Love's Place

Morgana runs down the castle steps laughing as her father and her uncle ride into the courtyard... "Papa, Uncle Corrie!" she says as she run up to the two men "What did you bring me?" she says shielding her eyes from the setting sun watching them dismount. She throws herself into her fathers arms as he bends down to hug his six year old daughter.... "Ah my little love you'll have to wait a bit to see" He stands and reaches into his saddlebags.
Corwin bends down and smiles at Morgana giving her a hug... "So how is m'lady faring today?" she hugs him and kisses him on the cheek. "Happy now that you and papa are home again from being away" she says beaming at him. Her brother Dirk runs past asking their father a million questions about their journey.
Lynette walks down the castle stairs..."Dirk let your father catch his breath he's just rode in for heavens sake." she walks over to her husband and kisses him smiling up at him as he whispers something to her. Dirk walks over to where his sister and uncle Corwin are talking and he pokes Morgana she makes a face at him and pushes him back and smiles up at Corwin... "Did you kill alot of bad guys uncle?" he asks grabbing Morgana and tickling her. Morgana giggles, "Dirk stop it!" She pushes at him trying to get away.
Corwin looks down at the two of them smiling.. "Dirk stop that." he bends down and picks up Morgana. She looks down at her brother and sticks her tongue out at him and puts her arms around her uncle's neck. "And no we did not kill anybody." Corwin turns carrying Morgana and follows Lynette and Gorlois into the castle.
Morgana kisses her uncles cheek....."Will you tell me a story tonight Pleeeeeze?" she begs him putting her head on his shoulder hugging him. Corwin hugs her walking into the hall "Of course I'll tell you a story which one do you want to hear?" he asks setting her down on the floor taking the goblet one of the servants hands him. Morgana looks up at him replying "Something nice with princesses and knights and love" Corwin takes a sip from the goblet and smiles down at her "I think I can manage that."

Later that night after supper and handing out gifts Morgana sits next to Corwin on the couch leaning against his side as he tells her a story. "Princesses , Knights and love eh?" He looks down at her and Morgana nods leans against his side and listens as he begins......

*******************
Gorlois was wandering down by the lake his thoughts on anything but the training he had managed to skip out on. His sword in hand he deftly swung it at the reeds on the lakes edge not really caring if he cut them or not. He had no idea at that moment she was watching him from the hill top.

Lynette had first come to Avalon two years prior with her parents, who were nobles from southern Scotland. The moment he saw her he became fidgety to the point that his father dismissed him. This however did not stop Gorlois from being there whenever he could for no other reason then to see her again. When they left he stood outside the gates watching them go as if part of him was in that carriage and never coming back. He felt certain that she had not noticed him and cursed himself for not talking to her when he had the chance. As time passed he never forgot her and often sent letters telling her how he had fallen in love the moment he saw her but could not summon the courage to tell her.

Gorlois continued on not realizing he was no longer on his lands but on those of the young lord that had come to visit them on several occasions. He did not know why but he liked this man, honorable, knowledgeable and above all, kind to all people regardless of status. All things his father had stressed from the time he could walk.

"Greetings my friend." Gorlois spun around sword ready as if by instinct only to see the young lord standing there arms crossed over his chest. The young lord spoke calmly, "I see your training has not been lacking but I do not think you will need that sword to talk to me." Gorlois let out a sigh and relaxed then laughed, "You seem to enjoy sneaking up on me my friend." "One finds so few things that he can truly enjoy why not take advantage of them as often as you can. You seem to be somewhat preoccupied, may I inquire what has you so?" Gorlois sighed, "A lady that took my heart with her the day she left this place but did not know it." The young lord nodded, "I see, when did this happen. I had no idea you had found someone that caught your eye." "Two summers ago, I have thought of her almost everyday but lately it is all I can think of. I have sent her letters telling her how I felt but I fear that none have reached her for none have been returned." "Two years and you have not sought her in person?" Gorlois shook his head, "Father does not know that I feel this way and my duties have not allowed me to go in secret." "Your father is a decent man and would understand if you would tell him. You are going to be 18 this winter, you are well old enough to seek a woman with whom to share your life." Gorlois nodded, "You are right but what do I have to offer such a beautiful lady." "Well let me think on this, knighthood, Ladyship of Avalon, not to mention your undying love. Yeah I can see that as a tad lacking, if I were blind, deaf, and dumb." Gorlois looked up at him a moment then burst into laughter, "You are right my friend. I shall tell father of this and go tell her of my love in person." The young lord pointed over Gorlois' shoulder, "You just did" Gorlois turned around to see Lynette standing there smiling a tear rolling down her cheek, "I love you too, my lord. I have since I saw you in the courtyard that morning two years ago." With that he wrapped his arms around her, joy filling his heart as he heard the words he had longed for, for so long. "How long did you know she was.....", he turned to see the young lord had disappeared and looked back to Lynette. "I should have told you long ago my love", with that he kissed her sweetly in the light of the setting sun....

*********************
"That was a pretty story" Morgana said sitting up and smiling up at Corwin. "That was how mama and papa met? Who was the young lord?" Corwin looks down at her, "Yes that was how your mama and papa met. And as for the young lord...." He smiles, "Well one of these days I'll tell you. Now off to bed with you." Morgana makes a face giving him an hug and kiss "G'night uncle Corrie...thank you for the story" she hops off the couch and runs off to bed.