Thread: A Sinister Realm of Fables & Bloodlust (darkangel76 x Rauk)

Guinevere stumbled through the long, stony corridor and then down along a spiraling staircase. She nearly tripped on the blue satin of her gown as she tried to make her way through the dim lighting and out into the open air that beckoned, her hands reaching out to balance herself, clutching onto rails and banisters, anything that might give her aid. Her knees wobbled and her breaths came in short raspy pants as she thought on those dreadful words that Morgan had uttered. Had she truly heard her 'sister' correctly? Had her husband, the one she'd been given to truly lain with her and... had they both enjoyed it? Tears glistened in Guinevere's blue eyes, pools of disturbed emotion and confusion roiling underneath the ripples that threatened to spill. Sniffling, she brought up a delicate hand and wiped the tears away, her feet forcing her to move forward, to not stop until she made it outside where the air would be lighter, more fragrant. Perhaps then she could clear her head, let this atrocity she'd just heard dissolve away into nothing and forget she'd heard about it at all. But who was she kidding? A stray tear rolled down Guinevere's pale cheek and she angrily wiped it away and scowling, her face contorted with the discomfort of the news Morgan had shared. Feeling ill, she finally reached the door that led to the courtyard. Pushing against the heavy wood, a hand resting against the wrought iron latch, she bore all her weight against it and heard it open with a loud creak. Trying to keep it together, she rushed outside where the scent of flowers hung heavy in the air, filling her nose with the essence of spring. Spring. Shivering, everywhere the young queen turned she saw the signs of Beltane. People weaving their wreaths, talking happily of the spring time festival. A chill ran along her spine at the whispers she heard, so she hurried past everyone, giving nods and quick curtsies as she headed toward the gardens where she knew no one or, almost no one, would dare linger as the royal gardens were a place the royalty and knights could get away and find peace. With chattering teeth, Guinevere pushed at her long dark, hair, shoving it over her slim shoulders as she entered the place that had become an escape. Briefly, she glanced over at the tower across the courtyardMerlin's tower. It looked ominous as it looked over all of Camelot, no doubt harboring tomes of the old ways. Just then, her hands moved to be about her middle, her tummy fluttering, twisting into knots as her mind spun, reeling over how these people did such barbaric things and how such things were kept hidden from her as if she wasn't adult enough to handle them. It was all too much. As Guinevere made her way through the gardens, her thoughts heavy and full of dread, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, morbid thoughts halting as she stared into the eyes of the one man she hadn't been expecting to see, not yet... Swallowing hard, she turned her gaze away for a moment. But Arthur seemed to sense her troubles. How did he always manage that? He took her hand and kissed it, so she bit down on her lip and turned to look his way. But it was hard to hold his gaze knowing what she did now. Such barbaric things he'd partaken in and... with his sister? He liked that? It made her question so many things, yet she couldn't bring herself to speak of them. She'd been given to him, a prize from Lyonesseone that would never measure up to...his sister. What would he think of her to question? A lifetime was a long time to be unhappy and to tell... surely that would make things worse. J-joyous? Guinevere stated more than asked. I see no joy today, my lord. Her words were heavy and full of sadness. You'll have to pardon my ignorance when it comes to your ways and... and your rites. Her face flushed a little as she imagined the lurid things that Arthur and Morgan must've engaged in when they re-enacted the rite together. Perhaps one day I'll understand them and see the joy. But right now, I long for winter. Tears welled in her eyes, but she used all her will power to keep them from spilling. Meanwhile, Morgan hurried through the darker corridors that led toward the tower in which Merlin had been hiding himself the past several weeks. It seemed as if very few understood her now that her brother had married and it was nice being able to speak with someone who understood the ways of old. She smiled as she thought on their many late night conversations, lasting well after moon fall and the sun had started to rise in the sky, giving way from dark blues to orangey hues. It was nice sharing sunrises with the mage, with a kindred. It was almost like how it used to be before Arthur had cast her aside only... Morgan smiled a little thinking about how it was actually better, more exciting when she spent time with Merlin. The man was so wise, powerful with his magic and knowledge. It was a pity to see him being slowly shut out as Arthur grew more preoccupied with other things. Scowling, her lip curled into a small sneer and she let out a tiny exasperated sound, a hand violently moving to tug at the end of her fiery hair. When she finally reached the door leading to Merlin's tower, she knew it would be locked. Smirking, she smoothed out her black skirts and took a deep breath. Then, as she slowly exhaled, she knocked against the heavy wooden door. Hello? Morgan called from behind the door. It's me. It's Morgan.