Embracing the Dawn
"Okay."
Though Gawain had grown tall enough to look down on her mother, Morgan's presence still intimidated her deeply. The moment Morgan spoke, Gawain felt a rush of apprehension and quickly scurried away.
As Gawain dashed off, Morgan sighed in relief. I have to admit, she thought, Gawain's presence is overwhelmingly strong. The thought of her daughter embracing Lott sent a pang of jealousy through her. There's only room for me in his heart; no other woman—not even our daughter—should take my place.
Morgan's mind wandered to another concern: What if Gawain were to hug Lott? He's still just a teenager! How could he handle it?
While Gawain went to wash her face, Lott turned to Altria. "By the way, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Your Majesty Lott," Altria replied with a cheerful salute.
Seeing her so carefree brought smiles to both Lott and Morgan. We need to protect this innocence, Lott thought.
Then Altria asked, "By the way, Your Majesty Lott, what about King Uther? Should we prepare to welcome him back?"
She was unaware of what had happened while she was unconscious, as Galahad had told her only bits and pieces of the ordeal.
Morgan felt a surge of satisfaction at her sister's inquiry. "No, my father will continue his journey. He's headed west to the sea and has already crossed into France. Maybe when our army advances through Europe, we'll encounter him."
Morgan chose to hide the truth from Altria for now. The news of Uther's death was heavy and should be carried only by the two of them. Perhaps our father should become a legend—mysteriously disappearing rather than dying.
Wait a minute, Morgan thought suddenly. If I frame it this way, it could serve as an excuse for war. We could claim we're searching for him and rally the troops to march out.
Her thoughts spiralled into possibilities, and she glanced at Lott, who seemed to share her enthusiasm.
He thinks the same way, she noted, a smile spreading across her face.
Altria watched the two exchange glances and felt a shiver run down her spine. That's too dangerous, she thought, but dismissed it. Whatever, this isn't my business. Time to eat my barbecue.
The trio gathered around the fire, where Gawain and Altria were busy with the cooking. Although Lott and Morgan were no culinary experts, they did their best to help.
As the meat began to sizzle, Lott grabbed a handful and handed it to Morgan, hoping to score some points with her.
But just then, Gawain returned, her face freshly washed and eager. She spotted the freshly grilled meat and instinctively lunged for it.
Wait, Lott thought. I'm grilling this for Morgan.
As Gawain reached out, Morgan cleared her throat loudly, halting her daughter in her tracks.
Gawain froze, her body tensing at the sound of her mother's voice.
Morgan took the opportunity to carefully plate Lott's grilled meat, a loving smile on her face.
Feeling a bit guilty for her earlier intentions, Morgan handed Gawain some of the grilled food. "Here, I made plenty. You can have this."
Gawain blinked in surprise, taking the barbecue from her mother, but her expression was a mix of disappointment and confusion. Mom! Could you at least try a little harder?
The thought was quickly silenced; her survival instincts kicked in. She knew better than to complain about her mother's cooking.
Gawain accepted the food, determined to make the best of it. If I complain, Mom and Dad will teach me a lesson about respect and love, she thought.
Lott watched Gawain quietly, recognizing the internal struggle she faced. She's grown up, he mused.
Morgan, meanwhile, seemed to sense the shift in mood. "Little Gawain, I'm sorry we've let you grow up so quickly."
Lott was surprised by Morgan's sudden apology, but before he could respond, Gawain replied, "It's okay! I'm happy with who I am. My strength comes from it."
Gawain held her sword of victory high, proud. "Now I can wield Galatine!"
"Well said, my daughter!" Lott cheered, genuinely proud of her.
At that moment, Gawain's demeanour softened, and she reverted to her innocent self, grinning at her father.
As Lott processed the food, transforming it into something edible, Morgan reached for it instinctively.
But Gawain, having learned her lesson, quickly took a piece and popped it into her mouth, preventing Morgan from snatching it away.
"Gawain, wait for me!" Morgan exclaimed her plans to delegate more responsibilities to her daughter already forming in her mind.
The atmosphere lightened with laughter as they finished their meal and prepared to rest.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke, Morgan glanced at the sky and said to Lott, who was still groggy, "Let's go home!"
"Okay…" he replied, still half-asleep.
Little did Gawain know, that returning home would bring challenges she hadn't anticipated. I can't wait to see the cook again, she thought, eager for the comforts of home.