And so here ends the story, with the final chapter! There will be an epilogue, hopefully up tomorrow before the show airs. If not, not long after.

Not much to say before the chapter, just that I wanted Iyla to do something for Merlin, as everything that's happened between them has been for her so far. And I wanted to make them seem more real.

Enjoy!

XxX

Home

It was with a heavy heart that Merlin sat down with Gwaine and explained what had been decided last night. The Knight had been upset by what the Warlock had to tell him but he understood; he'd been there, and he knew how much Merlin and Iyla needed to be together. And so he'd given them his best wishes, and promised to be there for the wedding.

With the money Arthur had given him, Merlin had bought Iyla a ring. He'd proposed to her over a dinner, arranged by Arthur, and she'd immediately agreed, throwing her arms around his neck, and kissing him deeply. They'd told Gaius and her family, and they'd all been delighted. Arthur had informed him that his mother was due to arrive in Camelot any day now; Gwen had sent for her shortly after their rescue, but there had been a problem with bandits, and the message hadn't got through as quickly as he would have liked. Arthur also explained that his mother had been informed of his disappearance, and he'd kept her up-to-date with the progress of their search.

No matter what the news, Arthur had made sure that Hunith knew what was going on. And Merlin had thanked him for that.

And now, as he sat toasting with Gwaine, a guard arrived at the door, informing him of her arrival.

Merlin had shot to his feet so quickly, he had knocked his chair over, and Gwaine had laughed as his friend ran from the room.

He arrived in the courtyard of Camelot to see his mother, tired looking and travel stained, waiting for him. His face split into a wide grin, and he flung himself down the steps and into her arms.

They'd cried a lot, gripping each other tightly just to ensure that the other was real, before he'd led his mother up to Gaius' chambers, where they could talk in private.

'Arthur said you'd been found, but he didn't say what had happened,' she reached out, and traced the faint scar on his head with her finger. 'Oh, my boy. What did they do to you?'

'It's over now,' he smiled. 'Some not very people held me and a lot of others for six months. Arthur finally managed to track us down, and he got us out of there. We've been here recovering for just under two weeks now.'

'The messenger ran into some trouble with bandits,' Hunith explained. 'Gwen's message only arrived a few days ago, and he let me ride with him so I could get here sooner. I'm sorry it took me so long.'

Merlin wrapped his arms around his mother, closing his eyes. 'It doesn't matter. You're here. And I have something that I need to tell you.'

The door behind them opened, and Merlin pulled away, smiling at the person who had just entered.

'Mother, this is Iyla,' he walked towards her, taking her hand in his. 'And, last night, I asked her to marry me.'

'It's very nice to meet you, my lady,' Iyla extended her left hand, displaying the ring on her finger. Hunith's eyes lit up.

'And you, Iyla,' she shook her hand, looking her up and down. 'I must say, this is quite a surprise. Six months captured, and you manage to fall in love.'

Merlin laughed. 'A lot of people seem to be surprised by that. It must have been the right moment, I guess. And I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without her.'

'You won't have too,' Iyla squeezed his hand.

Hunith looked between the two of them, indicating that they join her on the bench. 'So, what are your plans after the wedding? Arthur informed me that... Well. That there is another job opening for you.'

'You mean Court Sorcerer?' Iyla asked.

Hunith chuckled. 'Of course he told you. You wouldn't be getting married if there were any major secrets between you. Will you be taking it?'

Merlin's shoulders sagged. Iyla watched him, her eyes sad, as he shook his head. 'No.'

'What?' she looked so upset, her hands flying to her mouth. 'Why not? It's everything you've ever wanted, Merlin. Why would you turn him down?'

'I need to be with Iyla,' he shrugged, trying his best to look un-fazed. 'And her family wants her to return to their village. Arthur said I can still work for him; he can send me reports and on the occasional mission. And maybe, one day, we will return to Camelot, and I can take up the post. The future's so uncertain, after all.'

Iyla's head was tilted slightly, but Merlin didn't notice. Hunith chewed on her lip for a moment, before nodding. 'If this is what you want to do, Merlin, then I will support you. I'm just so glad that you are safe.'

They embraced once again, and Iyla sat back, smiling as mother and son were reunited. Quietly, she rose to her feet, and left them to catch up. She had her own family to deal with.

XxX

They sat talking for hours, Merlin giving his mother a brief description of his capture, whilst she had filled him in on Arthur's rescue attempts, and all the gossip from Ealdor.

It was nice to hear that some things never changed.

Gaius had returned, and joined them for lunch, adding his own commentary to their tales, and making the whole thing even more enjoyable.

And it wasn't until late into the night that the three of them retired. Arthur had had a third cot delivered to their chambers, and Merlin curled up on it in the corner of Gaius' room. He knew that, in a few days time, they would have to leave for Iyla's home village of Yalding. He sighed, rolling onto his side, and looking out the window.

He didn't have to think about that now. For now, he was home, with the people that cared about him. And that was all that mattered.

XxX

The next morning, Iyla found Merlin outside, with the horses, preparing the King's mount for a short patrol.

'Merlin... There's something I need to tell you.'

'If it's about our trip to Yalding, I've got everything covered. Don't worry about it,' he smiled.

'If you're going to Yalding, then you're going without me.'

He froze for a moment, before frowning at her. 'What are you talking about? Of course we're going to Yalding; that's what you wanted, isn't it?'

Iyla shook her head. 'No, Merlin. No; going to Yalding is what my mother wants me to do. And I agreed without a second thought, simply because she's my mother. And then you said you would come with me, and I started to think. Camelot has accepted magic, and King Arthur has made you a free man. Everything you have ever dreamed of is right here, yet you were going to give all of that up, so you could be with me.'

'Iyla...' His voice was soft, and laced with disbelief. What was she saying?'

'The Queen has offered me a job as her Lady-In-Waiting, and the King wants you to be is Court Sorcerer,' she smiled, taking a step towards him. 'And who are we to refuse the King?'

There was a moment of silence, where Merlin simply stared at her, processing what she had just said. They were staying in Camelot...

Suddenly, he swept her into his arms, spinning her round. Iyla squealed, before bursting into laughter, clinging to his neck. 'I take it your happy!'

'Thank you,' Merlin breathed, tears streaming down his face. 'Iyla... Thank you.' He'd stopped spinning her, but her feet remained off the ground as she stroked his face, wiping the tears away.

He lowered her to the ground, taking her hands in his. 'You have given up so much for me,' she whispered. 'You've given up so much for everyone. This is your time; your gift. What kind of wife would I be if I denied you that?'

'But what about your family? And your mother?'

She shrugged. 'My mother has to understand that I'm a grown woman, and that I need to live my own life. And, besides,' she laughed. 'Mother has her hands full with my brothers; I doubt she'd appreciate having you under her feet as well!'

Merlin laughed, placing a light kiss on her lips. 'Thank you. I know this must have been hard for you...'

'Oh, shut up,' Iyla leant forward, this time for a deeper kiss.

'Hey!'

They broke apart, looking over to where the King was, descending the stairs and pulling his gloves on, smirking at them.

'Is that really necessary?'

'You and Gwen seem to think so,' Merlin retorted, still holding Iyla close.

'I'm the King,' was Arthur's response. Merlin just laughed.

The King looked at the couple, taking in their expressions and their entwined hands, and a slow smile spread across his face. 'You're staying, aren't you? You're staying in Camelot.'

'Yes,' Merlin nodded, attempting to blink back tears once again. 'Yes, we're staying!'

'Thank god,' Arthur let out a relieved laugh as he pulled Merlin into a one-armed hug. 'I don't know what I would have done without you.'

'You've lasted six months.'

'Barely,' Arthur whispered. The Warlock choked slightly, returning the hug.

Iyla stepped back, watching fondly as Hunith and Gwen appeared in the courtyard. 'What happened?'

'We're staying in Camelot,' Iyla wiped her eyes, smiling. 'I think I made the right decision.'

Gwen beamed at her, patting her shoulder. 'Arthur and Merlin may love us, Iyla, and claim that without us, they would be lost. But truly, they need each other. I don't know about Merlin, but Arthur was inconsolable during that six months; he would not rest until he found his best friend.'

'They need each other,' Iyla confirmed, nodding her head. 'We've only been here two weeks, but already I can see how much they depend on each other, even if they won't admit it.'

Hunith placed her hand on Iyla's shoulder. 'We should leave them,' she whispered, nodding towards the castle.

'Yes,' Iyla grimaced. 'I must inform my mother that we aren't returning with her... She's not going to be happy.'

XxX

It was Arthur that pulled away first, clapping Merlin on the back, and turning away to try and hide the wetness on his face. Merlin chuckled.

'It's alright to show a bit of emotion every now and then, sire.'

'I don't know what you're talking about,' but the crack in voice gave him away. He bit his lip, glancing away.

Merlin frowned. 'You told me to go with her.'

'You think I wanted you to leave?' Arthur's eyebrows shot up. 'I told you, Merlin; I owe you so much! What I wanted didn't matter; it about what you wanted.'

His shoulders sagged. 'I'm sorry, Arthur. I just...'

'I know. I would have done the same for Gwen,' Arthur glanced to where Iyla had been stood, and chuckled. 'Do you think we should go find her?'

Merlin spun around, surprised to see the space empty. 'Where did she go?'

The King laughed, placing a hand on his friends shoulder. 'Come on.' He led Merlin into the castle, pointing in the direction that Iyla had most likely gone. To her mothers' chambers.

Merlin hesitated when he realised where they were going. 'Arthur... She's telling her mother we're not leaving. I'm not too sure I should get involved; Lorena will be upset enough as it is.'

'Are you scared, Merlin?' Arthur chortled.

Merlin blushed, and simply marched on, leaving Arthur behind him. It didn't take long for them to reach the guest quarters, and, when they did, it was silent. The lack of shouting from inside worried Merlin, and he knocked before letting himself in.

Lorena was seated at the large table, her head in her hands, with her sons by her side, rubbing her arms. Iyla stood, a few steps away, chewing her fingernails, but keeping her gaze fixed on my family. She only broke eye contact when Merlin appeared by her side, pulling her hand away from her mouth.

'Are you alright?'

It was unclear who the question was aimed at, but it got everyone's attention. Fergus immediately straightened, advancing towards Merlin, his eyes dark with anger. He was met with Arthur's sword, the King having drawn it the minute he noticed a threat to his friend.

'Step back,' his voice was a low growl, and Fergus looked momentarily terrified, making his way back towards him mother.

'Arthur...' Merlin's voice clearly displayed the warning, and Arthur lowered the sword, albeit reluctantly. He turned to Iyla's family. 'I'm sorry; I never wanted to take your daughter away from you.'

'Then what did you plan to do?' Calvin yelled.

'Merlin said he would come home with us; to Yalding. He was ready to give up everything,' Iyla snapped, shaking her head. 'He did that because he loves me, and he knows how much I missed you when we were locked up. But there's no future for us in Caerleon. Merlin would be a farmer, and I would be his wife. Here; Merlin's going to be Court Sorcerer of all Camelot, the second most powerful man in all of Albion! And I'm going to serve the Queen. This is where we belong. This is our home!'

The Warlock stared at his betrothed, fairly stunned, but mostly moved by her devotion. She was determined to stay...

They were all snapped from their thoughts as Lorena sat up straight, wiping her eyes, and brushing her hair back, turning to her daughter.

'I should have known that you would choose this,' she gave a gentle smile. 'When you spoke of Merlin's power, I knew that he wouldn't be happy as a farmer, no matter who he was with. And I love you so much, Iyla,' she rose to her feet, and approached her daughter. Merlin took a step back, pulling Arthur with him to give them some space. 'I know you are making the right decision, my darling. My shining light...' Lorena's voice broke as she dissolved into tears. Iyla gripped her mother, pulling her close, and glancing at Merlin, who was looking slightly stunned.

'Are you alright?' She mouthed, but he barely noticed.

My shining light...

'Did you say, light?'

Mother and daughter pulled apart, staring at the King. 'I'm sorry?'

'You called Iyla your light...'

'So...'

Arthur turned to Merlin, clicking his fingers in order to draw the Warlock's attention. 'Isn't that what Kilgharrah said? That you'd found your light...'

He shook his head gently, his face splitting into a wide smile. 'Where did that name come from?'

Lorena looked at her children, her eyes still wet, but she drew a deep breath. 'When I was pregnant with Iyla, a soothsayer approached me. This was before the purge,' she added, glancing at Arthur. 'She told me that my child would be instrumental in forging a future so bright, that the gods themselves had given her a name. And when she was born, I just knew. I knew that the soothsayer was right. And she had told me that, in the foreign tongue, my daughter would be Iyla: the light of the moon.'

'Light of the moon...' Merlin whispered, staring at her. 'The sun and moon...'

She nodded. 'Yes! Yes, the soothsayer spoke of that too. Do you know what it means?'

But Merlin was looking at his bride-to-be again, chewing on his lip. 'That... ridiculous beast...' He burst into laughter, wrapping his arms around Iyla. Arthur grinned, taking in the stunned expressions around him.

'Merlin has a very cryptic friend who told him that he had found his light,' he elaborated. 'He also called me the soon, and Merlin the moon. Making Iyla...'

'The light of the moon...'

'Exactly,' Arthur took in his friends relieved face, and Iyla's delighted, as they stood together. 'Merlin and Iyla were destined to find each other. They were always destined to fall in love, and be together forever.'

XxX

The large group sat around the council chamber, parchments spread out in front of them. Merlin was staring at them, looking slightly traumatised.

'I think I'd rather clean your dirty socks...' he muttered. The Knights gather round laughed.

'I highly doubt that, Merlin,' Arthur smirked, passing another sheet to him. 'Relax, you're doing fine. It's only your third day on the job.'

The Warlock groaned, rubbing his hands against his temple. Thankfully, the door opened then, and Iyla appeared. 'Merlin, they're just leaving.'

He nodded, and stood. Arthur followed him, pausing long enough to inform the men that the meeting was adjourned.

Out on the steps, Felicia stood with Gwen, watching as Hayley embraced her parents for the first time in six months. Her mother was sobbing, whilst her father just held the both of them. Merlin couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Hearing him approach, Hayley pulled away, turning to him. 'Thank you, Merlin. For everything.'

He knelt down in front of her. 'I was glad to,' he shook her hand. 'Hey,' he tapped her chin, noticing her downcast face. 'I'll see you soon. Iyla and I won't be getting married unless you're there.'

Hayley grinned, and threw her arms around his neck. 'I'll miss you, Merlin.'

Merlin hugged her back, closing his eyes. 'And I'll miss you,' he leant back. 'But this is my home. And you have to go with your family now, to yours. We can still visit each other, and, like I said, I'll be seeing you really soon anyway.'

The girl nodded, and shook his hand, before turning to give Iyla a hug. The young woman whispered in her ear, which caused Hayley to hold on just that little bit tighter, before releasing her and turning back to her parents.

And together, a family reunited once more, they turned and began to head down the street out of Camelot.

Iyla made her way over to him, taking his hand in hers, and resting her head on his shoulder.

They had said farewell to many slaves over the past few weeks, people who had become close friends of his, but this was the hardest goodbye. He'd spent so long protecting that little girl, for this moment. The moment that she could return home.

And as they disappeared into the throngs, Hayley stopping to look back one last time, Merlin raised his hand in farewell.

And as the small crowd in the courtyard slowly dispersed, Merlin remained there, and Iyla remained by his side. It was much later that the two of them finally stirred, making their way back into the castle.

Gwaine greeted them with a slap on the back, and a kiss to the hand. Merlin had given the rogue a threatening look, to which the Knight had merely grinned before departing. The couple were met with many grins and greetings as they made their way to the King's chambers for dinner with the royals.

Just before they entered, Merlin paused. Iyla glanced at him, before nodding knowingly and leaving him alone to collect his thoughts.

The Warlock turned, looking down the corridor towards the window, where he could see the light dying, bathing the hall in a red glow. The sun hit his face, warm and comforting, and he closed his eyes momentarily.

'Merlin!'

Merlin smiled gently, before allowing his eyes to flicker open. He took one more look at the window, before pushing open the door, faced with his King's scowling face, and Iyla's loving one.

And he knew that he was home.

XxX

It's finished! *sob* Well, there's still the epilogue. And I think you can guess what that will contain...

So, please let me know what you think! There is a poll up about my next story; two options, one of which is what I thought 5x10 would be about, the other is the sequel to this story. But those won't be published until after my first lot of exams in early January.

Also, I'm currently in love with the musical Les Miserables, which has sort of taken over my life... The movie's out in January!

Please leave a review! I would love to know what you thought of the story.

TTFN
Valkyriexx