001 [Many Miles from Camelot]

[onperfectlips]

[The vase of flowers fell to the ground with a crash, sending daisies and shards of broken pottery scattering across the starry floor of the Plane. Guinevere was not a clumsy servant - clumsy servants didn’t last long in royal households, after all - but the shock of being pulled from one world to another was something that no one could prepare for

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[onperfectlips]

Morgana!

[It was too late. Her mistress had already been captured.

For a moment, Gwen was too shocked - too horrified - to return the embrace at all. A moment later, she hugged back to assure herself that Morgana was all right in the circumstances.]

Where are we?

[onperfectlips]

I don't understand ... I was in your chambers ...

Morgana, what's going on?

[She didn't look worried, but Gwen - still half convinced that they had been captured by a sorcerer - remained wary.]

[saddenedsaint]

[At the sole mention of the King of Camelot, Saga could put two and two together easily: if this lady is associated with Arthur, then she must be with Morgana all the same. Though, he still couldn't help but feel an abysmal guilt for what happened the last few days, trying to avoid seeing the Queen in person... at least for a while.

He appears behind Gwen, wearing his Gold Cloth and his white cloak behind and attached to his back.] Your King is fine, for all I know, so do not worry. [Now approaches her.] Just because you are a servant it does not make you less important.

[onperfectlips]

[Gwen spun around to face him, frightened but defiant for all that.]

Are you the one who brought me here?

[He had appeared out of nowhere. He could only be a sorcerer.]

[saddenedsaint]

[Chuckles.] I do not possess the ability to do so, I am afraid.

Welcome to the Astral Plane.

[onperfectlips]

Then you are a prisoner as well?

I ... thank you, I think. I can't say I'm glad to be here.

[destinedking]

[he's torn between gloating at compliments and reassuring Guinevere. Reassuring wins, for now]

Guinevere, calm down. You're not trapped in this place and can return home whenever you wish.

[onperfectlips]

[Arthur himself was the last person that Gwen had expected to see and she ducked her head in momentary embarrassment.]

Your majesty!

[She'd meant every word of what she had said, but she hadn't been speaking for the king's ears.]

How can we return to Camelot? I do not even know where we are.

[It was a prison without walls or bars, which made escape even more difficult. Though she did trust him. She had to believe him.]

[destinedking]

It's, well, it's a place between worlds. And I know how ridiculous that all sounds, believe me.

Returning home is as simple as a thought. Just think about returning and you will be there.

[onperfectlips]

If you say it is so, then I believe you.

[Of course she does.]

And what about you? Will you remain here? [She is wondering how she can possibly summon help to such a place. Merlin will listen to her, certainly, as will Gaius and Leon, but that will be no use if they cannot reach their king.] Or can you escape just as easily?

[onperfectlips]

This is a situation in which there is much to say.

[oliverplus]

[Oliver puts up his hands placatingly] Whoa, hey! Calm down! Nobody's after you for information about...[he blinks, realising what she just said, and his statement turns into more of a question]...King Arthur? You work for Morgana?

[onperfectlips]

Yes, I am Queen Morgana's maid servant. I'm Guinevere. Gwen. [And she is understandably cautious.]

[oliverplus]

Ohhh! [grins] Nice to meet you, Gwen! I'm Oliver. Morgana and Arthur are probably around here somewhere. Well, assuming they're not back in your home right now...

Oh, and welcome to the Astral Plane! Uh...I know it's a bit overwhelming at first, but it's not so bad, really. Especially since you've got friends here already.

[onperfectlips]

And I am glad to meet you, even in these strange circumstances.

[She is still wary of the Plane itself, but she is a good enough judge of character to know that Oliver is not a danger.]

Do you know Arthur and Morgana well?