[MORGANA] keep the memory

[elle]

Gwen moved out the way of a group of three noblemen, each who paid her no attention. This was a normal day, there were so many servants walking around Camelot that the noblemen didn't bother recognising ones that weren't their own. It was the same for Gwen, she didn't recognise them and probably wouldn't remember them unless they were mentioned by Lady Morgana or Merlin. She had a small vase held in one hand, one she'd found down in the kitchens. The autumn flowers were just in season and she'd been out early that morning to pick those which had just bloomed. She had her red cloak on, just keeping off the chill of the morning air. Her dress underneath was plain and practical, but perfect for her.

Moving along the stone corridors of the castle, Gwen took a quick glance at each of the tapestries, as she always did. She knew their pictures by heart, and when she'd first arrived had used them to navigate her way around. But, yet, she still looked on them whenever she passed. The stairs up to Morgana's chambers were usual terratory for Gwen and she pushed the door open with a shoulder. The curtains were still drawn across the windows, blocking out the weak autumn sunshine which was attempting to make an entrance. She placed the vase quietly on the table, the watery contents sloshing around inside, but not enough for it to spill onto the table. She'd already brought in the flowers, leaving them on the table before she'd left to find a vase. She didn't know where the one she usually put flowers in for Lady Morgana was, but this one would do.

The flowers stood up proudly on the polished wooden table when Gwen had finished. She smiled gently, moving over to the curtains and slowly pulling it back, making sure the light didn't fall to sharply on the bed. "Good morning, My Lady." She greeted happily. "And a beautiful day it is today." She commented. Some servants didn't bother making much conversation, but Gwen had always had a very open relationship with Lady Morgana, she trusted the Lady with her own life.

[Lady Morgana le Fey]

Morgana still lay tucked in the covers of her bed unready to get up yet. The previous night's sleep had almost gone the entire night uninterrupted and as that was rare she was almost afraid to wake up. It had only been interrupted for a brief moment when a she awoke from a dream, but after reassuring herself that everything was fine she was able to go back to sleep. Now, what would the day bring? While she wasn't entirely sure what the day would bring she knew she would at least have the energy to face it this time.

She heard the door to her chamber open and although no voice was spoken she recognzied the almost quiet steps of Gwen- her maidservant. Although Gwen was her servant, over the years since Morgana had moved to Uther's court Gwen had always been by her side supporting her, caring for her and anticipating her needs even before Morgana could announce them. Morgana truly was grateful for Gwen and would do practically anything to make sure the girl was taken care of.

"Good morning, My Lady...And a beautiful day it is today."

She lay on her side away from the window, but the sound of the curtains scraping against the rod and Gwen's quiet but present voice made her roll over with a smile. The autumn sunlight had now been given permission to flood into her chambers. As she sat up she scanned the room. Her gaze stopped on the bunch of autumn flowers that were sitting on the table. She noted that the vase they were in was different than normal but didn't let that bother her- vases were always getting broken or moved around. Once her eyes adjusted to the light Morgana slipped out of bed and between herself and Gwen was able to get dressed for the day.

"Good Morning Gwen. It certainly does seem like a wonderful day outside. Perhaps you would join me later for a walk in the orchard or a ride?"

Of course Gwen was primarily her maid, but the girl also had other work to make sure of so it was important to note that the tone of Morgana's voice gave Gwen the right to refuse if she knew her day would be too busy. That was something that worked well for the pair. Morgana was independant enough that she didn't require a maid to be around her 24/7- although nobility by birth, she had been raised to take care of herself as much as possible. If Gwen knew she was going to have plenty of work to do then Morgana could entertain herself with a walk or a ride- although if she went out beyond the castle grounds of course a guard would accompany her for safety.

[elle]

Gwen had always been used to getting up early. She was usually around the castle before the dawn had broken, especially as the autumn was coming on and the days were becoming shorter and shorter. Of course she could work by candle-light, but candles were expensive to buy and she didn't want to have to buy too many of them just for working late at home. She could bring something to do at the castle, where candles always burnt in the kitchens or the laundry room, but it seemed a little excessive. She had enough to do already. Actually, that wasn't quite true. That morning she only had to make Lady Morgana's bed and neaten up the room. A light work load that day. Not that she was complaining, she liked having some time free to decide to do with as she liked.

The room was more or less in order, she didn't let it get too untidy, it wouldn't be fair on Lady Morgana if she had to live somewhere untidy. And Gwen liked it to be neat, it was easier to keep things in their place to find them later. She'd learnt that from her father. If you knew where the hammer was, you could make a horse shoe that little bit faster. It wasn't a good saying, but at least it meant something. Not like some of those really odd phrases you could hear spoken by the gentry which meant nothing to her although seemed to mean paragraphs to the higher classes.

Gwen had moved over to the linen closet, folding over the large white sheet she'd been carrying along with the flowers. She pulled up the lid of the chest and placed the sheet in just as she heard Lady Morgana's offer. She straightened up with a smile, closing the lid. "I'd love to, My Lady. Do you have a preference as to when, or should I tell the stables to ready one of your horses?" She asked, moving over to the wardrobe. She didn't tend to pick out Lady Morgana's dresses, the lady chose for herself, but she could still open the well organised wardrobe for the well slept noblewoman. She was glad to see the lady so well rested, it had been too long that Morgana hadn't had a good nights sleep.