Jun. 15th, 2005 08:36 pm
Genderfuck Script
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Gawain/Galahad; Genderfuck; Script format
EXT. TAVERN –NIGHT
Gawain sits, drinking morosely and staring into his mug as MERLIN wanders in from seemingly nowhere.
MERLIN
Brave youth. What brings you out to the tavern at such a late hour?
GAWAIN
Ale. Little else. What are you doing here? I thought you Woads preferred the forest.
MERLIN
Peace between us, yet you still regard us with scorn.
GAWAIN
No amount of peace will change that.
MERLIN
You do not wish to change? Change is all around, but with the smile of love, but with the weddings of your own brethren.
GAWAIN
Vanora and Bors can marry all they want, following in Arthur’s footsteps if that’s what they choose. I’ve not got the same choices.
MERLIN
This, then, is the fate you choose? This is what you wish?
GAWAIN
I…I don’t know. I didn’t choose to live. I always thought I would leave and go back to Sarmatia, but now I can’t seem to leave. The fate I chose before was a beautiful Sarmatian wife. [sighs] It’s a fate I wanted. Honestly, before, I’d be happy to find a woman to spend my days with. I just want to be happy. Now, I just want to be with someone I can love.
He musters a smile and heads off after draining his drink.
MERLIN
[quietly]
So it is.
GAWAIN makes it back to his quarters to find GALAHAD sitting on his bed.
GALAHAD
[drowsy]
Where have you been?
GAWAIN
[still guilty about the subject he and Merlin were discussing]
Tavern. Here. [Smiles] Smell my breath. [He breathes in GALAHAD’S face]
GALAHAD laughs and pulls away.
GALAHAD
You smell awful! Gawain, get away, I believe you.
He shifts and moves over for GAWAIN to crawl in, which he does. GALAHAD presses into him.
GALAHAD
The wedding was nice.
GAWAIN
As nice as weddings can go.
GALAHAD
At least the brats behaved.
GAWAIN
There is that.
GALAHAD yawns and presses closer to GAWAIN, falling asleep with his arms draped around GAWAIN’S waist.
GALAHAD
Training in the morning?
GAWAIN
I thought you hated training now.
GALAHAD
You don’t.
A beat.
GAWAIN
Training in the morning.
He falls asleep some time later, GALAHAD in his arms.
INT. GAWAIN’S ROOM – DAY
GAWAIN wakes slowly, sniffing the air cautiously and frowning. He nudges GALAHAD awake.
GAWAIN
Do you…smell that?
GALAHAD sits up slowly, rubbing at his eyes.
GALAHAD
Smells of spring. Flowers.
GAWAIN
…Why does it smell of spring and flowers?
GALAHAD looks around and stretches up, tapping on glass panes.
GALAHAD
Left your window open, Gawain. You’re letting the smell of spring infiltrate your room. Careful, someone might accuse you of enjoying the season.
GAWAIN
[grumbling]
Shut up.
GALAHAD
What is wrong with you? You’ve been like this since the wedding.
GAWAIN
Never mind. You’re allowed to sulk and storm off, so let me wallow in my mood.
GALAHAD
You’re frustrating.
GAWAIN
[tiredly]
You know you love it.
GALAHAD
Right now, I don’t. [He sighs] Come on, let’s get going. You’re leaving with Arthur in a matter of days, I might as well get my victory in while I can.
He storms off, GAWAIN smirks, and eventually follows.
Days pass slowly through a montage of fighting, training, riding, and finally, FADE IN on GALAHAD in front of a mirror, shaving off his beard, a snarl on his face. GAWAIN stands behind him, hiding a smirk.
GAWAIN
I don’t see why you have to shave it all off.
GALAHAD
Gawain, the damned sticky…whatever it is was put completely in half of my beard. I cannot, I cannot just shave half my beard off! [stricken] You don’t think people will make comments about me because I shaved my beard off, do you?
GAWAIN
People already make comments. It just means they’ll make new ones.
GALAHAD
I ought to choke the brats for this.
GAWAIN
Bors already does.
GALAHAD finishes off and turns around, shrugging listlessly. GAWAIN runs his palm over GALAHAD’S smoothed cheek, shaking his head.
GAWAIN
You look like you did when you were just a younger knight. I swear, you look five years younger.
GALAHAD
[sneering]
Just what I needed.
GAWAIN grins, leaning in and kissing him hard.
GAWAIN
You look good.
GALAHAD
[grinning back]
I’m glad I pass the test.
GAWAIN
Come. You can help me pack.
GALAHAD smiles and wanders after GAWAIN as they leave the room.
INT. GAWAIN’S ROOM – DAY
It’s three days later and GAWAIN is about to leave with ARTHUR to go inspect one of the nearby garrisons while GALAHAD and BORS watch theirs. GALAHAD stands, his gaze downwards with his hands on GAWAIN’S hips.
GAWAIN
[whispering]
Have to go soon.
GALAHAD
[also whispering]
I know.
GAWAIN
[brushes GALAHAD’S hair back, kissing him slow and hard]
I’ll be back before you know. Two weeks, Galahad, that’s nothing.
GALAHAD
I feel like I’m going to miss you. I never feel this way. [He sighs] Look what you’ve done. You’ve gotten me all attached.
GAWAIN
[grins]
Let’s not worry about that. Come on, you can bid me goodbye.
GALAHAD kisses him hard again, nipping at his neck and separating from GAWAIN as they leave the room. He watches GAWAIN mount his horse and waves him goodbye, slipping a few things into GAWAIN’S pouch before he goes.
EXT. OUTDOORS – NIGHT
The rising and setting of the sun over many days. Finally, ARTHUR and GAWAIN ride back from the village quickly, never stopping and never speaking. GAWAIN dismounts his horse and eagerly heads for his quarters. He cannot explain it, but he is filled with a sense of anxiety and a lightness of being, as though it’s his birthday and he’s waiting for his gift.
He draws open the door to his quarters and freezes at the sight of someone standing there, staring in the mirror. It’s a WOMAN; long brown hair with loose curls, wrapped in a heavy black cloak with delicate features, long lashes, pale skin, and cloudy blue eyes. Thin, but GAWAIN can see her figure and the sight of her makes him stop short. He feels this is familiar.
The woman studies the mirror, looking wistfully at the reflection, barely moves, even as GAWAIN moves inside, entranced.
WOMAN
Gawain…
GAWAIN takes her by the hands and sits down on the bed with her, guiding her to sit down as well. GAWAIN stares into her eyes, fixated and trapped. For a moment, there’s nothing but their breathing as GAWAIN leans in, his eyes heavy-lidded as he breathes in the cloying scent, reassuring and intoxicating at once.
WOMAN
Gawain, wh…
GAWAIN leans in slowly and without a second thought, captures her lips with his own, kissing her softly and cupping her face with his hands, shifting closer and stroking the smooth skin of her cheek. He kisses her harder and harder, lost in her scent and the sight of her face as he slips his tongue into her mouth and pulls her close, all the way into his lap. They pull apart, GAWAIN breathing raggedly and the WOMAN looking at GAWAIN with wide eyes.
WOMAN
Gawain, what’s happened to me?
GAWAIN furrows his brow in confusion as the WOMAN sheds her cloak to reveal GALAHAD’S tunic and a distinctly curvy and thin feminine figure.
GAWAIN
[hoarsely]
Galahad?
She nods and GAWAIN freezes.
GALAHAD
[bitterly]
The one and only.
She takes GAWAIN’S hands and presses them to her chest.
GAWAIN
No. No. Lady, I don’t know what kind of joke this is, but you…
GALAHAD
Shut up, Gawain. [She leans in and kisses him hard again] I don’t know what you did, I don’t know who did this, but it’s done. Shut. Up. [She kisses him harder, guiding his hands to unclasp the tunic and get it off]
He grasps at the blanket, wanting to protest, but losing himself in it. He slips lower under the blankets, caressing GALAHAD, touching GALAHAD, and finally, slipping into her slowly, kissing her hard.
GALAHAD
I love you.
GAWAIN shuts his eyes tightly and it goes dark.
EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT
Weeks later. GAWAIN storms out to find MERLIN pacing about. GAWAIN snarls and grasps him by the arm, spinning him around.
GAWAIN
What. Have. You. Done?
MERLIN
I fulfilled your desire.
GAWAIN
My desire was a beautiful Sarmatian woman to wed and begin a family with.
MERLIN
You had a beautiful Sarmatian that you loved. I merely made the last two changes.
GAWAIN
Two…changes?
MERLIN
Change is in the air, young knight.
GAWAIN
Take it back. Make him back to what he was.
MERLIN
You still sleep with her, don’t you? [He begins to slowly circle GAWAIN] Every night. You take her in your arms and she tells you that she loves you and you kiss her, you take her. Every night, you take her. [GAWAIN shuts his eyes, not wanting to hear this. MERLIN laughs] Every night. It happened slowly, you know. At first, he merely noticed that he was gaining weight in places. He locked himself in his room, thought it might be sickness, but it didn’t stop.
GAWAIN
Stop.
MERLIN
His hair lengthened. He worried. His face became more delicate and his figure changed. His body went through two violent days as the nature of him changed completely.
GAWAIN
Stop.
MERLIN
He writhed in pain until the last day, when all last traces of his being a man disappeared, both physical and emotional. Have you noticed that, brave knight? She expresses love for you now like he never did before. Her scent is what you breathe in and is what keeps you safe. You enjoy the feel of her pressed to your body.
GAWAIN
STOP!
MERLIN
She stared in the mirror, unable to understand. Unable to understand what had caused this.
GAWAIN
Bastard. Take it back, I swear, I will kill you if you don’t take it back.
MERLIN
Is it not what you wanted? You have your beautiful Sarmatian woman.
GAWAIN
Take it back.
He begins to storm off.
MERLIN
And your family.
GAWAIN stops in his tracks, not turning.
MERLIN (cont’d)
She’s with child, by now. Your Galahad. Bearing your heir. Your family, Sir Gawain. I gave you what you wanted. Congratulations, young knight. And let this be a lesson in future. Be careful what you wish for.
GAWAIN
[sickened]
I will hunt you down and I will kill you slowly if you don’t reverse this.
MERLIN
Go back to her. Enjoy her embrace as you’ve been doing. As you will be doing.
He walks off, leaving GAWAIN to hang his head. GAWAIN slowly trudges back to his room to find GALAHAD sitting on his bed, clad only in the cloak.
GALAHAD
Well?
GAWAIN silently folds himself into GALAHAD’S embrace, his hands on GALAHAD’S stomach, looking up with broken eyes.
GALAHAD
What?
GAWAIN
[hoarsely]
You’re with child.
GALAHAD sits there, frozen and stricken.
GALAHAD
[wild and desperate]
Gawain, take it back. Take it back now.
GAWAIN wordlessly kisses GALAHAD for a moment, heated and clumsy before GALAHAD pushes him away, eyes wide and frantic.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
No! No, this is insanity, Gawain. Is this what you wanted? Fine! But I didn’t! I didn’t ask for this, you bastard, you son of a whore. I loved you before, I enjoyed what we had before. You turned me into this, and you still…
GAWAIN
[quietly]
You let me sleep with you every night. Take you the way I used to. Don’t shove this in my face, Galahad. Not when I know every last issue.
He storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him and immediately heading for the stables, dropping to his knees in the dark. He sits there with his head in his hands, massaging his temples until some time later, ARTHUR arrives.
ARTHUR
Gawain?
GAWAIN starts, looking up with deadened eyes.
ARTHUR (cont’d)
I’m surprised to see you. You’ve been elusive. More so than Galahad, but then again, I always supposed he might take off back home to Sarmatia in the middle of the night. It seems he finally has. I wonder if he’s made it safely.
GAWAIN
Galahad is safe. I know it.
ARTHUR
I suppose you would, the way you two were. Have you been well?
GAWAIN
Not as well as you’d suppose.
ARTHUR
I’ve noticed you with that new woman. You seem quite enamoured.
GAWAIN
[dully]
Do I?
ARTHUR
[small laugh]
In fact, I was wondering when the wedding might be.
GAWAIN
[whispering slowly]
She’s with child.
ARTHUR
[his eyes widening]
Do you intend to marry her?
GAWAIN sits in silence.
ARTHUR
Do you love her?
GAWAIN
[whisper]
Yes.
ARTHUR
And you want to be with her?
GAWAIN pauses. He gets up and shakes his head.
GAWAIN
Not like this.
He storms off into the night.
INT. GAWAIN’S ROOM – DAY
Days later, and GALAHAD is on the floor, bent over a basin, sick. GAWAIN holds her hair back, pressed close, eyes closed and stroking GALAHAD’S back.
GAWAIN
[whispering]
I’m sorry, Galahad. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I’ve done this to you. [He murmurs ‘sorry’ over and over again]
GALAHAD looks back, tears in her eyes as GAWAIN wipes at her mouth with a cloth and at her eyes with his thumb. He embraces GALAHAD tightly, collapsed on the floor.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
I didn’t mean to inflict this on you, Galahad. I’m so sorry, love. I’m sorry.
GALAHAD pulls away.
GALAHAD
You just…you never called me love before.
GAWAIN sits there, eyes wide.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
[bitter]
Then again, I suppose I was never a woman before.
GAWAIN
Do you have to snap at everything I say?
GALAHAD
Gawain, you arse. Your stupid wishing made me this way and then you got me pregnant! I’ve earned the right to snap at you for the next three lifetimes, you bastard. [GALAHAD smacks GAWAIN in the arm] Gods, but I sound shrill when I yell.
GAWAIN
Don’t worry, that’s not new.
GALAHAD
I hate you.
GAWAIN
I’m still sorry. [Pause] Will you consider coming out with me to the tavern tonight? People keep asking about the woman I’m with and they’re beginning to think you’re a whore. [Kisses GALAHAD softly on the neck] Please? After all, [lightly and awkwardly] might as well appear the family we are.
GALAHAD smacks him again, harder.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
[softly]
I really would appreciate you coming with me tonight. I miss having you there.
GALAHAD makes a noncommittal noise.
GAWAIN
Please?
GALAHAD
Provided no one makes any comments.
GAWAIN
[whispers]
I’ll keep you safe.
GALAHAD
[shaking his head]
You’re enjoying this far too much.
GAWAIN tugs GALAHAD swiftly into his embrace, his hands around GALAHAD’S hips.
GAWAIN
Feeling better?
GALAHAD murmurs softly.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
Good. Coming to the tavern?
GALAHAD
So long as you tell them with great conviction that I’m not a whore. [sneers] You’d hardly mistake me for Lancelot with this new figure anyway.
GAWAIN laughs loudly, kissing GALAHAD on the neck.
GAWAIN
You’re still the same deep down.
GALAHAD
No. You’d think you knew that after your explorations the first night.
GAWAIN
Oh, shut up. C’mon, into bed with you. You need rest. [GALAHAD nods slowly, and GAWAIN catches GALAHAD by the chin, looking into her eyes. Quietly and slowly] I am sorry that you have to go through this. I didn’t wish it on you with intent. I didn’t intend this at all.
GALAHAD
It hurt, Gawain. I don’t know how many days passed, but it hurt.
GAWAIN
[presses kisses to GALAHAD’S forehead]
I know. I’m sorry.
GALAHAD climbs into bed as GAWAIN drapes the cloak over her and sits down, stroking GALAHAD’S back until she falls asleep.
EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT
GALAHAD is sitting in GAWAIN’S lap, her hands on her stomach and GAWAIN’S atop, both protective. GALAHAD leans her head on GAWAIN’S shoulder as ARTHUR and BORS re-enact a scene in the middle of the tavern.
BORS
He was so rash about it too.
ARTHUR
And wouldn’t take no for an answer.
BORS
The funniest part was him rushing in and finding nothing but a few birds picking at his armour. [chortles] He was on edge all week. Had to be real careful approaching him. Tristan always was a bastard when it came to surprising him.
ARTHUR
Tristan might have been the best of us when it came to fighting.
BORS
You say that now that he’s not around.
GUINEVERE
[shakes her head]
Boys. Must you really tell your stories all night?
VANORA
[heatedly]
One of you has got a child to tend to, be a father.
GUINEVERE
Listen to your wife, Bors.
BORS
[muttering]
Now that’s she my wife, I have to listen. [takes the baby into his arms] Gawain, how are you getting out of being yelled at?
GAWAIN looks up from GALAHAD’S stomach, raising an eyebrow.
GAWAIN
Were you speaking to me?
BORS
You and…what’s this girl’s name?
GALAHAD opens his mouth and freezes, looking to GAWAIN.
GAWAIN
[hesitating]
Dierdre.
BORS
How come she doesn’t yell at you?
GAWAIN
[smugly]
She loves me.
GALAHAD
Don’t flatter yourself.
ARTHUR
Well, I believe congratulations are in order. Gawain’s going to be a father, Bors. Just like yourself.
There is silence at the tavern. GALAHAD looks down and GAWAIN just strokes gently at GALAHAD’S neck.
GUINEVERE
With child?…Really?
GAWAIN
We’ve only just found out.
BORS
[belches]
The first is always the cutest. The newest. It wears off. [VANORA smacks him] I still love ‘em, but they’re work! [He grins at GAWAIN] Your woman in the desperate stage yet?
GAWAIN
[frowns]
Desperate stage?
BORS
Wants nothing but sex, every single hour?
GALAHAD
There’s…there’s a stage like that?
VANORA
Your first, love?
GALAHAD
I didn’t plan for children.
VANORA
You’ll wonder why you ever thought differently when the first is in your arms.
GALAHAD
[quietly]
I suppose.
GAWAIN
[holding GALAHAD a little tighter]
Aren’t there other issues at hand?
GUINEVERE
Are you going to be married?
GAWAIN
I very much doubt it.
Silence.
GALAHAD
[quietly]
I’m feeling slightly tired. Gawain, can we go back?
GAWAIN
Of course.
He helps GALAHAD to her feet and wraps one hand around her waist possessively.
GAWAIN
Now you’ve met her. Don’t call her a whore. She’s mine. [slightly bitter] My beautiful Sarmatian woman. Now if you’ll excuse us, I have to go make sure my woman and my child are fine.
GALAHAD waits until they’re around the corner to smack him hard, slapping him across the face.
GAWAIN
[outraged]
What was that for?
GALAHAD
You arse.
GALAHAD storms away, back to GALAHAD’S own quarters. GAWAIN sighs and after a moment, follows GALAHAD.
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
Weeks later, almost a month has passed and GAWAIN is out hunting with his axe. He sees a bristling in the bushes and lunges forward, his axe at MERLIN’S throat.
GAWAIN
Finally. You’re a hard man to track.
MERLIN
I wasn’t aware I was being searched for.
GAWAIN
I’ve come to request that you remove your enchantment. [He lowers his axe slightly. Desperately] Please. I need…I need Galahad back. Let me have him back.
MERLIN
How is your beautiful Sarmatian?
GAWAIN
[snarls]
Don’t call him that.
MERLIN
She’s beginning to show, isn’t she? Her cheeks are glowing, aren’t they? You glow with pride too. The others notice.
GAWAIN
Stop this madness now. Turn her back.
MERLIN
You love her more by the day.
GAWAIN
I loved Galahad.
MERLIN
Go back to your fortress. This isn’t the time, young man. Not yet.
He backs away and disappears into the fog.
INT. GAWAIN’S QUARTERS – NIGHT
GAWAIN tiredly walks in and almost instantly, GALAHAD is kissing him hard, her hands roving up his shirt, kissing and tugging GAWAIN to the bed.
GAWAIN
Galahad…
GALAHAD
Shut up. You owe me this.
GAWAIN
Five nights in a row? And it’s been at least four times every night.
GALAHAD
[sneering]
I’m a woman and pregnant. Gawain, a little bit of sex is the least you could do.
GAWAIN
Well…[grins] since you asked so nicely…
GALAHAD
[bites and kisses GAWAIN everywhere she can]
Glad you agree. [in a low, sultry voice] On the bed, Gawain. Now.
GAWAIN grins and sweeps GALAHAD off her feet, carrying her to the bed, kissing her as he does, trying his best to forget MERLIN’S words as he lays her down and leans over, undressing GALAHAD.
INT. GAWAIN’S QUARTERS – DAY
Months later.
GAWAIN
Why are you crying?
GALAHAD
Because you turned me into this! Damn it, Gawain, I don’t know why I’m crying! I just am! I feel sad!
GAWAIN
You were beaming with joy two hours ago!
GALAHAD
That was then! I’m sad now!
GAWAIN
Is it because of your stomach? Is it the baby?
GALAHAD
Are you saying I’ve become fat?
GAWAIN
[growls]
No! You’re still beautiful. Shut up and accept that. Now, is our baby kicking?
GALAHAD softens slightly.
GALAHAD
He’s been kicking all day.
GALAHAD takes GAWAIN’S hands and presses them to her stomach, which is more than slightly swelled already into the seventh month.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
[with a grin]
Can you feel him kick?
GAWAIN
[in awe]
That’s…that’s our child.
GALAHAD
I’m still not used to being a woman, just so you don’t get used to it. I am still unhappy.
GAWAIN
Shh. Our baby is kicking. Be miserable in five minutes, Galahad. Please. Just…just feel your child. [He leans in and feels the child kicking] I love you so much.
GALAHAD
Are you talking to me or the child?
GAWAIN
You, of course.
GALAHAD looks at him lovingly and gives him a slow kiss.
GALAHAD
[whispers]
Please, Gawain. Please get him to take it back.
EXT. GARRISON – NIGHT
It’s quiet and no one is around. GAWAIN paces and wanders and finally, MERLIN shows himself.
GAWAIN
Finally.
MERLIN
It will happen any hour now. It’s been many months.
GAWAIN
Take. It. Back.
MERLIN
It’s not the time. You’ll have a time to choose and that’s not now.
There’s a cry somewhere from the garrison.
MERLIN (cont’d)
It’s time for you to meet your child. She’s giving birth. I’d run.
GAWAIN doesn’t pause and turns quickly to sprint towards his quarters, throwing open the door to find VANORA with one of the midwives.
GAWAIN
Is…
GALAHAD
Oh, get your arse on the floor Gawain and give me your hand so I can crush it, you bastard.
VANORA
It’s time.
GAWAIN hurries to GALAHAD’S side and grasps at her hands.
GAWAIN
Are you all right?
GALAHAD
[through gritted teeth]
I hate you so much right now. Gawain, I hate you, you bastard.
VANORA
Hate him later, love. Right now, just worry about pushing.
GALAHAD
I’m not…supposed to have a child!
GAWAIN
Shh.
GALAHAD
Don’t. Talk. To. Me.
Time passes, hours and hours of pain and effort. Finally, GALAHAD lets out a cry and gives one last push. VANORA cleans the child with a smile and hands the child wrapped in a cloak to GAWAIN.
VANORA
We’ll let you be.
They all leave them be, and GAWAIN looks down at the crying baby in awe. He slowly walks over to GALAHAD and sits on the bed.
GAWAIN
[quietly]
Did it hurt?
GALAHAD
About as much as the arrow to my chest did. It hurt plenty.
GAWAIN
I think I’ve run out of apologies. [He shakes his head, laughing loudly] Galahad, you just gave birth to a baby. Oh gods, we have a baby boy. [He hands the baby to GALAHAD and watches with love] You’re gorgeous with him.
GALAHAD
[softly]
I still can’t believe you did this to me.
GAWAIN
I’m so sorry. [He strokes the baby’s head with one hand, his other hand holding GALAHAD tightly] I’m so sorry.
They sit there until the baby stops crying and GALAHAD falls asleep.
EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT
GAWAIN walks around, tired. He hasn’t slept properly in weeks since the baby’s birth and GALAHAD’S misery has begun to creep back. He spots a flash of MERLIN and quickly runs after him, grasping him by the shirt.
GAWAIN
Merlin. Please.
MERLIN
So you’ve finally come to make your choice.
GAWAIN
You mean…you mean, I can choose now? I can finally choose?
MERLIN
You have your choices. You have your Galahad, or you have your new life. Galahad remains what he’s become and you keep your child. Or you return to what you had.
GAWAIN
And our child?
MERLIN
Is not part of your old life, now is it?
GAWAIN
[quietly, torn]
So it’s either Galahad’s happiness, or my heir. You would ask me this? You would force me to choose between them? I can’t…I don’t…
MERLIN
For months, you pleaded.
GAWAIN
[hoarse and slow]
If I asked for my new life, Galahad would remain miserable. I…I couldn’t allow a child to grow up like that. I couldn’t live with myself for pushing that on him.
MERLIN
Your choice?
GAWAIN
[closes his eyes tightly]
Turn him back to what he was. [painfully] Make things like they were before.
MERLIN
So then, you choose Galahad.
GAWAIN
[hoarse]
I do.
MERLIN
So it is. You’ve got until the morning before the changes come about. There will be no pain this time.
GAWAIN
[growling]
There’s plenty of pain, you bastard. How dare you give something like this to me just to take it away?
MERLIN
You made your choice. Live by it.
GAWAIN watches him go before shuffling back to the room to find GALAHAD singing softly to the baby. GAWAIN closes the door behind him and watches, feeling broken and breathing raggedly. GALAHAD continues singing, her voice clear and sweet, but soon notices GAWAIN.
GALAHAD
What is it? What’s wrong?
GAWAIN walks over and takes the baby into his arms, rocking it and looking down miserably.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
What’s the matter?
GAWAIN
[whispers]
He’s taking it back. All of it. You’ll be back to what you were. Everything goes back to what it was.
GALAHAD
But…the baby…
GAWAIN
Wasn’t with us before, now was he?
GALAHAD
[frantically]
He’s taking away our baby? Gawain!
GAWAIN
You’re miserable. I want to make you happy, Galahad. We’ve got until the morning. Then it returns to what it was. [Presses a kiss to the baby’s forehead and hands him to GALAHAD] I’m…I’m going for a ride. I’ll come back in the morning when you’re…well, you.
GALAHAD
No! No. [quieter] No. Spend the last night with me.
GAWAIN hesitates, takes in the look on GALAHAD’S face and nods slowly, crawling in bed and protectively resting one hand on GALAHAD’S hip, the other on the baby.
GAWAIN
It’ll be back to normal again. I’ve made my choice.
GALAHAD is silent, doesn’t answer. They lie there in awkward silence until GALAHAD falls asleep, GAWAIN watching their child the whole time.
EXT. GARRISON – DAY
GAWAIN is wandering around aimlessly, pacing. He left the room before the sun rose, tucking the baby into his crib and heading off to use his sword and get out lingering anger.
ARTHUR
And what are you doing out so early?
GAWAIN
My…[swallows the pain] Galahad’s come back.
ARTHUR
Really? [surprised] When?
GAWAIN
Just this morning. I think…[laughs bitterly] with perfect timing. It seems my Dierdre’s left me.
ARTHUR
Left?
GAWAIN
[mumbling]
Don’t want to talk about it.
He pushes past ARTHUR to go back to check on GALAHAD and see that he’s all right. He hesitates outside his door and pushes in to find GALAHAD as he was before the change, in his tunic and still without beard. GALAHAD turns and locks eyes with GAWAIN, who just quickly closes the door and burrows himself in GALAHAD’S arms, his head in GALAHAD’S neck.
GAWAIN
Did it hurt?
GALAHAD
Not this time. Shh. It’s okay.
GAWAIN
[whispers]
I’m sorry. This was all because of me.
GALAHAD pulls away and shakes his head, leading GAWAIN to the bed.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
Because of what I said, I’m sorry.
GALAHAD
Gawain, maybe…maybe Merlin doesn’t hate you as much as you think he does.
GAWAIN
He turned you into a woman and put us through a pointless pregnancy.
GALAHAD
Pointless?
GAWAIN
He took away the baby, didn’t he now?
GALAHAD pauses and gets up, pacing back and forth, finally heading to the crib and leaning over, amassing the cloak in his hands. GAWAIN watches in confusion and his eyes widen as GALAHAD turns, the baby within the cloak.
GALAHAD
[with a smile]
I think he’s rewarding all our trouble. Perhaps he was testing you?
GALAHAD hands the sleeping baby to GAWAIN. GAWAIN looks down happily for a moment, just staring at the baby.
GAWAIN
[joyful]
Our baby. He…he didn’t take our baby.
GALAHAD
So…do you think you can be with me in spite of my lack of womanly traits?
GAWAIN
I was ready to be with you the moment you survived the last battle.
GALAHAD
Don’t lie.
GAWAIN
Fine. I knew it was you after the first week when you were a woman. It wasn’t…it wasn’t what I wanted. I just wanted you back. I don’t want…I don’t want a beautiful Sarmatian woman anymore. I’ve got you. Beautiful and Sarmatian. Things are always better when something’s lacking.
He pokes the baby’s nose and gazes down lovingly.
GAWAIN
[whispers]
We never named him.
GALAHAD
Well, that ought to be the first order. After all, we’ve got a child to raise. Or rather, you do. I get to come along and aid.
GAWAIN
You gave birth to him, you idiot. Don’t think you’re getting out of this.
GALAHAD
[teasingly]
Damn.
GAWAIN
[laughs and kisses GALAHAD as the baby gets fussy]
I promise I won’t make any more requests that severely alter your life or your physicality.
GALAHAD
[grinning and lying down]
That’s the best promise you’ve ever given.
GAWAIN
Good. Because now you have to be a mother.
GALAHAD
[sneering]
Father.
GAWAIN
And what does that make me?
GALAHAD
Lucky to have me.
GAWAIN
[tenderly and with a snort]
The funny thing is…I am lucky to have you.
GALAHAD
Good. You’ve admitted it. Now…tend to your child while I rest. Childbirth is tiring.
GAWAIN just shakes his head and smiles.
GAWAIN
[murmuring to the baby]
A beautiful Sarmatian baby. Far more than I could have ever hoped for.
end
EXT. TAVERN –NIGHT
Gawain sits, drinking morosely and staring into his mug as MERLIN wanders in from seemingly nowhere.
MERLIN
Brave youth. What brings you out to the tavern at such a late hour?
GAWAIN
Ale. Little else. What are you doing here? I thought you Woads preferred the forest.
MERLIN
Peace between us, yet you still regard us with scorn.
GAWAIN
No amount of peace will change that.
MERLIN
You do not wish to change? Change is all around, but with the smile of love, but with the weddings of your own brethren.
GAWAIN
Vanora and Bors can marry all they want, following in Arthur’s footsteps if that’s what they choose. I’ve not got the same choices.
MERLIN
This, then, is the fate you choose? This is what you wish?
GAWAIN
I…I don’t know. I didn’t choose to live. I always thought I would leave and go back to Sarmatia, but now I can’t seem to leave. The fate I chose before was a beautiful Sarmatian wife. [sighs] It’s a fate I wanted. Honestly, before, I’d be happy to find a woman to spend my days with. I just want to be happy. Now, I just want to be with someone I can love.
He musters a smile and heads off after draining his drink.
MERLIN
[quietly]
So it is.
GAWAIN makes it back to his quarters to find GALAHAD sitting on his bed.
GALAHAD
[drowsy]
Where have you been?
GAWAIN
[still guilty about the subject he and Merlin were discussing]
Tavern. Here. [Smiles] Smell my breath. [He breathes in GALAHAD’S face]
GALAHAD laughs and pulls away.
GALAHAD
You smell awful! Gawain, get away, I believe you.
He shifts and moves over for GAWAIN to crawl in, which he does. GALAHAD presses into him.
GALAHAD
The wedding was nice.
GAWAIN
As nice as weddings can go.
GALAHAD
At least the brats behaved.
GAWAIN
There is that.
GALAHAD yawns and presses closer to GAWAIN, falling asleep with his arms draped around GAWAIN’S waist.
GALAHAD
Training in the morning?
GAWAIN
I thought you hated training now.
GALAHAD
You don’t.
A beat.
GAWAIN
Training in the morning.
He falls asleep some time later, GALAHAD in his arms.
INT. GAWAIN’S ROOM – DAY
GAWAIN wakes slowly, sniffing the air cautiously and frowning. He nudges GALAHAD awake.
GAWAIN
Do you…smell that?
GALAHAD sits up slowly, rubbing at his eyes.
GALAHAD
Smells of spring. Flowers.
GAWAIN
…Why does it smell of spring and flowers?
GALAHAD looks around and stretches up, tapping on glass panes.
GALAHAD
Left your window open, Gawain. You’re letting the smell of spring infiltrate your room. Careful, someone might accuse you of enjoying the season.
GAWAIN
[grumbling]
Shut up.
GALAHAD
What is wrong with you? You’ve been like this since the wedding.
GAWAIN
Never mind. You’re allowed to sulk and storm off, so let me wallow in my mood.
GALAHAD
You’re frustrating.
GAWAIN
[tiredly]
You know you love it.
GALAHAD
Right now, I don’t. [He sighs] Come on, let’s get going. You’re leaving with Arthur in a matter of days, I might as well get my victory in while I can.
He storms off, GAWAIN smirks, and eventually follows.
Days pass slowly through a montage of fighting, training, riding, and finally, FADE IN on GALAHAD in front of a mirror, shaving off his beard, a snarl on his face. GAWAIN stands behind him, hiding a smirk.
GAWAIN
I don’t see why you have to shave it all off.
GALAHAD
Gawain, the damned sticky…whatever it is was put completely in half of my beard. I cannot, I cannot just shave half my beard off! [stricken] You don’t think people will make comments about me because I shaved my beard off, do you?
GAWAIN
People already make comments. It just means they’ll make new ones.
GALAHAD
I ought to choke the brats for this.
GAWAIN
Bors already does.
GALAHAD finishes off and turns around, shrugging listlessly. GAWAIN runs his palm over GALAHAD’S smoothed cheek, shaking his head.
GAWAIN
You look like you did when you were just a younger knight. I swear, you look five years younger.
GALAHAD
[sneering]
Just what I needed.
GAWAIN grins, leaning in and kissing him hard.
GAWAIN
You look good.
GALAHAD
[grinning back]
I’m glad I pass the test.
GAWAIN
Come. You can help me pack.
GALAHAD smiles and wanders after GAWAIN as they leave the room.
INT. GAWAIN’S ROOM – DAY
It’s three days later and GAWAIN is about to leave with ARTHUR to go inspect one of the nearby garrisons while GALAHAD and BORS watch theirs. GALAHAD stands, his gaze downwards with his hands on GAWAIN’S hips.
GAWAIN
[whispering]
Have to go soon.
GALAHAD
[also whispering]
I know.
GAWAIN
[brushes GALAHAD’S hair back, kissing him slow and hard]
I’ll be back before you know. Two weeks, Galahad, that’s nothing.
GALAHAD
I feel like I’m going to miss you. I never feel this way. [He sighs] Look what you’ve done. You’ve gotten me all attached.
GAWAIN
[grins]
Let’s not worry about that. Come on, you can bid me goodbye.
GALAHAD kisses him hard again, nipping at his neck and separating from GAWAIN as they leave the room. He watches GAWAIN mount his horse and waves him goodbye, slipping a few things into GAWAIN’S pouch before he goes.
EXT. OUTDOORS – NIGHT
The rising and setting of the sun over many days. Finally, ARTHUR and GAWAIN ride back from the village quickly, never stopping and never speaking. GAWAIN dismounts his horse and eagerly heads for his quarters. He cannot explain it, but he is filled with a sense of anxiety and a lightness of being, as though it’s his birthday and he’s waiting for his gift.
He draws open the door to his quarters and freezes at the sight of someone standing there, staring in the mirror. It’s a WOMAN; long brown hair with loose curls, wrapped in a heavy black cloak with delicate features, long lashes, pale skin, and cloudy blue eyes. Thin, but GAWAIN can see her figure and the sight of her makes him stop short. He feels this is familiar.
The woman studies the mirror, looking wistfully at the reflection, barely moves, even as GAWAIN moves inside, entranced.
WOMAN
Gawain…
GAWAIN takes her by the hands and sits down on the bed with her, guiding her to sit down as well. GAWAIN stares into her eyes, fixated and trapped. For a moment, there’s nothing but their breathing as GAWAIN leans in, his eyes heavy-lidded as he breathes in the cloying scent, reassuring and intoxicating at once.
WOMAN
Gawain, wh…
GAWAIN leans in slowly and without a second thought, captures her lips with his own, kissing her softly and cupping her face with his hands, shifting closer and stroking the smooth skin of her cheek. He kisses her harder and harder, lost in her scent and the sight of her face as he slips his tongue into her mouth and pulls her close, all the way into his lap. They pull apart, GAWAIN breathing raggedly and the WOMAN looking at GAWAIN with wide eyes.
WOMAN
Gawain, what’s happened to me?
GAWAIN furrows his brow in confusion as the WOMAN sheds her cloak to reveal GALAHAD’S tunic and a distinctly curvy and thin feminine figure.
GAWAIN
[hoarsely]
Galahad?
She nods and GAWAIN freezes.
GALAHAD
[bitterly]
The one and only.
She takes GAWAIN’S hands and presses them to her chest.
GAWAIN
No. No. Lady, I don’t know what kind of joke this is, but you…
GALAHAD
Shut up, Gawain. [She leans in and kisses him hard again] I don’t know what you did, I don’t know who did this, but it’s done. Shut. Up. [She kisses him harder, guiding his hands to unclasp the tunic and get it off]
He grasps at the blanket, wanting to protest, but losing himself in it. He slips lower under the blankets, caressing GALAHAD, touching GALAHAD, and finally, slipping into her slowly, kissing her hard.
GALAHAD
I love you.
GAWAIN shuts his eyes tightly and it goes dark.
EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT
Weeks later. GAWAIN storms out to find MERLIN pacing about. GAWAIN snarls and grasps him by the arm, spinning him around.
GAWAIN
What. Have. You. Done?
MERLIN
I fulfilled your desire.
GAWAIN
My desire was a beautiful Sarmatian woman to wed and begin a family with.
MERLIN
You had a beautiful Sarmatian that you loved. I merely made the last two changes.
GAWAIN
Two…changes?
MERLIN
Change is in the air, young knight.
GAWAIN
Take it back. Make him back to what he was.
MERLIN
You still sleep with her, don’t you? [He begins to slowly circle GAWAIN] Every night. You take her in your arms and she tells you that she loves you and you kiss her, you take her. Every night, you take her. [GAWAIN shuts his eyes, not wanting to hear this. MERLIN laughs] Every night. It happened slowly, you know. At first, he merely noticed that he was gaining weight in places. He locked himself in his room, thought it might be sickness, but it didn’t stop.
GAWAIN
Stop.
MERLIN
His hair lengthened. He worried. His face became more delicate and his figure changed. His body went through two violent days as the nature of him changed completely.
GAWAIN
Stop.
MERLIN
He writhed in pain until the last day, when all last traces of his being a man disappeared, both physical and emotional. Have you noticed that, brave knight? She expresses love for you now like he never did before. Her scent is what you breathe in and is what keeps you safe. You enjoy the feel of her pressed to your body.
GAWAIN
STOP!
MERLIN
She stared in the mirror, unable to understand. Unable to understand what had caused this.
GAWAIN
Bastard. Take it back, I swear, I will kill you if you don’t take it back.
MERLIN
Is it not what you wanted? You have your beautiful Sarmatian woman.
GAWAIN
Take it back.
He begins to storm off.
MERLIN
And your family.
GAWAIN stops in his tracks, not turning.
MERLIN (cont’d)
She’s with child, by now. Your Galahad. Bearing your heir. Your family, Sir Gawain. I gave you what you wanted. Congratulations, young knight. And let this be a lesson in future. Be careful what you wish for.
GAWAIN
[sickened]
I will hunt you down and I will kill you slowly if you don’t reverse this.
MERLIN
Go back to her. Enjoy her embrace as you’ve been doing. As you will be doing.
He walks off, leaving GAWAIN to hang his head. GAWAIN slowly trudges back to his room to find GALAHAD sitting on his bed, clad only in the cloak.
GALAHAD
Well?
GAWAIN silently folds himself into GALAHAD’S embrace, his hands on GALAHAD’S stomach, looking up with broken eyes.
GALAHAD
What?
GAWAIN
[hoarsely]
You’re with child.
GALAHAD sits there, frozen and stricken.
GALAHAD
[wild and desperate]
Gawain, take it back. Take it back now.
GAWAIN wordlessly kisses GALAHAD for a moment, heated and clumsy before GALAHAD pushes him away, eyes wide and frantic.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
No! No, this is insanity, Gawain. Is this what you wanted? Fine! But I didn’t! I didn’t ask for this, you bastard, you son of a whore. I loved you before, I enjoyed what we had before. You turned me into this, and you still…
GAWAIN
[quietly]
You let me sleep with you every night. Take you the way I used to. Don’t shove this in my face, Galahad. Not when I know every last issue.
He storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him and immediately heading for the stables, dropping to his knees in the dark. He sits there with his head in his hands, massaging his temples until some time later, ARTHUR arrives.
ARTHUR
Gawain?
GAWAIN starts, looking up with deadened eyes.
ARTHUR (cont’d)
I’m surprised to see you. You’ve been elusive. More so than Galahad, but then again, I always supposed he might take off back home to Sarmatia in the middle of the night. It seems he finally has. I wonder if he’s made it safely.
GAWAIN
Galahad is safe. I know it.
ARTHUR
I suppose you would, the way you two were. Have you been well?
GAWAIN
Not as well as you’d suppose.
ARTHUR
I’ve noticed you with that new woman. You seem quite enamoured.
GAWAIN
[dully]
Do I?
ARTHUR
[small laugh]
In fact, I was wondering when the wedding might be.
GAWAIN
[whispering slowly]
She’s with child.
ARTHUR
[his eyes widening]
Do you intend to marry her?
GAWAIN sits in silence.
ARTHUR
Do you love her?
GAWAIN
[whisper]
Yes.
ARTHUR
And you want to be with her?
GAWAIN pauses. He gets up and shakes his head.
GAWAIN
Not like this.
He storms off into the night.
INT. GAWAIN’S ROOM – DAY
Days later, and GALAHAD is on the floor, bent over a basin, sick. GAWAIN holds her hair back, pressed close, eyes closed and stroking GALAHAD’S back.
GAWAIN
[whispering]
I’m sorry, Galahad. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I’ve done this to you. [He murmurs ‘sorry’ over and over again]
GALAHAD looks back, tears in her eyes as GAWAIN wipes at her mouth with a cloth and at her eyes with his thumb. He embraces GALAHAD tightly, collapsed on the floor.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
I didn’t mean to inflict this on you, Galahad. I’m so sorry, love. I’m sorry.
GALAHAD pulls away.
GALAHAD
You just…you never called me love before.
GAWAIN sits there, eyes wide.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
[bitter]
Then again, I suppose I was never a woman before.
GAWAIN
Do you have to snap at everything I say?
GALAHAD
Gawain, you arse. Your stupid wishing made me this way and then you got me pregnant! I’ve earned the right to snap at you for the next three lifetimes, you bastard. [GALAHAD smacks GAWAIN in the arm] Gods, but I sound shrill when I yell.
GAWAIN
Don’t worry, that’s not new.
GALAHAD
I hate you.
GAWAIN
I’m still sorry. [Pause] Will you consider coming out with me to the tavern tonight? People keep asking about the woman I’m with and they’re beginning to think you’re a whore. [Kisses GALAHAD softly on the neck] Please? After all, [lightly and awkwardly] might as well appear the family we are.
GALAHAD smacks him again, harder.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
[softly]
I really would appreciate you coming with me tonight. I miss having you there.
GALAHAD makes a noncommittal noise.
GAWAIN
Please?
GALAHAD
Provided no one makes any comments.
GAWAIN
[whispers]
I’ll keep you safe.
GALAHAD
[shaking his head]
You’re enjoying this far too much.
GAWAIN tugs GALAHAD swiftly into his embrace, his hands around GALAHAD’S hips.
GAWAIN
Feeling better?
GALAHAD murmurs softly.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
Good. Coming to the tavern?
GALAHAD
So long as you tell them with great conviction that I’m not a whore. [sneers] You’d hardly mistake me for Lancelot with this new figure anyway.
GAWAIN laughs loudly, kissing GALAHAD on the neck.
GAWAIN
You’re still the same deep down.
GALAHAD
No. You’d think you knew that after your explorations the first night.
GAWAIN
Oh, shut up. C’mon, into bed with you. You need rest. [GALAHAD nods slowly, and GAWAIN catches GALAHAD by the chin, looking into her eyes. Quietly and slowly] I am sorry that you have to go through this. I didn’t wish it on you with intent. I didn’t intend this at all.
GALAHAD
It hurt, Gawain. I don’t know how many days passed, but it hurt.
GAWAIN
[presses kisses to GALAHAD’S forehead]
I know. I’m sorry.
GALAHAD climbs into bed as GAWAIN drapes the cloak over her and sits down, stroking GALAHAD’S back until she falls asleep.
EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT
GALAHAD is sitting in GAWAIN’S lap, her hands on her stomach and GAWAIN’S atop, both protective. GALAHAD leans her head on GAWAIN’S shoulder as ARTHUR and BORS re-enact a scene in the middle of the tavern.
BORS
He was so rash about it too.
ARTHUR
And wouldn’t take no for an answer.
BORS
The funniest part was him rushing in and finding nothing but a few birds picking at his armour. [chortles] He was on edge all week. Had to be real careful approaching him. Tristan always was a bastard when it came to surprising him.
ARTHUR
Tristan might have been the best of us when it came to fighting.
BORS
You say that now that he’s not around.
GUINEVERE
[shakes her head]
Boys. Must you really tell your stories all night?
VANORA
[heatedly]
One of you has got a child to tend to, be a father.
GUINEVERE
Listen to your wife, Bors.
BORS
[muttering]
Now that’s she my wife, I have to listen. [takes the baby into his arms] Gawain, how are you getting out of being yelled at?
GAWAIN looks up from GALAHAD’S stomach, raising an eyebrow.
GAWAIN
Were you speaking to me?
BORS
You and…what’s this girl’s name?
GALAHAD opens his mouth and freezes, looking to GAWAIN.
GAWAIN
[hesitating]
Dierdre.
BORS
How come she doesn’t yell at you?
GAWAIN
[smugly]
She loves me.
GALAHAD
Don’t flatter yourself.
ARTHUR
Well, I believe congratulations are in order. Gawain’s going to be a father, Bors. Just like yourself.
There is silence at the tavern. GALAHAD looks down and GAWAIN just strokes gently at GALAHAD’S neck.
GUINEVERE
With child?…Really?
GAWAIN
We’ve only just found out.
BORS
[belches]
The first is always the cutest. The newest. It wears off. [VANORA smacks him] I still love ‘em, but they’re work! [He grins at GAWAIN] Your woman in the desperate stage yet?
GAWAIN
[frowns]
Desperate stage?
BORS
Wants nothing but sex, every single hour?
GALAHAD
There’s…there’s a stage like that?
VANORA
Your first, love?
GALAHAD
I didn’t plan for children.
VANORA
You’ll wonder why you ever thought differently when the first is in your arms.
GALAHAD
[quietly]
I suppose.
GAWAIN
[holding GALAHAD a little tighter]
Aren’t there other issues at hand?
GUINEVERE
Are you going to be married?
GAWAIN
I very much doubt it.
Silence.
GALAHAD
[quietly]
I’m feeling slightly tired. Gawain, can we go back?
GAWAIN
Of course.
He helps GALAHAD to her feet and wraps one hand around her waist possessively.
GAWAIN
Now you’ve met her. Don’t call her a whore. She’s mine. [slightly bitter] My beautiful Sarmatian woman. Now if you’ll excuse us, I have to go make sure my woman and my child are fine.
GALAHAD waits until they’re around the corner to smack him hard, slapping him across the face.
GAWAIN
[outraged]
What was that for?
GALAHAD
You arse.
GALAHAD storms away, back to GALAHAD’S own quarters. GAWAIN sighs and after a moment, follows GALAHAD.
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
Weeks later, almost a month has passed and GAWAIN is out hunting with his axe. He sees a bristling in the bushes and lunges forward, his axe at MERLIN’S throat.
GAWAIN
Finally. You’re a hard man to track.
MERLIN
I wasn’t aware I was being searched for.
GAWAIN
I’ve come to request that you remove your enchantment. [He lowers his axe slightly. Desperately] Please. I need…I need Galahad back. Let me have him back.
MERLIN
How is your beautiful Sarmatian?
GAWAIN
[snarls]
Don’t call him that.
MERLIN
She’s beginning to show, isn’t she? Her cheeks are glowing, aren’t they? You glow with pride too. The others notice.
GAWAIN
Stop this madness now. Turn her back.
MERLIN
You love her more by the day.
GAWAIN
I loved Galahad.
MERLIN
Go back to your fortress. This isn’t the time, young man. Not yet.
He backs away and disappears into the fog.
INT. GAWAIN’S QUARTERS – NIGHT
GAWAIN tiredly walks in and almost instantly, GALAHAD is kissing him hard, her hands roving up his shirt, kissing and tugging GAWAIN to the bed.
GAWAIN
Galahad…
GALAHAD
Shut up. You owe me this.
GAWAIN
Five nights in a row? And it’s been at least four times every night.
GALAHAD
[sneering]
I’m a woman and pregnant. Gawain, a little bit of sex is the least you could do.
GAWAIN
Well…[grins] since you asked so nicely…
GALAHAD
[bites and kisses GAWAIN everywhere she can]
Glad you agree. [in a low, sultry voice] On the bed, Gawain. Now.
GAWAIN grins and sweeps GALAHAD off her feet, carrying her to the bed, kissing her as he does, trying his best to forget MERLIN’S words as he lays her down and leans over, undressing GALAHAD.
INT. GAWAIN’S QUARTERS – DAY
Months later.
GAWAIN
Why are you crying?
GALAHAD
Because you turned me into this! Damn it, Gawain, I don’t know why I’m crying! I just am! I feel sad!
GAWAIN
You were beaming with joy two hours ago!
GALAHAD
That was then! I’m sad now!
GAWAIN
Is it because of your stomach? Is it the baby?
GALAHAD
Are you saying I’ve become fat?
GAWAIN
[growls]
No! You’re still beautiful. Shut up and accept that. Now, is our baby kicking?
GALAHAD softens slightly.
GALAHAD
He’s been kicking all day.
GALAHAD takes GAWAIN’S hands and presses them to her stomach, which is more than slightly swelled already into the seventh month.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
[with a grin]
Can you feel him kick?
GAWAIN
[in awe]
That’s…that’s our child.
GALAHAD
I’m still not used to being a woman, just so you don’t get used to it. I am still unhappy.
GAWAIN
Shh. Our baby is kicking. Be miserable in five minutes, Galahad. Please. Just…just feel your child. [He leans in and feels the child kicking] I love you so much.
GALAHAD
Are you talking to me or the child?
GAWAIN
You, of course.
GALAHAD looks at him lovingly and gives him a slow kiss.
GALAHAD
[whispers]
Please, Gawain. Please get him to take it back.
EXT. GARRISON – NIGHT
It’s quiet and no one is around. GAWAIN paces and wanders and finally, MERLIN shows himself.
GAWAIN
Finally.
MERLIN
It will happen any hour now. It’s been many months.
GAWAIN
Take. It. Back.
MERLIN
It’s not the time. You’ll have a time to choose and that’s not now.
There’s a cry somewhere from the garrison.
MERLIN (cont’d)
It’s time for you to meet your child. She’s giving birth. I’d run.
GAWAIN doesn’t pause and turns quickly to sprint towards his quarters, throwing open the door to find VANORA with one of the midwives.
GAWAIN
Is…
GALAHAD
Oh, get your arse on the floor Gawain and give me your hand so I can crush it, you bastard.
VANORA
It’s time.
GAWAIN hurries to GALAHAD’S side and grasps at her hands.
GAWAIN
Are you all right?
GALAHAD
[through gritted teeth]
I hate you so much right now. Gawain, I hate you, you bastard.
VANORA
Hate him later, love. Right now, just worry about pushing.
GALAHAD
I’m not…supposed to have a child!
GAWAIN
Shh.
GALAHAD
Don’t. Talk. To. Me.
Time passes, hours and hours of pain and effort. Finally, GALAHAD lets out a cry and gives one last push. VANORA cleans the child with a smile and hands the child wrapped in a cloak to GAWAIN.
VANORA
We’ll let you be.
They all leave them be, and GAWAIN looks down at the crying baby in awe. He slowly walks over to GALAHAD and sits on the bed.
GAWAIN
[quietly]
Did it hurt?
GALAHAD
About as much as the arrow to my chest did. It hurt plenty.
GAWAIN
I think I’ve run out of apologies. [He shakes his head, laughing loudly] Galahad, you just gave birth to a baby. Oh gods, we have a baby boy. [He hands the baby to GALAHAD and watches with love] You’re gorgeous with him.
GALAHAD
[softly]
I still can’t believe you did this to me.
GAWAIN
I’m so sorry. [He strokes the baby’s head with one hand, his other hand holding GALAHAD tightly] I’m so sorry.
They sit there until the baby stops crying and GALAHAD falls asleep.
EXT. TAVERN – NIGHT
GAWAIN walks around, tired. He hasn’t slept properly in weeks since the baby’s birth and GALAHAD’S misery has begun to creep back. He spots a flash of MERLIN and quickly runs after him, grasping him by the shirt.
GAWAIN
Merlin. Please.
MERLIN
So you’ve finally come to make your choice.
GAWAIN
You mean…you mean, I can choose now? I can finally choose?
MERLIN
You have your choices. You have your Galahad, or you have your new life. Galahad remains what he’s become and you keep your child. Or you return to what you had.
GAWAIN
And our child?
MERLIN
Is not part of your old life, now is it?
GAWAIN
[quietly, torn]
So it’s either Galahad’s happiness, or my heir. You would ask me this? You would force me to choose between them? I can’t…I don’t…
MERLIN
For months, you pleaded.
GAWAIN
[hoarse and slow]
If I asked for my new life, Galahad would remain miserable. I…I couldn’t allow a child to grow up like that. I couldn’t live with myself for pushing that on him.
MERLIN
Your choice?
GAWAIN
[closes his eyes tightly]
Turn him back to what he was. [painfully] Make things like they were before.
MERLIN
So then, you choose Galahad.
GAWAIN
[hoarse]
I do.
MERLIN
So it is. You’ve got until the morning before the changes come about. There will be no pain this time.
GAWAIN
[growling]
There’s plenty of pain, you bastard. How dare you give something like this to me just to take it away?
MERLIN
You made your choice. Live by it.
GAWAIN watches him go before shuffling back to the room to find GALAHAD singing softly to the baby. GAWAIN closes the door behind him and watches, feeling broken and breathing raggedly. GALAHAD continues singing, her voice clear and sweet, but soon notices GAWAIN.
GALAHAD
What is it? What’s wrong?
GAWAIN walks over and takes the baby into his arms, rocking it and looking down miserably.
GALAHAD (cont’d)
What’s the matter?
GAWAIN
[whispers]
He’s taking it back. All of it. You’ll be back to what you were. Everything goes back to what it was.
GALAHAD
But…the baby…
GAWAIN
Wasn’t with us before, now was he?
GALAHAD
[frantically]
He’s taking away our baby? Gawain!
GAWAIN
You’re miserable. I want to make you happy, Galahad. We’ve got until the morning. Then it returns to what it was. [Presses a kiss to the baby’s forehead and hands him to GALAHAD] I’m…I’m going for a ride. I’ll come back in the morning when you’re…well, you.
GALAHAD
No! No. [quieter] No. Spend the last night with me.
GAWAIN hesitates, takes in the look on GALAHAD’S face and nods slowly, crawling in bed and protectively resting one hand on GALAHAD’S hip, the other on the baby.
GAWAIN
It’ll be back to normal again. I’ve made my choice.
GALAHAD is silent, doesn’t answer. They lie there in awkward silence until GALAHAD falls asleep, GAWAIN watching their child the whole time.
EXT. GARRISON – DAY
GAWAIN is wandering around aimlessly, pacing. He left the room before the sun rose, tucking the baby into his crib and heading off to use his sword and get out lingering anger.
ARTHUR
And what are you doing out so early?
GAWAIN
My…[swallows the pain] Galahad’s come back.
ARTHUR
Really? [surprised] When?
GAWAIN
Just this morning. I think…[laughs bitterly] with perfect timing. It seems my Dierdre’s left me.
ARTHUR
Left?
GAWAIN
[mumbling]
Don’t want to talk about it.
He pushes past ARTHUR to go back to check on GALAHAD and see that he’s all right. He hesitates outside his door and pushes in to find GALAHAD as he was before the change, in his tunic and still without beard. GALAHAD turns and locks eyes with GAWAIN, who just quickly closes the door and burrows himself in GALAHAD’S arms, his head in GALAHAD’S neck.
GAWAIN
Did it hurt?
GALAHAD
Not this time. Shh. It’s okay.
GAWAIN
[whispers]
I’m sorry. This was all because of me.
GALAHAD pulls away and shakes his head, leading GAWAIN to the bed.
GAWAIN (cont’d)
Because of what I said, I’m sorry.
GALAHAD
Gawain, maybe…maybe Merlin doesn’t hate you as much as you think he does.
GAWAIN
He turned you into a woman and put us through a pointless pregnancy.
GALAHAD
Pointless?
GAWAIN
He took away the baby, didn’t he now?
GALAHAD pauses and gets up, pacing back and forth, finally heading to the crib and leaning over, amassing the cloak in his hands. GAWAIN watches in confusion and his eyes widen as GALAHAD turns, the baby within the cloak.
GALAHAD
[with a smile]
I think he’s rewarding all our trouble. Perhaps he was testing you?
GALAHAD hands the sleeping baby to GAWAIN. GAWAIN looks down happily for a moment, just staring at the baby.
GAWAIN
[joyful]
Our baby. He…he didn’t take our baby.
GALAHAD
So…do you think you can be with me in spite of my lack of womanly traits?
GAWAIN
I was ready to be with you the moment you survived the last battle.
GALAHAD
Don’t lie.
GAWAIN
Fine. I knew it was you after the first week when you were a woman. It wasn’t…it wasn’t what I wanted. I just wanted you back. I don’t want…I don’t want a beautiful Sarmatian woman anymore. I’ve got you. Beautiful and Sarmatian. Things are always better when something’s lacking.
He pokes the baby’s nose and gazes down lovingly.
GAWAIN
[whispers]
We never named him.
GALAHAD
Well, that ought to be the first order. After all, we’ve got a child to raise. Or rather, you do. I get to come along and aid.
GAWAIN
You gave birth to him, you idiot. Don’t think you’re getting out of this.
GALAHAD
[teasingly]
Damn.
GAWAIN
[laughs and kisses GALAHAD as the baby gets fussy]
I promise I won’t make any more requests that severely alter your life or your physicality.
GALAHAD
[grinning and lying down]
That’s the best promise you’ve ever given.
GAWAIN
Good. Because now you have to be a mother.
GALAHAD
[sneering]
Father.
GAWAIN
And what does that make me?
GALAHAD
Lucky to have me.
GAWAIN
[tenderly and with a snort]
The funny thing is…I am lucky to have you.
GALAHAD
Good. You’ve admitted it. Now…tend to your child while I rest. Childbirth is tiring.
GAWAIN just shakes his head and smiles.
GAWAIN
[murmuring to the baby]
A beautiful Sarmatian baby. Far more than I could have ever hoped for.
end
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