After yesterday's fun at the tavern I was in no state to be on a council meeting, at least that was my claim. Gaius, however, was of quite a different opinion and I suppose it wouldn't do to let down Lord Godwin just because I had a bit too much mead.

But I'll tell you who was useless today - or at least more useless than usual - Merlin. Good God, give that man a bit of cider and he's under the table! Gwaine and I had to carry him back to his room! And he hasn't shown up for his duties all day. Gaius mentioned something about him suffering his comeuppance, before he gave me a disgusting tasting potion and sent me on my way.

It'll be amusing to see my manservant tomorrow I can tell you that.

Lord Godwin, the Council and I discussed the consolidation of our resources with Cenred (the kingdom) being so unstable at present. Father did have a point when he mentioned that Lord Godwin's (and some day Elena's) lands were strategic. They'll certainly provide a place to keep a force in case one of the factions in Cenred decide to try something.

I wonder...should I be writing this? Can Morgana read it, I sure as Hell hope not. Perhaps I should try some sort of test? How, I'm not sure...aside from a few days ago there's been no word on either her or Morgause, hasn't been for months. And if she can see this, well...she can just not respond.

I should give up on this book all together. It's magic after all...

For Lord Godwin and Elena.

I have to admit, I perhaps didn't treat the moment with the proper dignity. I couldn't help emphasising how... 'strategic' these meetings are certain to be.

But, I'm pretty certain Lord Godwin was just as amused as I!

And it was nice to see Elena again, I'm hoping to prove my superiority on horseback to her at a later date.

Unortunately, that won't be tomorrow, which like today will be nothing but meetings.

Ugh.

I'm just going to pray that I can get through it.

Except of course for the fact that Grunhilda - Elena's maid - has disappeared into thin air. She and Godwyn were forced to leave without her. I'm actually worried she might have wandered into that Nexus thing. I'd have thought if that was so she would be back by now...because that's all sorts of unsettling!

But! The day has been just ridiculously brilliant! Just before training I...uh...spoke with Guinevere. That was well...ahem...

But yes! The Nexus seems to be depositing more and more people into Camelot, fortunately not into the Main Chamber or my father's rooms, but it's still very dangerous. How would I be able to explain their presence if they were seen by others?

Well! Dinner is on in a few minutes - no doubt it's going to be awkward...very awkward, hopefully Father won't make too much of a scene. He's been reasonably calm today (as I said Lord Godwyn seems reasonable and he seemed fine with Elena not agreeing to the marriage.), but you never can tell with Father.

Perhaps Morgana will help me out this time! (Ha!)

Ahem...sorry that wasn't very princely.

But oh my God, you won't believe this...

( When do spoilers become fair game? )

Well...some day...some day.

That's what I'm telling myself...I'm doing this for the people.

( Still spoilery! )

It should be noted - the Nexus didn't cheer me up all that much.

Oddly enough Merlin did.

Maybe miracles do happen.

NOT.

I'm not trying to be cruel here, really I'm not, but Elena....

Well, I'm still 'getting to know her', today I took her to observe the knights training, she seemed very interested - which I suppose is a plus. But...

Apparently she can't even stand and watch something without falling over. I don't even know how it happened! And of course she ended up in a nice puddle of mud, which she proceeded to get all over me. Now, of course, during training one would assume I'd be dirty anyway, not so, I pride myself on staying off the ground during these sessions - a knight is most deadly on his feet after all. By the time I'd managed to get Elena out of the puddle though, I looked like something more akin to a pig!

The only saving grace for today is there's no feast tonight - Godwyn and Father went out hunting today and apparently ran themselves ragged and want a quiet evening.

Right after announcing this Father dropped yet another subtle as a mace-swing hint about proposing...

God, have mercy...I can't do it, I just can't.

Dinner is in half an hour - a private one, just Father and Morgana will be there. I'm going to have to confront him, nip this in the bud. Frankly I don't think (as much as I hate to admit it) that Elena's all that sold on me either. No-one's promised anyone anything, I hope, this doesn't have to be a diplomatic incident.

Right...yes...that's what I'll do.

In two hours I'll be a free man...I know I will...

I hope...