"You know, I thought when Merlin would talk to the trees, or the water, he was just lonely, or when he told me he'd met someone he was imagining things- he imagines so many things already! Some of them must have been real. There were one or two occasions before he was fully awake, or when he was sleepy that he mentioned tree people. I guess I just met one of them?"

Balinor smiled,careful not to unbalance her, "You did indeed. They were once common but have now become rare, it is very unusual for them to approach people openly, though if they were going to it would absolutely be on the night of a full moon in a sacred grove."

"Did you know?" Hunith asked curiously.

"No love. I'm a creature of the Old religion, yes, but there is a great deal I do not understand about it. The dryads, naiads, vilia, the fay? Most are as old or long lived as dragons. Some are immortal. Their secrets could fill libraries. I never had a particular desire to delve further than my own history. My mother knows more. I avoided many things the Elder Lords wished me to learn, feeling so clever then, now that knowledge is lost and I would give much to have the opportunity again. Spirits, especially nature spirits answer only to the gods. I didn't expect that, but for whatever reason we have been honoured. Breaking a promise to them would be… unwise."

"Indeed it would. Though I do wish I'd a cleaner dress for the occasion, especially with such esteemed guests."

Balinor tightened his fingers on her shoulder. "None of them matter love, the only ones of consequence are those we'll bring with us.. Forget the dress. Riches or rags you said. You couldn't be more beautiful to me if you draped in brocades and silk."

Hunith chuckled. "See, under all your stubborn prickliness lies a romantic soul."

Balinor choked. "Hush love, I won't give you away."

In that moment, he reflected, he wouldn't have cared if she did.

"Will I be marked Balinor, like they did to you?"

"No. You are not of my blood. You can choose as you wish, but for now at least one of us should be able to pass unnoticed."

"Will Merlin?"

Balinor caught her eyes and nodded slowly, "One day, yes. It is helpful to us, functional more than decorative. Though some may choose such symbols if the wish. It is occasionally misunderstood."

"Ok. You will tell him that when it is time."

"Of course love."

"Do I need to expect magical creatures dropping in unannounced?"

Balinor grimaced, "I honestly don't know. It hasn't happened to me for several years, but apparently our son is friendlier than he ought to be with them. It's entirely possible he might invite one home for tea."

"You're right you know, he would. I don't suppose you know what a dryad would eat or drink?"

He snorted, ""Not a clue love."

"Will Merlin have any choices Balinor? So much is already set it seems." The worry was one he shared, but now wasn't the time to encourage the fear of something he knew to be inescapable,

Balinor answered her carefully, "In some ways that's true. Merlin...cannot change what he is. He will always be of magic, he will always be a dragonlord. Choices though… he will have so many choices. They will decide, with ours, who he becomes. You are a human, Hunith, you can be nothing else, but you are Hunith, and that is someone magnificent. We are not defined by our abilities love, Merlin will not be either. What we choose to use them for, how we treat others, what we seek… these shape us. I don't know how much mother has told you, but she could have been many things. She could not change what she was born, but she chose her own path. It wasn't one anyone had planned for her either. She is a druidess now, honoured and recognised for her actions and wisdom, but could have chosen to seek power as a princess or queen, she could have chosen to pursue wealth as a court lady, but she sought freedom and love, and it has brought us all to here. She learned at the feet of a Dragonlord, the knee of a Lady in waiting, studied in libraries with masters, and in the silence with healers. Merlin has you to guide him, and he has me to catch him when he falls. The idea of Destiny is overwhelming, Hunith. It can seem crushing, and it can also keep a man going when there is nothing else to hold onto. Most people are born without one that changes the world. A few of us are. Merlin is one of those who events can pivot around. It changes nothing of who he is. You have given him what he needs most, more than anything in this whole world, you have given him unconditional love, accepted him, drawn him towards you, rather than rejected him. He is gentle and caring because he saw it first in you, he tries to heal the hurts of the world, and fights only to protect those he loves. I couldn't be prouder of either of you. There is always a choice Hunith. Always. Let me choose you and him tonight."

Aine held Merlin gently, as he burrowed deeper into her side, enjoying the luxury of warmth under thick blankets. She hoped that his parents would be able to untangle themselves tonight.

They hadn't been gone nearly as long as she had expected them to be when the pair ducked in the door, almost glowing, the difference drawing her attention sharply to them.

"You're back early. " She murmured, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb Merlin.

"Well, actually… We ran into some unexpected benefactors. Hunith and I - well, we came to an agreement about some of the more significant things between us.. Um.. The thing is mother…"

Hunith rolled her eyes and took over explaining, "We need you and Merlin to accompany us to the sacred grove. Balinor asked me as I am now to marry him and I accepted. When now is all we have I won't waste what I am given. The dryads request we return before the moon is high, with someone to bind us. We want you to speak the words. Apparently if we are late the goddess will be vexed."

Aine's smile lit up her whole face, "Well then, we haven't much time, have we lass! It would be my privilege and my great joy to join you and my son. We'll see you a family again by moonset. I know you don't have your signet ring with you Balinor what are you going to give your woman? I raised you better than to give no her sign."

"Ah- that's been taken care of. Those um- those dryads we mentioned seem to agree with you on that point. They remedied it, and I really don't want to offend them."

"No, nor would I. We will need a length of cloth, and I want both of you to wash, without dithering or distracting one another, and I shall bring Merlin when you call us, now hurry up, both of you! It isn't every night you get married under the full moon."

Unwilling to argue Hunith grabbed the woman in a hug, whispering "Thank you"

"I meant it. It is a delight to be able to do this for you both. Enjoy tonight."

The young woman grinned, "I certainly intend to."

Aine nodded to their pack, "The special soap is in there, Bal, you remember where to find it."

"I do mother. Thank you."

As the couple left with the small bag in Balinor's hand, Aine turned to wake Merlin gently, skirting around the edges of his sleeping mind and whispering, drawing him to wakefulness.

"Hello, that's it lovely, you and I need to get up now." He opened his eyes and blearily looked around. "Where did Mum go? They were here." He thought maybe he could find them if he looked, especially following the mind the kept him from drowning, but before he could try Aine interrupted him.

"Something special is happening and we've been invited to it, only us though. It's a very special secret. Your Mum and Balinor are already there, just waiting for us. We're going to wash your hands and face, and go up to a quiet place. Maybe you know some places that still feel magic, or especially calm. Ken left a cloak for you to wear in the cold, but he isn't going to the special place with us. We'll practice your sneaking. Come on now sleepy boy."

Merlin was too tired to argue, besides, it wasn't every day you got to go for a trip in the middle of the night, so he stood, tripping over the furs, and Aine caught him, swinging him into her arms for a cuddle first. Freezing, Merlin looked at Aine with his eyes suddenly wide, "Is it..is it a good surprise?" Merlin's last one had not been, and he felt a creeping nervousness. Aine smiled gently, tucking his hair behind his ear. "Oh yes. It will be different, but I think it will be a very good thing, and both Mum and Balinor very much want you to be there with them. Let's make sure you are. Come on now, Ken left a cloth on the shelf there, we can use it to clean you up, and then get properly dressed, and today mister you are combing your hair. Quickly now."

Catching her happiness and excitement Merlin scrambled down to do as he was told.

A few minutes later he was ready to leave, standing at the door, fidgeting impatiently.

Aine had always thought that if this day ever came it would be either a lavish affair, or small, done in a community spirit. Certainly she had expected another to be officiant, not that it would be any less legitimate, but a witness was always useful. By many tribes laws the couple were already wed. If creatures of the old religion had decided to make a fuss of another of their kin in the absence of his brothers though, so be it. Hunith had certainly earned it. The holy groves were hardly open to the masses, even for what was now a first degree union.

As they crept, hand in hand, through the village shrouded in darkness she was impressed by Merlin's improved co-ordination and awareness, even in his sleep disturbed state.

"Are we close?"

Aine squeezed his hand, "Very."

Upon entering the grove and crossing the natural wards Aine was robbed of her breath.

Whatever she had prepared for it was not this. There unquestionably were no interfering humans who posed a danger, but empty it was not! The grove was lit up stunningly with the moonlight reflecting and caught by the water spirits in the mist and night dew, refracting light appearing as a carpet of tiny crystals, the trees were singing she thought, before realising it was not them, but the dryads. Low sacred songs, so old the language was long lost, but the meaning still clear, tears sprung to her eyes as they settled on her son and his bride, standing in wait for her and Merlin. Apparently one of the dryads had a talent for aesthetics as Hunith was no longer clad only in her peasants plain, woollen dress, but in a layered gown of leaves that sparkled with every movement, wildflowers woven into her hair, feet bare as she stood on the the hallowed ground.

Next to her Balinor was a contrast in his simplicity, also barefoot, he stood as his ancestors had done, before the Lord in his title meant the confines of courts. His torso bare, despite the chill of night air, the identifying marks of his House and line were proudly displayed, the sign of a Dragonlord that flared against his skin like the flame of dragonfire, his hair tied back with a leather thong as they all did for clear vision in flight, his low slung breeches were as dark as any shadow. Aine smiled, she had enough experience of trying to persuade her son to dress up or for any formality to know how stubbornly he'd resist. Really it was amazing that they'd convinced him to draw the additional traditional symbols on his skin. The gasp from her side had her crouching down to reassure her grandson, but one look at his face eased her concern, really, thought Aine, he belonged here far more than he belonged away from it, Merlin reached out to touch the nearest vilia and it wrapped around his arm, another slipping around his other, without any prompting, the child struggled out of his boots, Aine wincing at the thought of removing so many skelfs from his feet, and realised that the grass was weaving itself around him to protect them. Instead of showing fear, Merlin giggled, "It tickles!" Even his thoughts were giggly she found, ignoring the way that nature itself appeared to be acting to protect the child.

"Of course, sweetie. Where shall we stand?"

"The white lady says over there." Merlin pointed to the spot a priestess would usually occupy. Not wishing to taint the memory for him Aine carefully didn't comment on the fact there was no white woman there, simply following his instruction, "Alright, good idea."

Standing in front of his parents, Merlin looked carefully at both, elation visible as he looked over the vision that was his mother, concentration visible as he focused on Balinor. Face clearing he stepped back nodding once, and began removing his tunic, as soon as it hit the ground one of the male dryads swayed forwards, kneeling before the child as if he would notice, rumbling his approval and surprise when the boy threw his arms around the creature speaking a mental "Thank you" to them all. The tree spirit had noticed the boy looking wistfully at his mother's flower bedecked hair. He wasn't about to do the same as his sister had, but instead a wreath of leaves from the sacred trees sprung from his hand as he place the crown on the head of the future king of the druids, feeling not a little smug to have been the first, and feeling his sister's sense of outrage "Oh relax, it's not as though I told Emrys. It's not exactly every day you meet Him is it?"

"Exactly", a sugared voice responded, "You're actions please me, I will forgive your presumption child." Silence spread through the grove as Arianrhod spoke, their four visitors not hearing, though the youngest of all clearly sensing her presence as he turned and bowed low to her, his bright smile making even her heart swell, and she smiled back, speaking to him "It is time. Stand proud little one."

Wondering at the beauty around him Merlin made himself turn away from the princess, not really understanding why the others weren't staring at the princess too. Maybe the princess wouldn't mind too much since Balinor was looking at Mum as the she was one too, Merlin thought she probably could be like this if the night didn't have one already.

Then Balinor turned towards Merlin, resting a large hand on his thin shoulder, a look of surprise and pride as he finally saw Merlin, and came down to be eye- level with him. "Merlin, there is something that I need to tell you, and something I want to ask you. You wanted to know where your magic came from when your mother has none, and do you remember what I told you?"

Merlin nodded, feeling as though the world around him had frozen again. Arianrhod smiled slightly, allowing him to hold this moment still inside the grove, Emrys would have need of such precious memories whichever road his destiny led him by.

"Your magic recognises mine, doesn't it? Merlin, it does that because you get some of your magic from me, because I am a part of you. Your magic is all your own Merlin, but remember I told you a part of it came from your father, when you asked, it came from me."

Balinor could feel the panic, joy, rage, need, warring within his son, and prepared a shield as he felt it was about to overflow there was a serenity that couldn't be from the child alone, and he saw, nosing at Merlin's left hand a she-wolf, and as an owl come to rest to his right. Merlin did not see an owl, but the white princess. "He could not stay before, he did not know of you. We Saw, and we brought him back for you, he loves like you loves, and he feels like you feel, and will always protect you, son of Earth and Sky, you are the son of his blood and spirit. Let him help."

"I don't know how! No one can help, no one!" Merlin sobbed to the Lady.

"You don't have to, child. My brothers would have it that I not interfere, but you are mistaken, we will not return, not for many cycles, for they would find you, but Frigg and Arianrhod conceal you that you may be helped child. We are so old now that some forget what it is like to be so small. We leave you with those that will help, if you let them. Your father waits for for you child. You need not yet be Emrys, let go and return to them." The princess kissed his forehead and things started to move again, but this time his fear was gone, maybe she had taken it with her this time, thought Merlin, as he realised that Bal- no, that his father was searching him, his concern easy to feel now. The tears still wet his cheeks, and yet his mind did not reflect the turmoil.

"You are not a monster."

Balinor was unsure of the significance of Merlin's declaration and agreed warily. "No, I'm not."

"Then… then I am not a monster?" Balinor pulled the boy into a tight hold, "No son, no, you are not, and you never will be." Unlike some, the Dragonlord did not say 'couldn't', because he knew just how shaky that line between man and monster truly was, that it was entirely possible, and relied on individual strength of will for people like them. Merlin would sense the lie, and Balinor needed to keep his son's trust. Aine felt prickling in the corner of her eyes just watching.

"I have asked your mother to tie the knot with me tonight, in this special place, and I want you to stand up with us. Hunith has no father or brother near to give her away, you are our family and have been with her while I couldn't be, will you do this?" Balinor released Merlin, and saw him draw all his courage. "You're my family?"

It was a strange thought, having someone more than Mum, 'If you let them' The moon princess had said, maybe he had to let them help now, Merlin's eyes strayed to his mother, and realised that none of it was ever really a question. He'd never seen her look so happy, and like she wasn't worrying, really he didn't know how more people didn't see, but Balinor did, and she let him, thought Merlin. If Mum wanted to be married, and he would keep her safe, that was ok. Merlin wanted her not to be sad again, he already knew that men didn't marry women who had bastards, even bastards who were not monsters. He wasn't sure he believed Balinor about that, but if Balinor had the same kind of magic, if he was a monster, he might not mind having one as a son too.

Merlin knew he was the reason mum had been alone. Perhaps he could help her to not be anymore and give her a friend, like other grown ups had. Fighting the urge to chew his thumbnail, Merlin didn't say anything, instead he took his father's hand and began pulling him back towards his mother, to the place where the moonlight was brightest. It was as though the glow from Balinor grew to encircle Hunith, and Merlin understood. "You should be together. There were.. Missing pieces...holes. Now, with you, Mum has no holes. You were lost, had wandered off. You forgot your home was not a place, so They made you find it. We are supposed to be Home." Merlin looked sadly to him and shook his head. "I can't give you mum. Can't give her when she is a part of you."

Aine smiled and brushed a tear away, and Hunith looked at him tenderly, "Well then Merlin, will you stand witness for me?" She stroked his cheek as he looked up at her.

"Will you keep me too?" There was a wobble in his tone, not due only to youth.

"Oh Merlin, of course! That's not how love works, it increases, never ever think I could stop loving you. We are adding Balinor to our family, in his own place, yours is the same as always. Right next to me, my precious son. Together. I had planned to welcome you to the world with Balinor, but he was a little late getting home. So I have been blessed with you in a different order. That's all."

Merlin bit his lip before speaking to all of them "I'll do it." He fidgeted, "How do I do it? What's a witness?", he asked.

Aine took his hand and drew him to herself,

"Just watch, and listen. Normally, I should call upon the triple goddess, or Lugh, or Branwen here, but tonight I rather think that whoever is needed is already in attendance, and we are the ones called." She grinned as she glanced around the clearing,

"Step into the circle together, Balinor, Dragonlord of Albion, and Hunith, Mother of Merlin."

Her mind whispering 'Emrys, Magic, Hope.' as his True name should be used in a druid rite. The living roots rose from the ground, weaving a perfect circle around them.

"Who is it brings this fair maid to be wed this day?" Aine winked at Merlin and he startled, unsure what she expected. "Just say 'I do" Whispered a gnarled looking dryad to him.

"I DO!" came Merlin's reply.

"Then let it be done." answered Aine smoothly, smothering her amusement.

"Let each person gathered here now call into this sacred rite, in this consecrated place, the powers that we know to be sources of love and inspiration.
Let us take a moment to attune to this Presence that we may bring ourselves fully to the importance of this time and place. Hunith and Balinor, do you come to this place of your own free will?"

"I do." They chorused, after all, where was one to draw the line between free will and destiny, where did they cross over, if not at Love?

Aine nodded, satisfied. Really it was only show, neither had anyone else left to force them, or to protest the match.

"Let us honour the four directions of our world, that their blessings may be brought to this couple".

More familiar with the practice, Balinor guided Hunith through the quarters, allowing his mother's rich voice to soothe any disquiet in him.

"Spirits of the east, spirits of air, let us feel your breath!

Through times of uncertainty, through winds of change, will you still love and honour each other?"

Neither could look away, eyes locked onto each other, "I will."

"Then may you be blessed by the powers of the east! May together you find the freedom of flight in the clear mountain air, may your marriage be reborn with each new dawn."

"Spirits of the south, spirits of fire, let us feel your power!" Declared Aine,

"Through the flames of passion, and when the fires burn low, will you still love and honour each other?"

"I will," came the response. Balinor tried to tamp down his own spirit of fire as it roared through him, as though called to life.

"Then may you be blessed by the powers of the south. May together you dance the road of courage and vitality. May your home be filled with warmth.

Spirits of the west, spirits of water, let us feel your flowing energy!
Through the white water currents and deep still pools of emotion, will you still love and honour each other?"

They had already been tested, and overcome such trials. Hunith and Balinor grinned at one another "We will."

"Then may you be blessed by the powers of the west. May together you weave and blend your desires, flowing with the beauty of the ocean tides. May your life together be filled with love."

"Spirits of the north, spirits of earth, let us feel your certainty!" Inwardly Aine rolled her eyes at just how literally the earth spirits had shown it.

"Through times of cold restriction, when problems seem immovable, will you still love and honour each other?"

Balinor stroked a thumb over her cheekbone, "Always" he murmured, Hunith's eyes misted over, "I will. Too late to stop now." she said, smiling wryly at him.

"Then may you be blessed by the powers of the earth. May together you root in sweet fertile soil, that your union may grow strong. May your lives together be rich with that fertility and its perfect fruitfulness."

Bathed in the glow of moonlight, they held out their hands, as Aine bound them together with a length of cloth, and cord offered up by one of the dryads. Looking for the third she would usually have ready she was stunned when her young grandson whispered "Here," and offered a bright gold ribbon of pure magic to be the final cord, she could think of anything more true of their binding in the moment. "It's perfect, Little one." Merlin stood proudly next to her, unaware that he mimicked what the high priest would usually have been doing for a Dragonlord union.
"At sacred times and places, our ancestors clasped hands when they would wed, and such handfastings witnessed by the gods and the community were lawful, true and binding, as love binds one heart to another.

"Hunith and Balinor, you wish to make vows that will bind you together, soul to soul, heart to heart, joining the bloodlines of your ancestors and those of your descendants, witnessed by those who have gathered here this day, in spirit and in body, in this sacred Circle?"

Fingers laced together, the night air completely still, the young couple shivered. Balinor's rough voice complementing Hunith's smooth "I do."

"Then so do."

The Dragonlord remembered his bride's request not to be gossip fodder and was aware of their audience so kept his words intentionally simple and short.

"Hunith, my Lady, I love you more every day.
You are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.
I give you my Body, that we Two might be One.

I give you my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done."

Aine smiled gently, knowing that he had been here and shared his heart earlier, and turned her attention to the bride,

"Hunith, do you consent to become the wife of this man?"

Her face lit up as she too thought of their earlier words and chanted her own vows in return:

"You cannot possess me for I belong to myself

But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give

You cannot command me, for I am a free person

But I shall serve you in those ways you require

and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand."

Aine held a hand over each of them, nodding her approval.

"All things in nature are circular. Night becomes day, day leads into night which again gives way to day. Moon waxes and wanes, and waxes again. There is Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, then Spring returns again. These are the flowing rhythms of the Cycle of Existence. Yet in the Centre of the Circle is the stillness of the Source, eternal and brilliant.
Hunith and Balinor, do you bring with you this day your symbols of these mysteries of life?"

Balinor held out the rings Albion had presented him. "Mother?"

Aine tutted, "Go on then man, it's been a long enough time coming."

He slid the living ring onto Hunith's finger, revelling in the joy that rolled off her in waves, and pressed the other one into her palm, waiting only long enough for her to slide it onto his own hand before pulling her against him for a deep kiss that only his mother's presence kept from getting away from him.
He could see her amusement in the sparkle of her eyes when they finally broke apart.

Merlin watched curiously as the old woman grinned beautifically, overwhelmed by seeing her family finally whole again. Well, as whole as they could be with so few remaining; tonight it was enough. It was more than she had dared to hope for. Beside her Merlin was beginning to yawn, fighting valiantly to remain awake and focused until he could go back to sleep, and she rather thought his parents might appreciate a few hours alone to celebrate and connect. "Just the blessing to go dear, and then we must leave this sacred place, even the triple goddess knows that little boys need rest." Swaying a little on his feet he smiled sweetly back and snuggled into her side.

"As you go from here and step over the boundary together, the next part of your journey begins, together, so in this life Balinor and Hunith;

May the earth welcome your footsteps,

May the wind sing your tale,

May fire dance from your fingertips,

May the ocean speed your tail.

May your courage never fail you,

May your words be blessed with grace;

May the spirit of inspiration light your way.

May you be a friend to your destiny

May you always know your name.

May you learn to dance with lightning When life brings storm and rain.

May you never be far from family Whether kin by blood or heart;

May you never feel completely set apart.

May you walk through life like a balance beam And never stumble and fall.

May you walk through a hundred angry glares

And may it not matter at all.

May you never cease to teach

And never cease to learn;

May the spark of hope inside you always burn.

Listen to the wind….for it talks.

Listen to the silence….for it speaks.

Listen with your heart….. And you will learn and understand."

Stepping back from them, Aine swept her grandson into her arms, blinking back tears, "Come on dear, back to bed for you just as soon as you put your clothes back on, or you'll freeze! Best say goodbye to your friends too, I don't think we'll be back this way."

Merlin frowned. "The moon lady isn't coming back for cycles, and the visitor isn't allowed. The tree people are nice, but they have to guard them, so can't go very far from their roots. Maybe Mum would let me have an owl? She said no wolves, but I never asked about owls. Does Bal- does my father like owls?"

Setting aside any unsettling moon ladies, Aine picked up the cloak and wrapped it tightly around him, after he struggled gracelessly into his tunic, "He likes owls Merlin, you can ask another day, and they will be very happy to talk to you about non-lupine pets, but after two people get married, they like some time alone together."

A look of horror dawned on Merlin's face. "For kissing. Eww, is mum gonna be kissing him lots now? Do I have to see?"

"Well I suppose you could hide, but yes, I think you might have to get used to them kissing."

"The gross way?"

Aine chuckled, "Yes Merlin, the gross way."

And if neither Balinor nor Hunith were in their designated sleeping places before the pre-dawn light appeared, his mother, and their son, both kept their counsel on it, the latter giving them only a disapproving look over breakfast and stating that it was not ok to stay out all night. To which they agreed, and promised not to do so again.

Outwardly, the only difference was the presence of their rings, but it took Ken all of one look to spot those, and a wide grin split his face as he joined them, smirking across the table at both, as he noted the too-tidy sleeping furs. Eyeing their young company he cleared his throat and tried, unsuccessfully, to appear innocent, clearly desperate to question the pair but this time managing instead to moderate his enquiries to a gruff "Tea, anybody?"

(But greener)

Disclaimer: I know very little about authentic Pagan and druidic ceremonies, and much of the information conflicts, thus this is a tweaked version of one form listed, with mix-n-match blessings. If anything is horribly wrong, please tell me for future purposes.