Chapter 1
Ch. 1
Merlin was tired. The past weeks had been stressful in a different way than normal. Since he'd arrived in Camelot years ago, most of Merlin's sources of trouble had been clear, immediate. But lately with new negotiations, fights in the lower town, and the lack of prolonged rain-- such mundane occurrences compared to the battles he had seen-- everyone was exhausted.
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Arthur Pendragon sat in his chambers pouring over reports. Or he had been ten minutes ago. He was currently spinning an empty bowl on its side and daydreaming while the reports sat half-reviewed on the other end of the table. The king's energy had gone and he could tell most of the castle was sapped as well. They could not get anything done like this. Effort had become useless and those who still sincerely tried miss-stepped too often to make much progress. Arthur needed a break. They all did. He was so busy trying to find half-thoughts that the last of his energy left and sleep took hold.
The soft sound of footsteps nearby awoke Arthur later in the evening from a nap. The candle lights quickly chased away the remnants of his dreams, though he recalled a distant sense of content. Seconds later Gwen entered and made her way to Arthur. Deep gold rays of the evening sun flashed across the hem of her gown as she passed through lines of light from the windows. She sat across from him and huffed out a laugh after noticing the way his hair flattened on the side that had been against the table a minute before. The queen reached out a hand to comb down the tufts that stuck out with her fingers. Arthur noticed the slight droop of her shoulders, which rose as Gwen took a deep breath and began to speak.
"The men are weary, my king-" Gwen dropped her hand from his hair to his wrist and continued- "You know they would walk to the ends of the Earth for you but that means nothing if they lack the effort to lift a sword once they get there."
"I know that, but what can I do?" Arthur asked, half to himself. "I can hardly leave Camelot when so much needs to be done. And the knights' are working hard to make sure no new issues arise. Leon knows we have our hands well filled as it is. I'm not sure they could be convinced to take a break even if I ordered it. Well," he mused, "Perhaps Gwaine would."
They both laughed, savoring the sound as it rang out like bells.
"Listen," said Guinevere. "Morgana and I have been thinking-” she bit her lip and smiled- “We agree that you lot are of no use to us as long as you continue to mope around like hounds in the summer heat. Listen!-" she called as Arthur opened his mouth to object- "We can run the kingdom perfectly well for just a few days. Your tasks are not as big as you seem to think. It is okay, Arthur. Go on a hunting trip, or whatever you do to relax. Bring Merlin with you. Take a few days off. All will be safe until you return, I promise."
Arthur wanted to find a solid reason to stay. He struggled briefly, but his queen’s assurances had given a light hope to the side of him that desperately needed a rest. Arthur's eyes wandered out the window to an image of soldiers and knights sparring. The movements, though determined, appeared more sluggish than normal. He knew his knights' limits and knew that they were approaching, even if the men refused to admit it to his face.
His mind was made up. He had his doubts, but the King trusted his Queen. He smiled then, feeling like he'd let out a breath that had been held for far too long.
"Alright then. I'll make Merlin prepare the horses and we’ll depart tomorrow at first light."
“Good.”
Arthur stood, stretching as he started towards the door. He paused and looked back at Gwen who stayed at the desk. Candlelight reflected off of the curls that framed her face, creating a halo effect. Fitting. He felt his expression soften.
"Thank you, Guinevere, truly."