Harsh Terms
Author: Gilli_ann
Title: Harsh Terms
Rating: G
Characters: Gwen, Arthur, Others
Pairings: Gwen/Arthur, Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Gwen deals with the Disir
Word Count: 250
Prompt: 490 'Bargain'
Author's Notes: Canon AU
Harsh Terms
Facing the Disir in their dim cave, Gwen kept her voice steady and her poise regal. "You drive a hard bargain, venerable ones."
"You came to us seeking aid, Queen Guinevere, not the other way around."
"Then let me understand you correctly. You will save Arthur and ensure that he survives the battle at Camlann without injury, but only on condition that he never returns to Camelot?"
"He has perpetrated too many offenses against the Goddess and her people. We will not accept him as our ruler."
"But you will accept me?"
"Remove the ban on magic, and we will support your rule, queen. And so will all who practice magic in good faith."
The cowls of their voluminous grey cloaks cast deep shadows across the Disirs' faces. They looked like ancient statues, implacable and unforgiving. Gwen knew that they held immense powers.
She had this one opportunity to save Arthur. She could leave this place to rule Camelot and so secure the prosperity of her people. She could have all that - at the cost of her heart.
She bowed her head. "I agree to your terms."
"Then let it be so." A hint of compassion crept into the old priestess' voice. "You may think lifelong banishment an overly harsh punishment for the king, but he must atone. The Goddess demands it."
Gwen shook her head. "Arthur has Merlin. He'll never be alone, never want for love."
She drew a deep breath, steeling herself against the future. "But I will."
Title: Harsh Terms
Rating: G
Characters: Gwen, Arthur, Others
Pairings: Gwen/Arthur, Arthur/Merlin
Summary: Gwen deals with the Disir
Word Count: 250
Prompt: 490 'Bargain'
Author's Notes: Canon AU
Harsh Terms
Facing the Disir in their dim cave, Gwen kept her voice steady and her poise regal. "You drive a hard bargain, venerable ones."
"You came to us seeking aid, Queen Guinevere, not the other way around."
"Then let me understand you correctly. You will save Arthur and ensure that he survives the battle at Camlann without injury, but only on condition that he never returns to Camelot?"
"He has perpetrated too many offenses against the Goddess and her people. We will not accept him as our ruler."
"But you will accept me?"
"Remove the ban on magic, and we will support your rule, queen. And so will all who practice magic in good faith."
The cowls of their voluminous grey cloaks cast deep shadows across the Disirs' faces. They looked like ancient statues, implacable and unforgiving. Gwen knew that they held immense powers.
She had this one opportunity to save Arthur. She could leave this place to rule Camelot and so secure the prosperity of her people. She could have all that - at the cost of her heart.
She bowed her head. "I agree to your terms."
"Then let it be so." A hint of compassion crept into the old priestess' voice. "You may think lifelong banishment an overly harsh punishment for the king, but he must atone. The Goddess demands it."
Gwen shook her head. "Arthur has Merlin. He'll never be alone, never want for love."
She drew a deep breath, steeling herself against the future. "But I will."