Conclusion

[A/N: Happy Thanksgiving!]

Sol ascended through the heavens casting a spectrum of shades and brilliant colors over the valley. Birds called to each other in a soothing symphony. A bit of warmth softened the chill's edge. The mists, hovering thickly over the landscape and obscuring foliage and being alike, burned away. A few small animals rustled in the brush looking for the day's first meal.

And for those rushing to the east, the valley provided an oasis of sorts…..

[Rise Across the Valley from Ealdor]

Mithian gazed down onto the mist enshrouded expanse beneath herself. The morning's warmth lessened the crimson on her cheeks. The breeze rustled her hair. She noted the streaks of color overhead. She inhaled deeply of the clean air.

Anxiety ate away like a cancer inside of her however….

She bit her lip. Despite Ninane's repeated assurances, Unease tormented her. She tapped her fingers against her sides. She realized that her attention should have been focused on Arthur's safety first as reigning monarch and her friend. She'd even spoken to Gwen to that effect.

Still words couldn't measure up to reality or so it seemed….

I know Merlin's alive and down there. Frankly that should keep me going. But I can't help worrying! What happened to him? Is Malodius all right? She glanced back at Britomart who rolled up their bedding. I know she's thinking about Sir Gawain. She frowned and peered again into the valley's still covered area.

"Have faith, Princess Mithian. All will be well," Ywain assured her.

She nearly jumped. "Oh! Sir Ywain! I didn't see you."

He bowed to her. "Forgive me for startling you, Milady. You were deep in thought."

"I am anxious about King Arthur and our friends." Mithian shrugged. She reapplied the Mask of State before continuing, "Do we know what's down in that valley?"

Gawain nodded. "As the Priestess Ninane indicated, the village of Ealdor lies at the valley's far end. Guinevere says it is a quiet place. Did you know King Arthur's servant, Merlin, is from there?"

"Really? That's interesting." She raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps I might ask him about the hunting then?"

"Perhaps, Princess." Despite her attempts to appear otherwise, he could clearly see Concern's burden wearing on her face. "I'm sure Merlin would be more than willing to offer some insight in that regard. He is always insightful." He smiled. "I am certain he and the others are safe."

"I am sure. Priestess Ninane said as much. Still, it is my job to concern myself over our friends' state." She exhaled trying to relax her jittery nerves. "We will know soon enough." She noted Sol climbing further above the eastern horizon. "How go the packing efforts?"

"We will be ready to depart soon. You might get yourself something to eat. It will be a long morning's ride across the valley toward the hamlet. Fortunately Guinevere knows the way," he reported.

"That is fortunate indeed, Sir Ywain. Thank you for your observation on behalf of my well-being. I appreciate it," she expressed. "Follow me if you would, Good Knight?" She walked back toward the others.

He glanced toward the west. He could almost anticipate Morgana and the Southrons' frustration. Despite the scene's idyllic feel, he knew that the group stood at Trouble's crossroads. Mercian and Essetirian politics held dominance over the stretch on which they stood. Camelot's border only lay a few leagues behind. Beasts of all kinds could stomp forth from the cloying fog.

"Sir Ywain?" Mithian broke in. She looked him over. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Princess Mithian. Begging your pardon, my mind wanders," Ywain apologized. He collected himself and headed back toward the camp.

Now what? Mithian shook her head. We're all letting our fears get to us. She discovered that the others had packed everything up and waited for her. "Are we set then?"

"Perfectly, Princess," Galahad assured her. "We await your command."

"Would you like something, my Lady, before we leave?" Britomart inquired.

"I can wait until we reach Ealdor," Mithian declined. "I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Britomart, as always. Based on what we've seen, I would feel better when we reach the village." She bit her lip. I won't let anything happen to your friends and neighbors, Merlin. "Guinevere, would you care to lead our progress since you know the way?"

Gwen snapped out of her own introspection. Surprise over the latter's respect for her experience still hadn't totally abated. She looked to Blancheflor who nodded in turn. "Right this way then, Everyone. Thank you, Princess Mithian." She nodded to Mithian before adding a smile. Then she spurred her horse and started down the trail toward the valley below.

I hope she realizes that I am her friend. She definitely is worthy! Mithian urged her own steed onward and toward the mist-laden path.

[Wooded Patch Not Far From Ealdor's Edge]

Merlin leaned up against a gnarled tree. Familiarity offered a soothing balm of sorts to him. Questions flooded his mind. Worry prodded at him over Arthur's and Gawain's shared malady. Doubt pressed over whether they should be there. (After all, why invite Chaos and Destruction to crash Bliss' balance?) He looked over toward Gaius who tended to the others. Can I handle this?

Handle what, Balinor's Son? Malodius raised his head. His eyes narrowed. Doubt is a parasite, Young One. Do not indulge it overly much.

Caution is valuable too. Merlin bit his lip. Morgana's looking for us. How can everyone think she'll stop just because we're in Essetir? She won't care about the border. Neither will those goons. I have to think of the right spell to get Arthur and Gawain back to normal. Gaius will need assistance. And….

Stop, Merlin, Malodius interrupted. You don't need to carry the entire world on your shoulders. Have you considered that the spells might not be yours to cast? King Arthur and Sir Gawain's situation, I sense, is a different type of magic. Do not shut the world out. We, your allies, are here for you.

I can't let you all get hurt though, Merlin disagreed.

Respect for our choices is something you need to deal with. I chose to help you. I trust that Ywain and Galahad can protect Princess Mithian, Lady Blancheflor and Guinevere. I believe that Britomart's sword is more than capable. Believe in that. Malodius growled. You're shutting Princess Mithian out.

I'm not. I…I… Merlin sighed. I just don't want her exposing herself. She's done enough for me already. I'm just a servant.

You're Emrys of the Druids, Son of Balinor and Last of the Dragon Lords. Certainly you've done enough to merit consideration otherwise. You're a servant because you choose to be. There are other ways to bring about the prophecy. Princess Mithian is stronger than you think. She's also wiser than most would give credit for. Have faith. You are of royal blood. Take pride in that, Malodius admonished.

Try getting that through his head, Kilgarrah interjected tersely.

I want to work with everyone! I just…. I…. Merlin bowed his head. Even as he engaged in the telepathic exchange, he struggled to cope with this new reality. Inferiority nagged at him. How can she even *think* about me?

How did you risk so much for your friends? Why do you care, Merlin? For all of your other faults, Devotion and Caring radiate from you. Learn more. Engage in your strengths though. Once again, have faith. Princess Mithian knows your worth. Our friends also support you. You are not alone, Malodius pointed out.

Merlin nodded. He scratched his chin. Right now, I just want to see my mother. Anxiety flared within him. Do I introduce Princess Mithian as Princess or a friend? How will she deal with what's going on? She'll remember Morgana as my friend not some vindictive witch and….

"MERLIN!"

Merlin sighed. "So much for space." He straightened himself slowly. Then he hustled toward where Arthur fumed. "Sire?"

"It took you long enough," Arthur complained. He arched an impatient eyebrow. "You're daydreaming over there. Meantime we should be in your village."

"We all have a great deal to consider," Gaius interceded.

"Consider? Perhaps you might consider this?" Arthur raised the hooves which had been his hands. "Morgana's…made me like this. I have to crawl around on all fours at times now. Worse I'm still…HAW…in this dress."

"Guess you'll stop telling me to act like a girl now?" Merlin supposed with a cheeky air. He fought to maintain a poker face lest he get put in the stocks upon their return to Camelot.

Gaius arched the Eyebrow at the Warlock. "Perhaps you might help me to think of something to deal with the situation."

"Yes, Merlin. Hee HAW!" Arthur struggled to compose more than short phrases at this point. "Quit being an idiot!" He forced himself to stand erect. He wobbled toward his horse.

Gaius shook his head. "Morgana's spell is very potent. If we don't get them help soon, Arthur and Gawain will completely change. It will be irreversible."

Merlin stifled a wisecrack. Granted Arthur could act like an ass at times. Still he didn't wish his liege or the knight any harm. On the contrary, he'd do anything to help them. He cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should start by getting into Ealdor?"

"We might wish to be cautious." Gaius held a couple of hooded robes up. "Arthur and Gawain will want to disguise themselves."

Tension stabbed at Merlin's temples over that suggestion. His mind brewed up a troublesome stew. He could well imagine how his friends and neighbors would react to Arthur and Gawain's situation. He wondered how Arthur would handle being around Gwen. He worried how Mithian and the Nemeth contingent would handle Ealdor's simplicity. Fear over their enemies' wrath toward the small village worried him as well. "Yeah that would be good." He took the robes.

"One step at a time, Merlin. Let's get there. After that, we'll see where we are," Gaius advised.

Merlin shrugged and headed toward the others.

Gaius looked toward Camelot and then Mercia. Despite having numbers and friends nearby, he knew that Bliss' peace was a fragile oasis. He anticipated that Morgana would find them soon enough. He wondered if they could trust Ninane and her High Priestess.

So many questions. So little security…..

For that, Merlin would look to home. What he would find there—both from within and without—would be telling…..

THE END (for now)