Gwen watches as the scene disappears and wonders what she will be shown next.
However, once all the whooshing and swishing dies down, Gwen finally opens her eyes and is relieved to see Igraine and herself have returned back to the traitor's graveyard.
Noticing the positive change in Gwen's mood and attitude, Igraine finally speaks up to break the silence, "All queens at the beginning worry that they won't live up to the expectations that ruling a country requires. I remember the first few years after being crown Queen I would constantly be stressing about whether the people thought I was living up to their expectations. After a while, I began to realise that the more I stopped worrying about what people thought, and the more I did for the people. The easier it became…"
Gwen smiles at Igraine and for the first time she believes that anything is possible. After watching all the possible futures, Gwen had an epiphany. She saw how much power fear had over her. Her fear in not being able to be a great Queen lead to her disregarding her own heart and being miserable because of it. It made her realise that sometimes you need to fight for what you truly want even if there are many obstacles in the way because the outcome would be worth it.
A few more seconds of silence and finally Gwen speaks, "I still feel slightly nervous at the prospect of marrying Arthur and becoming Queen. But after everything that I saw I know now that I can overcome my fears and follow my heart. I can be the Queen that Camelot deserves, though at times it will be hard. I know we can overcome anything as long as we are together."
Igraine can not help but smile back at Gwen, "I'm just glad that you are starting to believe that."
Gwen places her hand over Igraine's, "I want to say thank you. For everything you have done. It means so much to me…" Gwen pauses as her face saddens and she thinks If only Arthur was here and could meet her.
Seeing the genuine look on Gwen's face of thankfulness, Igraine can not help what she does next. She pulls Gwen into a hug.
It feels a little weird for Gwen, to be hugged by a ghost. But after a few seconds she gets use to the sensation and starts to embrace Igraine as well. She's glad that she's had these moments with Igraine.
"You're welcome."
XXX
Igraine disappears a few minutes later after they both say their goodbyes. Gwen can not help but feel glad that Igraine appeared to her tonight.
I can't believe I just saw Arthur's mother, Gwen thinks when her thoughts get interrupted when she hears some twigs snap behind her.
Turning her head behind her, she sees Arthur standing slightly behind a tree with an apprehensive look on his face.
"Arthur…. Did you follow me?" Gwen doesn't know whether to be relieved, surprised or shocked. She wonders whether he saw anything, if he saw his mother's ghost.
Arthur steps away from the tree, like he's been caught, "Umm yes… I was worried after our disagreement and followed you to out of the castle to make sure that you were alright…" Arthur pauses as he tries to read the expression on Gwen's face.
Gwen walks closer to him. Then she takes his hands and places it in her own. "I'm so sorry about what happened before…" Gwen starts to say, when Arthur interrupts, "No, I'm sorry I should have been more understanding of how hard it must be for you."
Gwen cannot help but place one of her hands on his face to stroke him, "I know you're sorry, but it is me who should be apologizing…" Arthur is about to speak when Gwen places a finger to his mouth to stop him. Then she continues, "I shouldn't have gotten angry with you. Yes, I was angry with what those ladies were saying, but what you said was right. I should not be ashamed of who I am. Of what I might become in the future…"
Then Gwen places her other hand on his face, pulls him down and kisses him.
And she doesn't stop even when the sun starts to rise, signalling a new day. She just wants to stay here, in Arthur's embrace, feeling his lips moving upon hers. She realises that whatever happens in the future, she will not be afraid. For she is not alone, she's got what she's always had. Hope.
THE END
XXX
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who reviewed and favourite'ed my story! I'm soooo incredibly happy and glad to know that you all liked and enjoyed my story. Thanks so much! At the moment I'm travelling around Europe for a month so it may be a while till you see any more fics from me. But don't worry I will hopefully make up for it when I get back.