A/N: Warnings for nudity and minor sexual adult scenes in line with the T rating for this story.
Chapter 7: Gold Conversion
In the end it was decided that two parties would travel back to Wales. One fast group containing Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, Leon and Percival, and another slower group of knights and supplies which included Gaius in their number. Arthur had tried to persuade the physician to stay behind to keep an eye on his father but Uther wouldn't hear of it, insisting his health was fine and that Gaius would be of far more use to him in Wales than in England. So, Arthur had a quiet word with Agravaine to ensure that his uncle would keep a close eye on the king and the court in general, and then very reluctantly left his father behind.
The first group of six made very fast time; Morgana being a good horsewoman and Gwen now well practised after her long journey in the opposite direction a few months before and very much more confident as a result.
They took a different road into Wales than they had the last time, one further south on the edge of the new border between Gwynedd and Powys crossing through Guinevere's home territory of Penllyn; now safe to travel on due to the truce.
"Balinor and Gwaine are going to meet us at Castell Carndochan, my old home," Gwen explained when Arthur questioned the change of direction.
"It makes more sense to meet there," Merlin added, "as it's on the direct route to the Druid encampment on the border of Meirionnydd and will save us precious time as a result."
"We'll be getting there in time for the solstice too, won't we?" Guinevere asked her friend.
"Yes, that is especially good timing." Merlin called back, grinning broadly.
Arthur would have asked more about that but they were riding hard again, the wind and speed making further talk impossible.
Carndochan Castle was fairly similar to Dinas Emrys in that it too was build on a highly defensible crag in the middle of bleak but beautiful Welsh landscape – although the area was generally a lot less mountainous than further north and the castle looked considerably less bleak. Again the party dismounted and lead their horses up to the fort, following a narrow track that wound through brightly coloured heather covered hills intermingled with numerous sharp, exposed stones. As before, they were met at the summit by Balinor but, this time, the whole situation was far more informal with Gwaine and other couriers making up the welcoming party in addition to the usual warriors.
"Father!" Guinevere cried, suddenly dropping the reigns and running to a tall, broad man with an even darker complexion than her own. He gave a huge laugh as she approached, holding her arms out as if the daughter running towards him was a mere child rather than a fully grown woman. Balinor too came forward, pulling Merlin into an unashamed hug and Arthur's heart sunk as he observed the two reunions and compared them to his own father's rather more reserved welcome on his return to England.
The prince of Gwynedd introduced the other members of the party before turning towards him with a smile. "I believe I have the honour of introducing Prince Arthur to you, Thomas," he said, suddenly laughing, "Although that was definitely not what he was calling himself the last time he was here."
"I apologise for the deception, my Lord," Arthur replied with a deep bow. "It was not considered safe for others to know who I was."
"A wise move. I did much the same in sending Merlin east without informing anyone of his trip but I can assure you that you are quite safe here now, Arthur. All will honour the Druids' Dragon Truce, you can be certain of that."
"Thank you," he said in reply because, honestly, he had no idea how to answer otherwise.
"It is indeed an honour to meet the great Prince of Camelot," Thomas said with a deep bow.
"Thank you," Arthur replied again, somehow convinced that there was some double meaning in the dark man's compliment.
"We have great celebrations planned for this evening," Guinevere's father continued. "I do hope you will all join us."
"Prince Arthur and his knights are Christians, Thomas," Merlin replied. "I'm sure they would wish to avoid such ceremonies."
"I would rather avoid it, if that isn't considered impolite," Leon admitted.
Arthur frowned, considering. "King Uther has ordered me to observe and report," he replied. "So, I would be honoured to attend your ceremony, if you will have me."
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Percival whispered urgently. "A Druid ceremony?" Arthur just shrugged in reply.
"You are more than welcome, of course," Balinor replied with a huge smile and a deep bow, "Your attendance at such an event would do us all a very great honour."
~o~0~o~
It was sunset when Arthur walked out of the castle with Balinor, Thomas and a number of other middle aged and elderly men and women. Their destination was a large open clearing which held a blazing bonfire at its heart. The flames had already started to take hold and the fire was being constantly fed by a small army of children running back and forth with everything from tiny twigs to large oak branches.
"I don't believe I've ever seen a fire as large," Arthur commented.
"It is the summer solstice," Balinor explained. "A time of great importance in the Druidic calendar. One to rival Easter or the Advent in your country."
"Really?" Despite his rigid education, Arthur felt nothing but curiosity about this new culture – a willingness to learn.
His attention was suddenly drawn to a couple of young women walking past, wearing loose fitting white dresses that were so thin that they afforded him a very interesting view of their silhouettes as they walked in front of the raging fire. He began to think that coming here had been a very good idea after all.
"Many of your age are taking part, of course," Balinor was saying, "but you are welcome to simply stay here and observe." There was that smile again. Arthur just nodded, still distracted by the two young ladies.
Merlin came over to them then, also dressed in white; a loose fitting shirt hanging over thin trousers which looking especially baggy on his exceptionally slim frame. He bowed deeply to Balinor and the Welsh prince handed his son a goblet, smiling broadly. Merlin glared at the liquid for a moment before downing it quickly, wincing at the taste.
"May you find what you are looking for," Balinor intoned.
"I believe I already have, Father," Merlin replied with a broad smile, "but it will be interesting to see if the gods agree." He suddenly swayed on the spot, grabbing a nearby wooden pole. "Ooh!"
"What is it?" Arthur asked.
"Strong stuff, this," Merlin replied, handing the goblet back to Balinor.
"You are welcome to sample this too, if you wish," the man said, holding another goblet out to the young prince. Arthur looked at the prince curiously.
"Father! What are you doing?" Merlin hissed.
"All are welcome to take the drink, and answer the question, if it is what they want."
"What are you up to?" his son asked, his tone now suspicious.
"What? You think I can't handle it, Merlin?" Arthur asked.
"It's not that simple," the young man replied firmly. "This is not your usual brew."
Arthur glared at him before grinning slyly, detecting a challenge and determined to rise to it. "I would be honoured to sample the drink, my Lord," he intoned, holding out a hand towards Balinor.
"And I am honoured to offer it to you. May you find what you are looking for."
Arthur took a big swig of the drink and, within moments, felt his the world start to sway before his eyes. "What is in this?" he asked but his words sounded strange even to him and, as he looked up, he could see no sign of Merlin in front of him.
Everything continued to move, and strange images and visions swum before Arthur's eyes. "What is in this?" he repeated, staring at the half empty glass. He could not remember the answer he received, he only knew that he laughed at the reply and quickly downed the rest of the liquid in one go.
After that things started to become even more blurred and confusing.
Guinevere came over to Thomas, wearing the same, exceptionally thin dress he'd seen on the other two girls and her father also passed over a goblet and repeated the same words.
A Druid stood in front of the fire, talking in Welsh as various young people crowded around him and, the next thing Arthur was aware of was Merlin calling him over to join them; Guinevere on one side, Morgana on the other. Arthur began to understand why everyone else was wearing such thin outfits as the heat this close to the fire was almost unbearable and he quickly abandoned his own jacket and boots so that he was only in trousers and loose fitting shirt. Then Merlin pushed him forward as the Druid asked him what was obviously a question in Welsh.
"Pwy yr wyt ti'n dewis, Arthur ab Uther o Loegr? Beth yr wyt ti eisiau mwy na unrhywbeth arall?"
He was struggling to focus on the man at all and, in many ways the words made no sense to him but then Merlin translated, Arthur replied and, apparently happy with his answer, his friends dragged him closer to the fire in order for him to join them in their celebrations.
~o~0~o~
Arthur had never had such a vivid dream, nor such a pleasant one. Delightful images swum before him. Naked men and women dancing around the roaring bonfire. Pale skin and dark hair all around him. And warmth. Such warmth created by the blazing fire and the strange liquid he had consumed.
"Arthur?" He turned to find Gwen by his side, her dress now discarded; perfect, beautiful, naked and smiling as brightly as the fire in front of him.
"Pwy wyt ti'n dewis?" The question seemed to transcend all languages and speak to his soul.
"Guinevere," he replied confidently. "Always Guinevere."
~o~0~o~
"Arthur! Wake up." Merlin's impatient voice intruded on his erotic dream and he sat up with a grumble.
"What?"
"It's getting late and we need to leave for Meirionnydd." The young man was standing by the entrance of his tent wearing his usual clothes and looking perfectly well, although his cheeks were very slightly flushed.
"I had the most amazing dream," Arthur said with a sigh.
"One usually does after the Solstice ceremony," Merlin replied impatiently. "Look, you really do need to get dressed we're running a bit late here."
"I dreamt of Guinevere."
Merlin grinned. "I'm not surprised."
"You're not?"
"Well, it's always been obvious how you felt about her even before last night. What did you dream about? Or should I not ask."
"It was amazing. She was amazing." He sighed.
Merlin laughed, "Yes, well, I had a pretty good night too." He shook his head. "Seriously though, Arthur, you need to get dressed quickly. They're starting to leave already."
"Oh … all right."
He had to admit he felt most peculiar and numerous strange images constantly flitted through his mind as he started to get up. Mostly of Guinevere and of how she would look naked; how her dark skin would glow in the light of that roaring fire, how well her breasts would fit in his palms, how she would call his name when he …
Arthur shook his head, desperately trying to pull himself back into reality.
"What the hell was in that drink, anyway?" he asked as he started to dress.
Merlin laughed. "Father was so wicked to have given you that. Honestly, if I hadn't been under the influence of it myself, I would have objected more strongly but, still. What is done is done."
"What is that supposed to mean, Merlin?"
"It'll come back to you. Let's get a move on. We'll have to ride exceptionally hard if we're going to reach Meirionnydd by nightfall."
The pair left late, desperately trying to catch up to the main party whilst Merlin grumbled constantly about English princes who couldn't hold their liquor. During their first short break, Morgana came to join them, throwing her arms around her husband and kissing him whilst Arthur blinked, trying to dismiss the image that had suddenly appeared in his head,
Two tall, slim, dark haired figures were kissing passionately nearby. They were beautiful, Arthur observed as the fire glowed against their pale, naked skin and seemed to set it alight. It was a few moments before he recognised the couple but, even when he did he couldn't help but stare at them – the drink he'd consumed apparently having dulled his inhibitions – watching as their hands gently caressed one another, as he lay her down on the parched ground and started to make love to her.
"Arthur." He turned to see her approach. Also naked. She was beautiful, laughing gently as she questioned why he was still clothed whilst standing so close to the raging fire.
"Arthur?"
It was a valid question he decided and quickly stripped himself, moving towards her, kissing her passionately.
"Arthur!"
He blinked, disorientated to see Guinevere was standing next to him, fully clothed, her expression confused – hurt almost.
"Oh, sorry. Hello," he replied, smiling weakly as he tried to stop dwelling on his dream, tried to get his mind to focus on reality.
"Tydi o ddim yn cofio," Merlin said to Gwen kindly."Roeddwn i'n tybio," she replied.
"Wyt ti'n meddwl y gwneith o, mewn amser?"
Merlin shrugged. "Mae'n siwr."
Arthur glared at his friend. "I thought you two promised not to talk Welsh in front of me."
"Sorry, Arthur," Guinevere replied sincerely. "Do you mind if I ride next to you?"
"Of course I don't mind. Why would I?"
~o~0~o~
The Druid camp was overflowing when they arrived. It was obvious that the small encampment was not designed to hold so many ordinarily but, somehow, space was made for all. Arthur still felt slightly out of it as they were shown to their allotted area at sunset, quickly erecting their tents and starting to cook supper around small camp fires.
In the end, he left the others talking and decided to go to bed early, tired from the last couple of strange days – still feeling as if he wasn't entirely there.
He was sure that he had only just fallen asleep when he was quickly pulled back awake, alerted by someone entering the tent.
"Merlin?" he asked.
"No, he's with Morgana."
"Guinevere? What are you doing here?" Arthur asked, sitting up in the darkness and fumbling for a light.
"I came to talk to you about last night. Do you still not remember anything?"
"I-I'm not sure. It all seems like a dream to me."
Arthur quickly lit the candle to see Gwen in the same long, white dress that all the girls had been wearing last night. All the girls that had gathered around that roaring bonfire with their young men – with him.
"It wasn't a dream," he breathed.
"No."
"Everyone danced around the fire," he recalled then. "It was really hot and so we … undressed and we..." He swallowed hard.
"All the couples that agreed to go through the ceremony, yes," she confirmed.
"The ceremony?" he asked, frowning.
"The drink dulled your inhibitions a bit and apparently affected your memory more than most, but it didn't take away your free will. If you had not liked the idea, you would have been able to walk away."
He thought carefully before nodding. "Yes, I remember. The Druid asked me and I understood. I chose you."
"Yes. Do you remember now?"
"It's beginning to come back to me." He frowned. "Merlin and Morgana talked about a second marriage?"
"A Welsh marriage, yes."
His eyes widened. "Last night was the ceremony they were talking about and we took part in it too?"
"Yes."
He groaned. "I am in such trouble."
"Arthur, I honestly hadn't realised how much you were affected by that drink. We did explain all of this to you last night. Asked if you were quite certain – several times, in fact, but … I suppose it's because you didn't get to sample weaker version of that drink as a child and so it affected you more." She gave a resigned sigh, moving back towards the entrance as if making ready to leave. "Loss of memory in this situation is not unheard of and so it has long been decided that anything that happens on Solstice night is not set in stone. Any marriage undertaken is not considered legal unless it is consummated on the second night – which is why I'm here right now."
"We're still not fully married?"
"No, and I understand how difficult this is for you politically. How awkward. Last night was all about instinct. About your free choice if you were not bound by English law and custom, but all you have to do now is send me away and I shall go. Last night will be forgotten and you will be free to marry any English lady that your father chooses for you."
"And if I ask you to stay?"
"Then we will be married under Welsh law, if not under English."
"Gwen..." Arthur interrupted.
"That may not make things any easier but..."
"Guinevere..."
"Yes?"
"Come to bed."
She moved back towards him with a soft smile. "I thought you'd never ask," she said, dropping her dress to the floor before joining him under the furs.
~o~0~o~
A/N: Just to say that any Welsh here does not necessarily require translation, especially seeing that we're viewing all of this from Arthur's POV. That will change in a couple of chapters though and you'll start finding out rather more.
I've had some art made for this fic by the wonderful Wil1969 including this bookcover. I'll share them all later but, for now, I'm going to put the link up to one of my favourites from this chapter on my PP if you fancy taking a look.
