Mordred fidgeted as the staff cleared away the pudding bowls, running his finger over the smooth surface of the box in his pocket. He glanced up and caught Morgana looking at him with a knowing smile on her face. His shoulders moved as he took a deep, steadying breath, and then he pushed his chair back and approached Gaiane.
"I think I could do with a walk," he told her, "after all that. Would you like to come?"
"Oh yes!" Nimueh enthused from the other side of the table where Arthur was pouring her a glass of water, "it's a beautiful evening. Have a look at my orchids, Gaiane, the purple and white ones, and tell me what you think. They're new this year. You know where they are, don't you Dred?" He did. Mordred nodded as he turned his gaze back to Gaiane. He offered her his hand.

Leading the way out onto the Terrace Mordred glanced up as a family of brightly coloured fish swam over their heads.
"No snogging in the roses bushes you two!" Tristan shouted after then, "trust me, it never ends well." Mordred glanced back in time to see Arthur clip the prince round the back of the head. He laughed, offering Gaiane a more relaxed smile.
"Wasn't what I had in mind," he reassured her with a grin, "I promise."

The evening was starting to darken, the water above their heads turning a deeper shade of blue. Sensing the change, the lights in the castle gardens sprung to life, illuminating the flower beds, statues and fountains. Mordred led the way slowly, navigating the way around the ornamental koi pond and his mother's hare fountain until they finally found their way to Nimueh's orchids. It was peaceful; there wasn't a sound except for the tricking of water and the evening song of birds.
"You liked them then?" Mordred asked her, scanning her face for confirmation. He paused, chewing anxiously on his lower lip.

He took another deep breath.

"I really hope you did," Dred resumed, reaching into his pocket, "because I was hoping they could be your family too." He flicked the catch on the ring box with one hand as he kneeled down and lifted it up to her. "Gaiane," Mordred smiled, "will you marry me?"


Mordred
_{the darkness will rise from the deep}