hate you? How could they do such a thing? You've done nothing of the sort, Gwen! You've not stolen anything but Arthur's heart," Morgana replied with a small laugh. Maybe if she pretended that she and Gwen were still friends...

"I have missed you, Gwen," said she, pretending to admit to that, "And I am glad I've finally run into you here. It can be like old times. You were always a good friend of mine." Gag. Where was the brick wall, so Morgana could run her head into it? "But I am afraid I've returned at a bad time. I was not expecting a war."

And the question Morgana had been waiting to ask..."Will you be proving to Camelot that the ladies are just as handy with a sword?" That was asked with a slightly ditzy intonation. It was good to be innocent.

[Guinevere]

Stolen Arthur’s heart? She had to stop herself form laughing at that one, it couldn’t have been further from the truth. There was some feeling between the two of them, no doubt it was some form of love but what Morgana was talking about? No, someone else had done that. Instead of laughing she smiled sweetly and said, “how kind of you to say Morgana, but I am afraid not every woman in Camelot thinks the same way you do.”

If you are being honest about the way you think…

The thought came unbidden in to her head and she felt guilty the minute she thought it. Here was Morgana being kind and friendly, why couldn’t she just accept that, why couldn’t she just nod and smile and be just the same?

Gwen bristled a little at her last question and thought that is why…

Some of the things this girl said…it sounded off…it sounded more like…mocking than a friend enquiring. She could be wrong though…there was no point in risking it, better to simply act like nothing was wrong…

“Unfortunately no,” said Gwen smiling, “Although I am quite handy with a weapon my husband and his knights believe that my safety is of the most importance and so I am to be shipped off to the island.”

…oops…she said husband…

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Like she always did when Morgana wasn't entirely sure what to say, she grinned largely and acknowledged Gwen's presence yet again. "Not every woman in Camelot seems to know you like I do," Morgana remarked, knowing that she didn't, in fact, know Guinevere as well as she would like, but she knew her well enough to know that if Morgana didn't act fast, the other would be queen. Morgana's best bet was to keep Uther alive. He didn't deserve to be king either, but the throne was better taken alone than a two-person rule which involved a female monarchwho wasn't named Morgana.

"Know this, Gwen, that you will always be smiled upon by me, at least, if no one else agrees with some of the things you do or say," the lady told the other, taking Gwen's hand like they were the best of friends. "I'd like to know you better. Perhaps we can indeed become closer friends. It seems as though time passes all too quickly and so much has happened since the last time I saw you."

Something about the way Gwen seemed to be brushing Morgana's questions and comments off, wasn't as it should be. Morgana's plan from the start had been to make Guinevere feel uncomfortable, but perhaps that had been the wrong way to go about it. Perhaps befriending her could prove to be far more destructive than anything else. The betrayal of a friend was and always has been, by far, the most hurtful and destructive thing one can do to another. It was like a slap in the face. A slap that kills. Something Morgana was used to experiencing.

Morgana offered a sympathetic and knowing smile, ignoring the fact that Gwen had referred to Arthur as her husband. Gwen had just confirmed Morgana's suspicions, which made the situation both better and worse, in referral to taking the throne. "I understand." She was disappointed. "I believe Arthur will attempt to ship me off as well, but I can be quite convincing when I want to be. I, myself, will stay back to fight. I refuse to miss all of the amusement," she said with a wink, as if fighting in a war was like drinking a cup of tea.

"But speaking of Arthur's knights..." Now was a good time to bring up an inquiry. Another thing which needed to be confirmed, since Morgana already did know. "I've met with Sir Levain of Astolat, perhaps you know him? He claims to be serving you, so I suppoe you know all of your knights." Of course Gwen did. "He is quite amiable and very handsome. Tell me, he doesn't have his sights set on another, does he? I know that a lady of my class, King Uther's ward, should not persue a knight, but things here are different, are they not? Such an action is not frowned upon."

Subliminally, with her eyes, Morgana was letting Guinevere knew that she knew. That the second wasn't a secret from Morgana. That she intended to persue Levain if only to drive Gwen to guilt. Of course, being her friend would be the better option first. Maybe Morgana could drive Gwen to a bit of insanity after all this was over. For now, this was like a friend asking another friend for advice. A woman on the brink of love asking the woman married to her childhood friend about a handsome knight in shining armor.