Chapter Fourteen: Once and Future (Part Two)
A sorceress stood alone at the peak of a small foothill, with the wind blowing her long curls away from her face. Her eyes focused on the coming sunrise. She could feel the sun's warmth and power rising, and she watched as the sky faded from indigo to lavender to pink.
Raising her hands, she drank in that natural power that came from the sun and the waking earth. She could smell the earth, deep and rich, and the wind carried the promise of flowers that were to bloom.
Then she shut her eyes, grounding her power, centering it until she felt it coil within herself, behind her navel. When her eyes snapped open, they burned a deep copper, and her power burst from her, like an arrow from a bow.
It arched over the valley, crossing the lightening sky. It settled on a distant point on the horizon, and with a final murmur and flourish of her hands, there it would remain for the rest of the day.
And from miles around, all could see the rainbow it all its glory. Many thought it came to be from the sunlight reflecting the morning dew, and none would suspect it was a sorceresses' gift for the once and future king and his bride.
As she rode home, back to Camelot, Iris smiled.
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"Merlin, look!"
Merlin glanced at Morgana, whose gaze was fixated on the sky above. He looked up and saw the rainbow, bright and colorful, arching across the sky.
Iris? he called out, even as he smiled knowingly.
What do you think? Her tone told him even from miles away, she was smirking.
Merlin grinned. It's... well, brilliant!
He heard her laugh, and it felt like a warm tingling along his skin. She didn't respond in words so much as feeling, leaving him with happiness and love that he knew echoed back from his soul to hers.
Morgana watched Merlin curiously, noticing how he smiled, but not at her, since his eyes were unfocused. Chalking it up to nothing except for Merlin being Merlin, she shook her head and chuckled quietly.
The sound of galloping hooves alerted the pair to Iris' return. The redhead rode close before pulling Nimbus to a stop. Her hair was more wild than usual, windswept and cascading down her back, and her eyes glowed a bright turquoise that glinted with pride and mischief.
"Iris!" Morgana called out. She moved to stroke Nimbus' neck while Iris slid off of his back. "Where have you been?"
Iris grinned. "There was something I wanted to do," she said, looking up pointedly before meeting Morgana's gaze again.
Morgana gaped at her. When she looked at the rainbow again, she laughed. "Well, I think it's perfect. Shall we go inside and make sure everyone is ready?"
"Let's," Iris agreed, looping her arm through Morgana's before casting Merlin a small smile as he lead Nimbus back into the stables.
I'll see you later, Emrys, she said, her lips curving coyly.
Merlin stifled a laugh. Shaking his head, he lead the stallion away.
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Smoothing a hand down her long skirts, Gwen released a long, nervous breath before looking at her reflection in the tall mirror before her.
Then she looked to her friends, who stood behind her, each wearing a look of excitement and awe. She grimaced. "Does it look all right?"
Morgana broke first. "Gwen, you are absolutely beautiful!" she exclaimed. She rested a pale hand on Gwen's shoulder. "Arthur just might faint at the sight of you."
A laugh burst through Gwen's lips, and she raised a hand to her mouth to smother the sound.
Iris, however, was content at snickering at the image. "Morgana is right, Gwen. You look like the Queen that Camelot deserves."
Swallowing, Gwen turned back to the reflection. Her hand now lifted to her long, curling hair, but was brushed away by Iris.
"No fussing," Iris insisted. "You're ready."
Draped in a dress made of deep red velvet, Gwen stood tall, with her shoulders back. The gown left her shoulders bare and plunged down to reveal a hint of cleavage. It wrapped around her middle and hips intimately, then flowed freely down, covering her feet before trailing behind her. The bodice was decorated with golden roses and vines, and that same design was at the edges of her sleeves, and the bottom edges of the dress. Her waist was emphasized by a gold belt that had rubies pressed into the metal. The long sleeves flowed down her arms, opening at the ends to bare her delicate wrists and hands, which were bare except for the golden band on her left finger.
Her hair was twisted into a braided coiffure and left to curl freely down to her waist. Dangling from her ears were a gift from Iris and Merlin, a set of golden earrings crafted into the shape of small dragons with ruby eyes. The dress itself was a gift from Morgana.
Gwen took a breath, then released it slowly. When she looked at the others again, she gave them a smile and a nod.
Ooo0ooO
Waiting in the great hall, Arthur stood beside Geoffrey, nervously twisting the silver ring that sat on his forefinger that bore the crest of Camelot. Dressed in his finest armor and a deep red cape that bore the crest as well, Arthur looked every part the King of Camelot, despite the nervous expression he bore.
In front of him stood the murmuring crowd. The closest were the knights, then Merlin and Gaius. Arthur looked at his servant- no, his friend- and felt himself relax slightly when Merlin gave him a reassuring smile and nod. Morgana had joined them moments ago, and she beamed at Arthur. She was dressed in a deep violet gown made from silk, that rippled like water when she moved. He saw Iris move through the crowd before finding her place beside Merlin. Iris' gaze lifted, as if she sensed his was on her. She too, was dressed in a silk gown, but this one was a brilliant shade of turquoise, matching the color of her eyes, and was edged with golden lace that only made her hair gleam more brightly.
Then the doors opened, and Arthur's attention was drawn away from the smile that Iris offered him.
It was as thought the air left the room. Arthur wondered only briefly, vaguely, if he was remembering to breathe when he watched Gwen approach him. A beautiful, bright smile stretched across her features, and her dark eyes sparkled. The dress she wore were the colors of Camelot, and Arthur felt at a loss for words to describe the way his heart burned at the sight of her.
When she was there in front of him, he reached out for her, taking her hands in his, drawing her up the final step so they stood before the others and in front of Geoffrey. Arthur barely heard the words the older man spoke, which were of new beginnings, love, and vows.
When Geoffrey asked Gwen if she would take Arthur as her husband, she squeezed her hands in his. "I do."
When Geoffrey repeated the question for Arthur, for taking Gwen as his wife, he spoke in a loud, clear voice, "I do."
Then Gwen turned to face Geoffrey, kneeling, head bowed. In the older man's hand was her crown- golden and embedded with rubies and garnets.
"Will you, Guinevere, solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Camelot according to their respected laws and customs?" Geoffrey's words echoed Arthur's coronation, and like Arthur, Gwen made her vows.
"I solemnly swear to do so."
"Will you- to your power- enforce laws and justice and mercy to be executed in all your judgments?"
"I will."
"Will you solemnly swear and promise to rule beside your lord husband, King Arthur of Camelot, as his Queen and his equal?"
"I do solemnly swear and promise."
"Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you, Guinevere, Queen of Camelot." Geoffrey placed the crown atop Gwen's head, then bowed before her as she rose and turned to face the crowd.
"Long live the Queen!"
Echoes of "Long live the Queen!" went up and down the hall, but no shouts were louder than from the knights, Iris, Merlin, and Morgana. Cheers and applause broke out as Arthur took Gwen's hand, presenting her now as their once and future Queen.
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The celebration carried on throughout the castle, finding the massive crowd gathered together in the halls, drinking and toasting to their sovereigns. Arthur and Gwen sat at the head of a long table, offering their thanks for all the well wishes.
With her hand in Merlin's, Iris winked at Arthur, who only chuckled quietly and saluted her with his goblet.
Then she stood, making her way to the small stage that had been erected so music could be played throughout the banquet. She whispered to one of the fellows who strummed a stringed instrument next to the harpist.
When she turned and came back to the table, she pulled Merlin to his feet. "Dance with me?" she asked, smiling warmly.
Merlin pulled her close, guiding her into a dance among the other dancers. He lost himself in her eyes, both green and blue, with a hint of gold in the center. He turned with her, their palms touching as they circled each other.
Arthur and Gwen joined the others, dancing and laughing, their eyes never leaving each other's.
Merlin caught the look in Iris' eyes when she saw the couple, before he turned her again. Her hair brushed his cheek, making him laugh.
And when she faced him once more, she suddenly began singing, raising her voice so it carried over the noise of the crowd.
"This love, it is a distant star
Guiding us home wherever we are
This love, it is a burning sun
Shining light on the things that we've done..."
Suddenly, Iris spun away and Morgana was in his arms. Merlin blinked, and Iris sent him a wink, weaving her way through the crowd, still singing.
"And now these walls come crumbling down
And I can feel my feet on the ground-,"
Quick as lightning, Gwaine caught Iris by her waist, spinning his sister before dipping her dramatically, causing her and many others to laugh.
And when she continued on her way, she came to a stop in front of the royal couple, a smirk spreading across her features.
"Can we carry this love we share
Into the open air?
This love, it is a burning sun..."
And then the song slowed, repeating, but this time Iris sang in a different language, and Merlin's eyes widened.
The sorceress sang in the language used while conjuring magic- ancient and beautiful- sounding more like a siren than an enchantress. She sang unafraid, for only those close to her would recognize the tongue.
Her final words, sung sweetly, echoed down the hall, "This love, it is a burning sun."
Ooo0ooO
The sun sunk low in the sky, turning it a brilliant shade of blood orange, and with the sunset, the rainbow began to slowly fade away.
Standing alone, the new once and future Queen inhaled deeply, having come outside for a breath of fresh air. Her dark eyes reflected the colors of the setting sun, and they skimmed over the lands surrounding the castle and Camelot.
"Surveying your kingdom, my lady?"
Gwen turned and smiled. "Arthur, I thought you would've stayed inside."
The King smirked, moving to her side. "But why would I want to be there, when you are here?"
Gwen laughed softly, meeting his gaze before taking his hand in both of hers. "They might miss us."
Arthur drew her close. "I think they will understand if a husband wants a moment- or two- alone with his wife."
Leaning up, cradled against Arthur's chest, Gwen saw the gleam of his blue eyes before he closed the distance between them. Their lips brushed softly, before Arthur's hands took hold of her hips. Gwen sighed, allowing him deeper access into her mouth, where his tongue coaxed hers. She felt heat skitter down her spine, and pool deep within her belly.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless.
"Guinevere..." Arthur murmured, trailing a hand down one long curl that draped over her shoulder.
Pressing her hands against his chest, Gwen smiled, biting the corner of her lip. "Later," she promised, knowing the desire she saw in his eyes reflected in hers.
"Later," Arthur agreed.
Ooo0ooO
"Is it silly that I'm nervous?"
Back in the room they had used to get Gwen ready, the three women had gathered back together to prepare Gwen for her wedding night. Gwen nibbled on her lip, and Morgana cast Iris a curious look. Iris, being the only one of the three who had any experience in "intimate matters", as Morgana put it, gave the new Queen a reassuring smile.
"No," Iris said, carefully brushing Gwen's hair. "It's completely normal."
"Were you?" Morgana asked. "With Merlin?"
Iris considered that. She smiled at the memory of when her and Merlin first made love- and how it had been the first time for both of them. "No," she admitted after a moment. "It was what I- what we- both wanted. If there were nerves, it was due to inexperience, but not nerves about the... act itself."
Gwen blushed, and Morgana nodded.
Iris took Gwen's hands in hers. "Be brave, my Queen. Arthur will be nervous too. Don't shy away from telling him... what you like, or what you need."
Gwen's cheeks darkened. "What about... I mean, I have heard there might be... pain," she said, her voice uneven.
"If you go slow, take your time, and guide each other, there will not be," Iris told her. "I felt no pain, but that was because there was... preparation." Iris continued a little more, adding in some details, so her meaning was clear.
After a few more minutes, and a few more sips of wine, Gwen looked at herself in the mirror like she had earlier. This time, she wore white, a soft, loose dress that covered her completely.
When Iris and Morgana escorted her to Arthur's chambers, which were to become his and Gwen's, Iris turned to her friend one last time. "If you need anything..."
"I know," Gwen murmured before hugging her, and then Morgana.
Morgana beamed, touching the Queen's cheek affectionately. When Gwen knocked on the door, Merlin slipped out of the room and gave Gwen a wide smile and swift bow. He moved to Iris' side and the three of them walked down the corridor, leaving the King and Queen be.
Iris linked her arm through Morgana's, and took Merlin's hand in her other one. Morgana leaned against her, and Merlin squeezed her hand. They didn't say anything, and found themselves outside, looking out at the view where Gwen had stood earlier.
The sky was now dark, and the rainbow and magic had faded. The stars were shining more brightly, since the moon was new.
Eventually, Morgana slipped away with a murmur of how she was turning in, leaving the sorcerer and sorceress alone.
Iris leaned her head against Merlin's shoulder, smiling when his cheek rested atop her curls. She pressed into his side, her hand sliding under his shirt. Her fingertips traced the scar on his side. She felt his arm around her shoulder, and how his fingers in turn traced the scar there, from another bandit.
Merlin felt himself relax, allowing his thoughts to drift. He enjoyed the feeling of Iris leaning on him, feeling her warmth, and the gentle dance of her fingers against his skin. His eyes traced the stretch of stars glittering in the sky- white, blue, yellow.
Then his vision blurred before fading, and a vision overtook him.
The once and future King.
The once and future Queen.
A white dragon on a banner of red.
A sun rose on an empty battlefield, which was littered with the new banner.
"Merlin..."
Flinching at the familiar growl of Kilgharrah's voice in his mind, Merlin blinked as the vision passed, and once again he was looking at the stars.
"Merlin?"
Merlin looked down into Iris' eyes, which were a rich green in the dark, gleaming like a cat's.
"I..."
Furrowing a brow, Iris frowned. "What is it?"
Merlin shook his head, allowing her to see what he saw in his mind. Her eyes glazed over, and she flinched at the image of the battlefield.
This time, it was Merlin who was frowning.
Iris licked her suddenly dry lips. "Merlin, I... I saw that vision as well. Not the banner, but the field..."
And again, they entered each other's mind, and it was Merlin who saw what Iris had seen many months ago. Her parents, the dark figure chasing her, and a sun rising on a battlefield. Someone calling her name, her walking through a field of flowers, which turned into a dry desert. A hand reaching for her, and her screaming...
"Why did you not tell me?" Merlin asked, shocked.
Iris shifted, anxiety crossing her features. "It was a dream. It came to me when I first arrived here... I didn't think... I didn't know..."
Merlin remembered hearing Kilgharrah's voice. "Do you think we should see Kilgharrah again?"
"I want to see him in the mountains," Iris said immediately. "Not here, with the crowds for the wedding still lingering. Maybe in a few days..."
Merlin nodded. He reached out, tracing the line that was etched between her brows. "It will be all right," he assured her. "We will get this sorted."
Iris released a breath. She pressed her forehead against his chest, wrapping her arms around his middle. "I'll ask Gaius if he has any books about visions," she told him as he embraced her in turn. "This has never happened before..."
Running a hand down her hair, Merlin pressed his chin on top of her head. When he gazed out at the view again, he did not see the stars, the darkened outline of the forest. His mind circled back to the vision again and again, and what it could possibly mean.
Ooo0ooO
Deep in a cave nestled in the White Mountains, a pair of golden eyes gleamed in the darkness. A great dragon shifted, arching his head so he could focus his gaze out past the hills, the trees, towards Camelot.
He could feel the shift in the air, in the magic that surrounded them all.
On a deep exhale, he called out again, "Merlin..."
Ooo0ooO
In another cave, lost in the Valley of the Fallen Kings, Agravaine hunkered over a dying fire. This cave was small and cold, and bats kept flying in and out of it. Rubbing his hands together for some warmth, a deep frown etched itself into the former lord's expression.
Of course he had heard of the news- Arthur had married that serving wench. It was a spectacle, the talk of the entire kingdom. It seemed even the gods smiled upon the union, with a rainbow appearing at dawn.
A whimper came from deeper within the cave, and a shuffling noise made the man turn.
Wrapped in a haggard cloak and dirt clothes, a small boy peered out from the darkness. His torn shirt sagged open, revealing a triskelion tattoo on his chest.
"Quiet, boy," Agravaine snapped.
The boy kept staring with wide, pale blue eyes. He hadn't spoken a word since he had been taken from the Druids.
Agravaine smiled. "I think you will be of great help to me... Mordred."
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Author's Note: The beginning of the chapter is a nod to Greek mythology- since Iris is the goddess of the rainbow. This chapter features lyrics from Into the Open Air by Julie Fowlis.
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