I laid in bed with my beautiful wife tucked in to my side. I watched her sleep, dark hair behind her. I knew I couldn't lose her, she was my life. My children's life. Aluin, Browyn, Merlyn they wouldn't understand. Merlin would but I couldn't see why he would let his Son take back the one family he had.
Then the thought came to mind. Merlin would take Dawn back. He could talk sense into Sherlock. Even though he was a bit odd, he still managed to make a lot of sense and exude wisdom. I carefully moved Dawn off me. Putting on some clothes and boots I snuck to the Physician's chambers. I saw Merlin in Gaius's old bed. I shook him awake he almost fell out of bed. I laughed and helped him up. Both of us were getting on in age. His hair was streaked with grey and his eyes had begun to look as wise as they were. "My old friend I need a favor from you" I asked him. "You want me to take Dawn back?" He asked. "You two and the mind reading! That stuff gets really creepy and annoying." I fretted. "Not as creepy as what goes through your mind at night with dawn. You know sometimes you can be a complete dollop head" He retorted. I almost threw a punch but settled on a punch to the arm.
We had talked till I heard my son walk in. "Father your breakfast is waiting. Mother sent me to fetch you. And to also remind you that Uncle Dean and Aunt Morgana are arriving at noon" he told me. "Thank you Aluin" I told the young man. I smiled. It was almost like looking at a younger me. He was tall and had the same golden blonde hair. His eyes were that vibrant blue that Merlin and Dawn had. "Papa, Father" Aluin said with a bow. Sometimes I forgot the kids grew up knowing that Merlin was family. "Come Merlin, lets go eat" I told the aging sorcerer.
Aluin and Caden had taken the other children to the College of magic. Morgana's girls enjoyed going there to flirt with a few of the young men. Browyn was aware of Mordred's accompaniment to the college. While they were out I got the group together. Sam, Morgana, Merlin and Dawn got to work on the portal back to the time we came from. Dean, Gwaine, Gwen, Lancelot, Percival and I watched. About midday, the magic users completed the portal spell. I stepped forward and spoke "Eighteen years ago today, I stepped back into Camelot for the first time in 1100 years. I expected the same thing that happened the first time to happen again. But, it didn't. Magic was repealed, Morgana you stayed with us, Lancelot lived and married his sweetheart, And I got to show Merlin how much he had become my best friend. The biggest change though, was Dawn. Everyone here has a Place in our Group. Dean brings skill, Lancelot Nobility, Gwaine Laughter, Sam Concern, Merlin Magic, Percival Strength, Morgana Foresight, Gwen Guidance and Myself Leadership. But for the longest we have had the most important person at the center. Dawn brings us purpose. She reminds us that we were set forth with a single purpose and the determination to fulfill that. But with a very heavy heart and more sorrow and despair then I could ever show, that our purpose and my loving wife has to return to the time she was born. I'm sending Merlin with her in hopes she will be able to return to us quickly." I left it at that, I watched companions shed tears and embrace my beautiful wife. I left before she could get to me. I could feel her mind searching for me but I blocked her out.
When I got back to my chambers, I laid on her side of the bed. Smelling her floral scent, I let myself go. The pain and anguish that I felt flowed in tears. All I could do was fall apart. I heard the door open and close. Someone sat down and laid a hand on me. I knew it wasn't Dawn. I didn't care. I felt the press of lips on my hair. I saw red hair hang down and I put my head in my daughter's lap. "Everything will be fine dad. If I know mom, she will be back soon. She always comes back" I heard Browyn coo.
Everyday for five years I stood for an hour on the ramparts. Every night for five years I would undress. When I would look at myself in the looking glass, I hardly recognized myself. My hair that was once almost golden blonde now showed streaks of gray. My beard had turned gray with blonde spots. Wisdom lines ran across my face. On this evening I reflected on the small comfort of knowing my children were happy. Aluin had married Mithian's daughter. Merlyn had taken the roll of headmaster of the Mage's University over. She and Caden married. Browyn took over as the Captain of the guard. The Gwaine and Leon stayed on as her seconds. Percival had retired. Same with Lancelot and Dean. Morgana and Gwen stayed good friends and rejoiced at the wedding of Galahad to Haf. I took a sip of my wine and walked to my bed. The memories of a world long passed spilled forward. Slowly, I laid on my side of the bed. Fresh flowers sat on the cherrywood vanity that sat unused.
A shout of the gate guards awoke me. I was slowly stretching when Browyn burst in. "Dad you need to get dressed. Now" She yelled at me. I was puzzled about the behavior of my copper haired shieldmaiden. But I dressed quickly and made my way down to the throne room. The doors slowly groaned open. I saw Browyn, Merlyn, Aluin and His wife Dianna standing around two dark haired figures. The salt and peppered man turned to look me in the eyes. I held my breath when I recognized those blue eyes. The hooded figure wore a dark blue velvet robe. They spun around and My breath released. It was my wife. I ran as quick as I could and stopped short. I stared into those dark sapphire eyes I had missed for these five long years. I grabbed her waist and pulled her into my passionate kiss. It wasn't till we pulled apart I saw she wore the wire thin circlet. Her dress was sky blue and velvet as well. I heard Mordred call "The Queen has returned!" I held my arm out and for the first time in five years I sat with my wife on the throne of Camelot.