Chapter 24 [An Hour and a Half Later]

[A/N: The poems in this chapter are my work as well.]

Merlin leaned back contentedly in his chair. His ears floated on the music. His stomach threatened to burst from the quality food. His brain remained clear thanks to his imbibing water (in addition to the prescribed half-goblet of wine). He felt content in being surrounded by friends and loved ones with nary a threat in sight. I could live like this forever!

Now that is more like it!

He turned to see Mithian smirking confidently at him. Glad you're enjoying yourself. You're all making it easy for me. He rubbed her hand affectionately.

That's what we do. She let her eyes twinkle into his. Rauchon's pork loin is something else. Is it not?

It melts in your mouth. I never knew how great food at the high table was. I served it but….

Enjoy it. She cut a piece and stuck it in her mouth saucily. She closed her eyes allowing the gentle flavors to course over and melt on her tongue.

Playing with your food now? he teased back.

She snorted gently. Not hardly. She arched the eyebrow far surpassing Gaius' best effort in that regard. Fare like *this* is to be savored, Merlin. Obviously you have.

He rolled his eyes knowing she'd one-upped him in that debate.

I rest my case. She smiled with satisfaction and tipped her own goblet to him. Then she took a draught and set it back on the table. She glanced toward her father who was standing up. Father wants to move onto the next stage.

Next stage? He looked toward his sovereign not knowing what to expect next.

Just watch and enjoy. As if I'd let anyone insult you tonight? she supposed with a bit of mirth. She motioned with her eyes toward her father.

Rodor assessed the assembled gathering in front of himself. He'd preferred to sit back and exchange some small talk with Hunith, Mithian and Merlin. He'd listened to the minstrels' concert and the bard singing of romantic triumphs in the face of dark despair. Now he wished to reassure his heirs of the surrounding support. He tinked his fork against his goblet to center the room's attention back on him once again.

On cue, everyone in the room ceased their conversation and looked politely to him.

"Thank you. It gladdens my heart to see everyone enjoying this special night. I know a few have requested a word in support of the Prince and Princess. I gladly turn over the floor to you at this point. May you add to the High Priestess Freya's beautiful blessing from this morn," Rodor announced. "Queen Elena, are you ready?"

"I am, King Rodor. My thanks," the Amazon Queen accepted. She stood and gazed upon the newlyweds. "Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian, you are both quality people. We all owe you a great deal. Your understanding insured my kingdom's fortunes. As you look to lead into an age of magic's acceptance once more, may the sun shine on you. May Artemis bless your hunts. May Demeter bless your harvests and fill your store rooms. May our fortunes and relations be fruitful. Know that the Amazon Nation stands ready to assist Nemeth." She raised her goblet. "To the Prince, Princess and Nemeth."

"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered.

"Thank you, Queen Elena. Queen Guinevere, are you ready?" Rodor called.

Gwen nodded. Once again she missed Arthur at that point. Still Pride warmed her heart. She stood slowly. She glanced toward the head table. "I am, King Rodor. Thank you. We're here to celebrate two wonderful people. Princess Mithian, I would never have expected you to be so gracious. You're loyal and strong as a friend. Merlin, there are so many things I could say. You're so caring. You always look out for everyone before yourself. I know nobody who works harder, takes greater care or does more. I wish you both the best of everything." She raised her goblet. "To you, Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian."

"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered.

"Thank you, Queen Guinevere. Sir Gawain, are you ready?" Rodor asked.

Britomart turned toward her fiancé. Incredulity raised an eyebrow. Concern over Irreverence's possible appearance at the gala worried her. Please be serious! Don't make a joke out of this!

Gawain ignored the reaction. He rose to his feet. He offered Merlin a bow. "Yeah I'm ready. Thanks, King Rodor." He looked to Lancelot, Gwen and Leon. Then he started in. "I've been all over this island. Lots of scrapes. Lots of taverns. So many places. Life was just a series of jobs. Merlin changed that. He introduced me to King Arthur and Camelot. He convinced me that I could fit in. Gwen and he were my first real friends. I could go on all day about what Merlin's meant to everyone here. I'm sure Lance could say something too."

"I can indeed. Still it is your toast, Gawain," Lancelot replied.

"Yeah well I want to force him to take credit for once. I'm sure most of us would agree. And as for Princess Mithian, she made Camelot realize a lot. She stood up for what's right against a lot of stuff. She can lead, knows how to shoot and has dignity. Talk about a great leader. And she's getting Merlin to realize that he is great. He can be Prince. To our Prince and Princess." Gawain raised his goblet. "Cheers!"

"Hear! Hear!" the group chimed in again.

"Lady Britomart, Knight of Nemeth, are you ready?" Rodor called.

"Aye, Sire. I am." Britomart exchanged looks with Gawain before standing. "Thank you. Princess Mithian, your insight, warm heart and ability to see character regardless of status has always been your greatest assets. Despite the differences in standing, your friendship is a precious gift from the darkest times following my parents' death and through to the current day. I can't say enough of the good things you represent. Prince Merlin, your giving nature and strength of character will serve you in good stead. I can see why the Princess feels as she does for you. May your days be warm and bright. May we know peace in all regards. My love to you both." She raised her goblet. "To you both."

"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered. "Thank you for that apt toast. Indeed, as we all serve, we should remember that this is a collaborative effort indeed, Lady Britomart. Lady Hunith, may I offer you the next toast?" Rodor proposed to the newest noble at court.

Hunith rose slowly and curtseyed to her new sovereign. "My thanks, Sire." She turned to the newlyweds and smiled warmly. "To you both, the best of everything. Princess Mithian, I know you are my superior in rank but speaking as the proud mother-in-law, I couldn't be any more delighted in you if you were my own daughter. I saw your heart and earnestness immediately. Prince Merlin, I wish I had all night to speak to your virtues. Needless to say, I couldn't be any prouder of you in all regards. I know you both will be a credit to this kingdom and court. As with Lady Britomart, I offer my fealty and love as both subject and a mother." She raised her goblet. "To you both, may your bond survive the seasons of change through sun and rain. May you know happiness in all regards."

"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered again.

"Thank you, Mother," Merlin expressed while embracing Hunith affectionately. "You deserve so much credit. I wish I had the words for you as well."

"Merlin, please….I…." Hunith blushed with embarrassment. She looked with concern toward the King.

Rodor nodded reassuringly. "Love such as this is to be praised, Lady Hunith. Despite the difference in rank, your bond is to be appreciated."

"Indeed." Mithian joined in the group embrace. "You are an impressive woman in your own right. Thank you for raising such a wondrous man and for entrusting him to me. I am so glad you are here with us." She kissed the older woman on the cheek. "Thank you."

Hunith hugged the couple tightly. Then she sat back down knowing that there were others still waiting to speak. Still her eyes sparkled proudly at her son and his wife. May you both know the best of everything! "Thank you, Lady Hunith. Now, Master Peter, I believe you have something for us as well?" Rodor called out. Nemeth's court poet fought the butterflies. Anxiety robbed him of his balance and determination. Still he wouldn't fail his Prince and Princess. Not in this venue and special day. He cleared his throat and bowed to his sovereign and the newlyweds. "My…my thanks, Sire. Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian, my heartiest congratulations on this august day. I hope this composition meets with your approval." Peter pulled out a parchment. Nerves pushed another gulp from his water cup. "My lords and ladies….

Inspirations

Peter of Marlsborough

Life bears down
Challenge does arise
For Laurel and Gilt Crown
Alike before Destruction's tide

Stand strong we should
Defend we Truth and Light
Like Atlas support them we could
Protect them from Malice's blight

Before us tonight
Emerge two examples august
Shaped under Virtue's oversight
Our leaders just

Inspire you both do
In so many ways
Doubt you away move
With feats amaze

Of your virtue, I profess
Quality without peer
Our Prince and Princess
Drawing Hope near.

Unique you are
Diverge from Tradition you do
Still its import you won't mar
Accord it just due.

Raise us all
You lead that way
Stand you both tall
Against Storm's way

Thanks I confess
With Fealty and Love
To Prince and Princess
Fit together like hand in glove

Success and Happiness
May you have
May goddess your way bless
Amor your hearts keep safe…."

Humility prompted another bow from Peter. "With deepest regards, Friends and Sovereigns." "Thank you, Master Peter. Once more, you astound with your quill and gift. As I told you in the garden that day, you do your share as well," Mithian noted. "You opened Opportunity's door, my Lady. I simply walk through," Peter deflected. "Well that deserves a toast!" Lancelot raised his goblet. "To Master Peter's poem and our newlyweds! May they live long in sunshine rather than sorrow." "AYE!" the group cheered. "Indeed so, Sir Lancelot. Master Peter's poem indeed reflects our regards today. Now before the couple has their traditional thoughts to each other, I claim the last toast as the liege lord and the overjoyed father." Rodor allowed himself a heartbeat of introspection. "To Nemeth's new Prince, Merlin, you already show such potential. We all owe you so much. I am so privileged to have your mother and you in my family now. May you make the Princess happy and serve our people well. Continue to make me proud. And as for you, my Daughter, I am so happy for you on this night. As was the case between Arthur and Merlin, you have served as my right hand and pillar of strength. You are fair of mind and heart. Your inner strength and sage wisdom have benefited the kingdom more than once. You see people for who they are not for their rank or title. Yours is not the traditional path for a Princess or future Queen. I think to have forced you down that path would deny your potential. And now with your magic, you have the ability to make a bigger difference." He allowed that point to linger in the air before pressing on. "You both have great power and opportunity, Mithian. Make the most of them. Remember what King Arthur said of Merlin's penchant for service. I am struck in this moment by the advice of a Nazarene traveler in this land many years ago. Among his sermons, he told the people, 'The last shall be the first and the first shall be the last.' Heed that well. That will differentiate you from Morgana and her ilk. Be of the light, my Daughter and you too, Merlin. We all shall stand by you. I know your mother would add to that wish with her own, Mithian. I love you both. May you have the joy of a fruitful partnership benefiting yourselves and our fair land." He raised his goblet.

"Hear! Hear!" the group chorused enthusiastically.

"I love you as well, Father," Mithian assured him with an enthusiastic embrace.

"As do I. For all you have done for Mother and me…for your generosity, I…I can't say enough," Merlin added before adding his embrace to hers.

"Those sentiments and your continued service are all the thanks I need, my Children," Rodor noted warmly. "And now I believe it is for you. We have said our words. Now, according to Nemethian tradition, it is for you both to exchange thoughts to one another." With that he sat back down shifting the spotlight back to them.

Merlin admittedly felt the butterflies once again. He felt the small bit of parchment in his pocket. Once again, his insecurity welled up inside of himself. He knew how much he loved and treasured his wife. Despite the short duration of their bond, he just knew…

"It's all right," Mithian assured him with a gentle smile. Don't worry about the traditions or anybody else here. They don't matter. Speak to me. And I will speak to you and only you.

All right. I love you. I want to do you justice and I should say more.

Silly, that's all that is important. Still if you have more, I'd love to hear it. Just don't keep us waiting as you love to do. She offered the Smirk as a bit of levity.

He somehow didn't roll his eyes at her. All right. "In light of the wonderful things that our friends and loved ones have said, I wish to add a few thoughts of my own." He took her hands in his. "I don't know how I deserve you. I hope this does you justice…." He swallowed and recited from memory.

"My Princess, My Heart
Merlin of Ealdor

Challenges loom
On Life's bumpy road
Heavy can hang the gloom
Crusty soil resists the hoe

In that night sky
Stars do shine
From souls kind
With inspiration divine

One such star
Shot 'cross Camelot night
From seeming afar
Seeking royal delight

Won me over
Your gentle nature did
Warmth you us cover'd
Ego you hid

I've come to know you
Princess of my heart
Your virtue true
In face of Crises' darts

Warm you are
Toward court and peasant
Whether near or far
On them your time is spent

Humble you are
Ne'er down you look
On troubles in others' heart
No prejudice will you brook

Blessed am I
To gaze upon you
O' Apple of my eye
O' Treasure beyond worth due

Love you I will
Serve together we'll endeavor
You my heart does fill
Ne'er to be sever'd"
 Silence pressed down on the audience. The onlookers sat amazed at Merlin's expression of love. A few wiped mist and tears from their eyes. Much as with the magic, they had no idea he was a poet too.

Mithian sighed contentedly as she squeezed his hands gently in her own. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks but she didn't care. She cared little what others had thought of her and her rebelliousness during her life anyhow. Still, even if she had kept a stiff upper lip for the sake of propriety, the rejections and being ignored by suitors had rent her heart….

…not of that mattered now….

…not with the incredible man standing before her….

…not when said man had declared his undying love and devotion….

…and it was to her and for her…for her alone.

Merlin picked up a napkin and gently dabbed her face. "I love you, my Princess, my Wife." His mouth formed a grin as he expressed the last word. Then his lips brushed her forehead with Amor's gentlest brush strokes.

She blushed almost shyly. "Thank you for that. I…hope my thoughts are worthy as well." Her eyes glittered as she held up a piece of parchment. She shrugged with a sly smile. "I have something for you as well."

"I can see that," he teased yet his eyes were glittering into hers.

She giggled. "Be that way! Just heed these words, my Prince…." And with that, she dove into her expression.

"My Gem in the Rough
Mithian of Nemeth

Under Nocturne's dark
Obscurred by Overcast
Denied Lux's mark
Lonliness held me fast

Rooted through coal
Turning stone by stone
True love, my goal
Reality gave me none

A diamond I'd fine
Sparkle nice it did
Until 'nother it'd fine
An' from me it hid

O'er and over
Process did repeat
Heart sinking lower
As Failure again did meet

Topaz, quartz and ruby
Pretty to mine eye
Yet inconstant they be
And in other they'd confide

In that Stygian dark
When Hope seem'd dead
Cupid hit his mark
His shaft my heart met

A servant with magic?
Incredible it seem'd
Yet in turnabout tragic
Lingered in status unfree

When we'd met 'fore
He'd knocked Diamond away
Shaking my core
Fortuna from me he swayed

Now in crisis dire
As this isle shook
Under hooves hired
As we seem'd forsook

Merlin though
To the rescue did come
Although not alone
His will be done

It was at that time
Noticed I his treasure
A gem plain yet divine
A conundrum pleasur'd?

Scuff'd he seemed
His glow he obscured
Idiocy covered wits keen
As he lay in open dirt

Goddess mov'd
Enabling me to him have
My heart now me behoov'd
From servile fate to save

Raised each other we did
His sparkle my way lit
As Father raised him
Now on my right to sit

My constant gem
Sparkle 'bove Others
My misery you'd end
From Pain you me cover'd

Ask nothing save Care
And that I shall you give
As you with me gladly share
For as long as we both live."

She gazed up into his eyes. Now it was her turn to squeeze his hands in affirmation. "And I love you, my Prince, my Husband Divine. Never doubt that." She pressed her lips against his to fix their sentiments indelibly it seemed. "The goddess has blessed us with these gifts and the friends we can share them with."

"That she has." Merlin's eyes sparkled. "As you said, don't forget our love either."

"I won't if you don't keep me waiting as you're like to do," she cracked; a wry grin across her face. She raised her goblet again. "To you, my Prince. King of my heart. My refuge. My one, my only, my forever."

Merlin met her goblet with his. "And to you, my Princess. Queen of my heart. My refuge. My one, my constant, my forever."

They touched the vessels and then drank to celebrate it.

From around the chamber, supportive applause thundered down on them. Hands clapped demonstratively. Whistles and cheers of "Huzzah!" buzzed the ears and warmed souls. Eyes sparkled in delight. A few tears of joy wet cheeks.

Rodor chose to take in the moment. While he could've expounded on the moment for Tradition's sake, he allowed the couple's sentiments to rule the moment instead. His eye turned to the two empty seats left in honor of his deceased wife and son so that they might enjoy the night as well. They shall honor us all. Our love brings its harvest, Taene. May you be able to enjoy this day for it is as much yours as it is mine. We had our time. Now it is theirs.

And for a while after, the celebration continued. Kind words greeted revelers' ears. Congratulations rained down. Wounded hearts soothed. Friendships were reaffirmed.

And wasn't that the purpose of such celebrations? Even if Service demanded its charges' attention, in this, he could grant a break it seemed….