oh this chapter. the awkward and cheesy conversations between Arthur and Artemis. and blame hamlet for all the my lord and my lady crap. i'm in a shakespeare mood. no no don't worry. their relationship will not be all fluff and bunnies after this. if anything it will be even more complicated especially after Artemis's harsh words. oh yeah! sight!

type in facebook search bar. luna proeliator. there's a group there! yay!

by the way i will post a link for the new merlin for the americans and other viewers who do not live in the U.K. it took me forever to find one but i just watched the new merlin this morning! woot! i thought i would share since it was hard for me.

The first month went by. Arthur, Ava, Merlin, Peter, Ulric, as well as several others visited Artemis whenever they could, but it was Arthur, Ava, and Merlin alone who visited her more than once a day no matter how busy they were. Peter still had yet to be crowned King as he refused to do so without Artemis there to see it, but the people rejoiced at Peter's take over. The monarchs stayed. Only those who had no direct relation to Artemis left. The armies were also sent back. Uther left allowing Arthur to stay. The other kings from Uther's alliance left as well. Vidar stayed as well as Vincent. An alliance was attempting to form, but they were just too different to make it work. They tried anyway. Peter had been busy. Sarah and his children moved into the palace as well as several of the old noble from the old Valde that had escaped prosecution. Peter had much to do. He removed many of John's laws and made many laws. He was not yet named king, but the newly formed court made of those nobles that escaped John last time agreed that at this time it did not matter.

The second month went by. The alliance was still trying to agree on terms though they were all getting along now. Many even became friends with each other as many of them were young only around Artemis's age. Many were only Prince or princess, but still had the right to make the alliance. Among those going to make the alliance, Arthur was liked by or at least respected by all. Artemis's bones were healed, but some of her muscles were still healing. She was looking better, but she was still not showing any signs of waking up. Ava and Arthur had now gotten much better acquainted than before. They were the two in there the most as well as Merlin. Galen didn't count. He was the healer. Gwydion had returned to the Servants of the World, but Galen and Saoirse both stayed for her.

The third month went by. The trees finished loosing their leaves and the snow fell. The harsh Valde winter set in. It was the ninetieth day Artemis was unconscious when her eyes suddenly flew open and she started screaming bloody murder. Galen, who was the only one in the room at the time, went to her quickly."

"Artemis, calm down!" he said. She struggled against him before she stopped and cried into him.

"Arthur!" Merlin shouted practically falling into Arthur's chambers. It was two o'clock in the morning and Arthur was sleeping. "Arthur! Wake up!" Merlin yelled. Arthur raised his hand to his eyes and rubbed them.

"This better be important, Merlin, or you will-"

"Artemis is awake," he said cutting him off. Arthur sat up right away.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Let's go!" Arthur pulled on a shirt before together they walked briskly to Artemis's room.

"I just… there was so much blood and so many people," Artemis said shaking her head.

"Are you sure?" Saoirse asked. She was woken up 15 minutes ago and was told Artemis was awake.

"I'm sure of it," she replied. "Camelot will be in danger soon."

"Ambrosine," Galen said slowly. "You care very much for Camelot. You could be… mixing your emotions with your abilities. It could have just been a nightmare."

"I know the difference between a vision and a nightmare!" she snapped.

"I am simply telling you what could be," Galen said. "Visions can be influenced by the seer's emotions."

"I know that, but I'm not stupid! I know when I see something real!" she argued.

"Amber… you care about Arthur so deeply that your mind is trying to frighten you. It's taking that fear and making it seem real," Saoirse said trying to calm her down. Artemis was silent.

"Perhaps you're right," Artemis whispered. "Perhaps… my emotions are affecting me. Don't let anyone in. I want to be left alone." Artemis curled in a ball and laid in bed with the quilt around her. There was a knock on the door. Saoirse rose and went to the door. She opened and looked out. Artemis heard Arthur's voice.

"Is it true? Artemis is awake?" Arthur asked anxiously.

"…It… is," Saoirse said after a moment.

"Can I see her?" Saoirse shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Arthur. She doesn't want to see anyone."

"But it's been six months since I've spoken to her," Arthur said.

"I know, but now just… isn't a good time," she replied. "Try again tomorrow." Saoirse gently shut the door. Artemis shut her eyes gently. A restless sleep dawned on her.

Dozens of people knocked on Artemis's door and dozens were rejected. A week went by and Artemis still wasn't see anyone but still knocking came everyday. Dozens of people knocking. Artemis was sitting on a window sill looking over Valde. She seemed lost in thought. She seemed to not exactly be all there. Saoirse tried to speak with her, but she didn't talk much. Galen said that she wasn't quite mentally there yet. Another knock on the door. Artemis didn't even twitch. Saoirse opened the door. Arthur and Merlin stood there.

"Sorry boys. She still isn't seeing anyone." Arthur turned around without a word.

"What now?" Merlin asked. Arthur looked at him.

"I'm going to find a way to speak with her," Arthur said determined. He went outside looking all over the castle. "Go do something else, Merlin," Arthur said.

"So you can speak with her privately?" Merlin asked with a grin.

"Shut up, Merlin," Arthur said. Merlin went off and Arthur went outside. He looked around outside before going around the castle. Finally, Arthur saw a person there sitting on the window sill with one leg hanging over the leg. He knew that was Artemis's window. "Are you going to just avoid me forever?" Arthur called up to her. She looked down at him. It was the first time in six months he's seen her without her being unconcious. "I'll climb up there if I have to," he warned. Artemis smiled lightly. "Come down from there. Come on a ride with me. I got rid of Merlin." Artemis stared. "Jump if you want. I'll catch you." Artemis stared a little more before looking back inside the room, and then down at the ground. She wasn't too far up. Her room was on the second floor. She shook her head. "What you don't trust me?" he asked. Artemis looked back down at him. She slid to the edge before jumping off. Arthur caught her. He put her down gently. "Will you come on a ride with me then?" Artemis sighed before nodding. "Great." Arthur gripped her hand before walking off with her to the stables.

"How did Libera get here?" she asked.

"Morgana and Gwen brought her."

"They're here too?"

"A lot of people are here." Artemis pulled herself up on Libera. She winced slightly. "Are you alright?" Arthur asked worried. Artemis nodded. Together, they rode off not too fast but still out of the city. Arthur noticed Artemis's silence. They got off and together sat next to a lake. It was frozen over, but still beautiful. Artemis didn't seemed affected by the cold at all. She was dressed warmly, but still it didn't seem warm enough. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked. She shook her head. "Are you cold?" She shook her head. There was silence. Artemis's knees were huddled to her chest. Her arms wrapped around them. She looked at her feet. "Artemis, you know there are people who care about you, don't you?"

"I know, Arthur. I just…," she swallowed and wiped away the tears that were falling. She was somewhat ashamed of her crying. "I'm all over right now. My minds scattered in so many different places. What John did to me…," she drifted. She pulled up her sleeve. She had a large scar going up her wrist. "It's something you don't forget easily. It made me question myself, my life, everything. I don't know what I'm doing, where I'm going. I just… I'm lost. Should I be where I am right now? That's what I want to know. What I need to know." Arthur gently gripped her wrist and pulled her closer to him. His hand cradled her head gently. She could feel his breath fall on her.

"I can't answer that. I can't tell you what will happen tomorrow. I do know that there are people here now who want you to be okay. That are worried beyond reason about you."

"Like you?" she asked.

"Like me," Arthur said leaning closer. They kissed gently. Artemis pulled away and laid her head against his shoulder. Arthur wrapped his arms around her.

"You know this can't continue," she whispered sadly.

"We're not in Camelot right now," he told her.

"Camelot or no Camelot, it can't be."

"I think you still have hope for us."

"Perhaps," she said with a sad smile, "Perhaps one day when things aren't so difficult and I don't have to hide myself."

"You hide around me?" Arthur asked. Artemis smiled gently.

"Not as much around others, but yes, I still hide much from you Arthur Pendragon." Then, for the first time in six months, Arthur heard Artemis laugh. A musical tone that he had grown to love and missed the last six months. "King Arthur. It has a nice ring to it, no?"

"You're getting ahead of yourself," he said.

"You're making alliances already. Why not think about what you will do when you are King?"

"You know about the alliance?" Artemis laughed again.

"What do you think that I've been doing the last week?"

"Nothing. Resting, I hoped."

"Resting, psh. I wish."

"You need to do something for yourself," Arthur said.

"Like a vacation?"

"…That's not a bad idea," Arthur said.

"Oh no… I know that look. That's the formulating a plan look. What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Arthur said standing. He started to walk toward the horses.

"Arthur!" Artemis complained. He laughed. Artemis ran and tackled him to the ground. "Ow," Artemis winced rubbing her leg. The littlest things hurt. Arthur was laughing. They both laid in the snow together. It started to snow lightly. The white snow fell from the heavens in a moment of peace and tranquility.

"Why can't life be like this?" Arthur asked as they silently laid there together. "There's killing and blood and war and yes there's the honor and glory, but that honor and glory is only there at the expense of human life. Is that really worth it?"

"Where is achievement without struggle?" Artemis asked. "Peace and prosperity it is the goal, but how would we know we've made it if it was always so? Where would love be without hate? Where would kindness be without cruelty? Where would life be without death? Where would peace be without violence? It's all about balance. Without the cruelty of humanity, the good in us cannot be found. A moment like this wouldn't be special if it was so common." She leaned over him. He looked up at her. She smiled. "Would a kiss be as special without the forbidden and hidden aspect of it?" she asked. Arthur leaned up slightly closer to her.

"Even more special," he replied. He pulled her into a kiss.

"You are just making this difficult," Artemis winced. "I hope you know that. I hope you feel quilt over it. I hope-"

"What are you two doing?" a voice called. Artemis, who was practically on top of Arthur, jumped up off the ground. Artemis blinked and stared.

"… Alden…?" Artemis questioned. The man named Alden was a tall, slim man with dark skin, hair, and eyes. He had features that were not seen around Camelot. Arthur had spoken to Alden before. He and him had gotten along well actually. He was a Prince from the far east.

"Good to see you up, Nadirah."

"Alden!" she yelled running to him and throwing her arms around him. He laughed and spun her around before putting her back down.

"Long time no see."

"Yeah, it is!" she said happily. "What are you doing here?" He laughed.

"What do you think I'm doing here? Word got around fast that you were captured. You think we would just let you die?" he laughed. "No. I would think not." Arthur walked to Artemis's side. "I see you got her out of her room," Alden said to Arthur. Arthur nodded.

"Well, I figured that everyone came for her. I might as well see what I can do to get her to see everyone."

"Everyone?" Artemis asked. "How many?"

"A lot," Alden said. "Actually, I came looking for Arthur. The meeting is resuming soon, and of course, Artemis, you are welcomed to join us. The head seat at the table is yours."

"Is it?" Artemis asked.

"It tis."

"Uh… I don't know… I um…"

"I'll be in the seat right next to you," Arthur said. Artemis looked up at him. She bit her lip before nodding.

"Alright," she said. "Let's go." Together, they rode back to the palace. Alden and the men that was with him stayed several paces in front of Arthur and Artemis. Artemis had a feeling that Alden was trying to give them privacy. Artemis turned to Arthur. "Is Ava well?"

"Very. Everett is here with her." Artemis blinked.

"They've been spending a good deal of time together," she noted.

"They have," Arthur said.

"Perhaps her and I should talk," she said. "I can't ignore this."

"Talk? What about?"

"About how men will say anything to get a woman to share a bed with them," she said looking at Arthur out of the corner of her eye.

"I hope your not talking about me."

"Of course not," Artemis said with a smile. "I simply mean that some men are after one thing. I don't believe that Everett is like that, but who knows. Some men are like wolves wearing a sheep's skin."

"You're extremely morbid, you know that?" Artemis laughed.

"I simply going to tell Ava to cautious is all."

"From what I hear you weren't cautious."

"What the hell does that mean and who told you that?"

"Several of your acquaintances told me."

"I've only shared a bed with one man and frankly that's known of your business."

"I think it is my business," Arthur said.

"Really?" Artemis said. She seemed annoyed.

"Yes."

"Then pray, tell me what do you want to know?"

"What makes you think Kael wasn't one of these men you speak of?" Artemis rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"For your information. I was with Kael for over a year before he asked me to marry him and then we were engaged for three months. There was complications with us getting married, so legally we didn't married. But I think the gods still counted as married, and as a married couple we could do whatever we wanted. Do have a problem with me not being pure or whatever? Does the idea of sharing a bed with me sicken you because I have already shared a bed with another?" She didn't sound remotely pleased with this conversation.

"No," Arthur said in panic trying to backtrack. "It would please me to share a bed with you." Realizing what he said he backtracked again. "NO! That's not what I meant. I mean it would please me, but I… that's not what I'm after… I…" Artemis watched as Arthur struggled with what to say. She knew he was trying. He just stumbled across his words a lot when he spoke to Artemis.

"Arthur, stop," she said with a smile. "I know what you meant. Okay, so let's get this out of the way. I am not pure. I have shared a bed with another man. I loved him. I wanted to have his child whether I was legally married or not. I didn't care nor do I care what society thinks, and that is that." Arthur nodded. "Are we good?"

"Yes."

"Good. It would please me to share a bed with you as well," she said teasing him.

"Then let us." Artemis laughed.

"Nice try but no. I do have some sort of morals. They are rather shifty, but they are there."

"Perhaps some day," Arthur teased, but there also seemed to be a bit of seriousness to the statement. Artemis laughed. They reached the city walls.

"You can dream about me all you want. It won't make it reality."

"You really have no shame do you?"

"No. I'm very comfortable talking about everything."

"So it seems." Artemis laughed. They reached the palace and both got off their horses. Arthur led Artemis to a hall with a long table. All the seats were filled with people from Artemis's path. They all stood as they entered. They nodded to Artemis as she walked to the head seat. She sat. Arthur was at her left and Peter at her right.

"Good to see up," one said. She knew that man to be Prince Nolan.

"You can thank Arthur for that one. His constant pestering was annoying me." There was a chuckle among the crowd. "Let us start." Artemis listened as each country argued with another over the alliance. The main problem was that wonder if a war clashed with another's culture. For example: if the east wanted Camelot to fight, Camelot would want them to fight without magic. It caused problems. Artemis finally spoke after she heard enough arguing. "Why not put it in simple terms instead of complicating it?" There was silence.

"What do you mean?" Peter asked.

"Simply say: I hereby offer my alliance to all my fellow signers as long is does not disrupt my laws or culture. When a need for the alliance arrives, if the other has a concern a group will be called together to determine if it gives them the right to back out of the alliance." There was whispers of agreement.

"Do any say nay?" Peter asked. No spoke. "That was settled easily."

"Monarchs overcomplicate things," Artemis replied.

Artemis wore a plain white dress to Peter's coronation, but in Arthur's opinion she looked amazing in anything. Arthur stood next to her as she watched as the crown was placed upon his head. To Arthur's surprise, Artemis started to cry silently. Arthur put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him. She gently put her head against his shoulder as she watched the rest of the ceremony. Arthur put an arm around her waist. Neither of them really cared who saw them together like this.

The feast that ensued was one that no one would forget. There was many entertainers as they ate. Artemis sat at Peter's left and Arthur sat next to her. Merlin was working. Ava was next to Arthur and Everett was beside her. At Peter's right was Sarah followed by their children. They were so naturally accepted as Peter's family that it nearly surprised Artemis. Nearly, but not quite. Masters Saoirse and Galen were around somewhere in the shadows like many Servants did. After they ate, they danced. Well, most danced. Artemis, who was usually the one to lead the dancing, did not. Instead, she left abruptly in the middle of the dancing. It was unnoticed by the lively group for a good portion of the night… It was unnoticed by everyone, that is, but a certain love struck prince.

"Have you seen Artemis?" he asked Merlin. He shook his head. Master Saoirse, who was blending in looking rather beautiful in a blue dress, cleared her throat. Arthur turned to her.

"Check the highest point in the castle. She goes to such places to think." Arthur nodded before he ran off. He knew exactly where the highest point was.

Arthur climbed staircase after staircase down hall after hall. Finally, he reached a small spiral staircase that lead to a trapdoor. Arthur climbed the stairs and opened the trap door quietly. The room wasn't really a room, but rather it was the roof of a tower covered with a wooden top to stop rain from falling on the people on the tower. Artemis stood there looking radiant. She was staring out over Valde seeming to be lost in thought. Arthur walked all the way up and to her. He put an arm around her waist gingerly. She looked at him.

"Hi," she said with a smile.

"Hi," he replied. "What are you doing up here? Shouldn't you be with us celebrating?"

"I needed some time alone. Peter surprised me with a request."

"Oh?" Arthur asked. "What request?"

"He asked me to stay to be his advisor."

"I thought you couldn't interfer with monarchs," Arthur said.

"Usually no, but because I was the one indirectly who put Peter back on the throne it is my right to also advise him as a Servant."

"Oh," Arthur said flatly. "Are you?" Artemis looked out.

"I think so," she replied. Arthur looked down and then out at Valde before nodding. He removed his hand from Artemis's waist, and leaned against the stone of the tower.

"It's understandable. This is your home." Artemis gently put her hand on his. He looked at her. She shook her head.

"It may not be for good, Arthur. I just need sometime away. I need to recollect myself. I need to decide what is best."

"Then I'll stay until you've had that time." Artemis shook her head.

"No, you need to go back home. I need some time from you."

"Me?" Artemis nodded. "Did I… did I do something?"

"No," she said shaking her head. "It's not like that. I just need some time to think over everything including us, but I need you to leave in order for you to not affect my judgment."

"How long?"

"I don't know. Until I can find an advisor for Peter."

"That could be a long time."

"I will write. There is a portal not far from Camelot and Valde that connect each other. By falcon, letters should only take three days."

"Three days. I will write back."

"Good," she said with a smile.

"Are you sure about this?" Artemis nodded. "I may not see you for months, years. You just recovered. This is the first day we've talked in six months."

"I know, but I have to have some time away. I need to think what is best," she repeated.

"Best for you or best for the world?"

"The world comes first, Arthur. It always will."

"You should think of yourself once in awhile."

"I cannot. I am bound by an eternal oath. I am married to the world." She lifted her let hand. The phoenix ring still laid on her finger. "This ring is suppose to be worn by Servants all the time. It symbolizes life. I am married to life, to the people of the world. I am not supposed to serve one but all."

"Then there is no hope for us?"

"That is among the many things I will be thinking about whilst I am away. You must give me time." Arthur nodded.

"Alright. Okay." Artemis turned to Arthur. He looked like he was down. Artemis put a hand gently on his cheek turning him toward her. They kissed passionately and lovingly. It was a kiss that many people would die for. Artemis pulled away. Arthur pulled her into an embrace. Artemis pressed her head against his chest and listened to his heart beat. Neither was willing to speak the words that were right on the surface. Three simple words. If they were said it would hurt too much. It would pain Artemis more than anything she has been through both physically and mentally.

Artemis and Arthur stayed on top of the tower the entire night. They spoke of everything. Arthur spoke of the battle that had ensued to rescue her and Artemis spoke of Valde and what it was like the first time she arrived. They both ended up sitting on the floor of the tower. Arthur's cloak was around both of them to keep the chill out. Artemis was laying in between Arthur's legs, against his chest. Arthur had his arms around her. Artemis looked up at him. He was wearing his crown as was tradition for such things. Artemis reached up and gently took it off. Arthur watched as she stared at it.

"I will never quite understand the world," she admitted quietly. Gently she turned the crown. "How can one piece of gold mean so much? Monarchy just doesn't make sense to me. You were born into a royal family. You are no different from me or Merlin. You realize, Arthur, this little piece of gold is what separates us?" Arthur covered her hands with his.

"You also should realize that this little piece of gold is what gives me the right in the future to change Camelot for the better, but for now," Arthur said taking it from her and setting it on the floor where it could not be seen, "let us not think or care of what the world says."

"Oh? Are we caving into our desires as well, my lord?" she teased. Arthur laughed slightly.

"If you so wish."

"You should not be so indecent, my lord. If you are, you shall dirty the name of Pendragon," she said laughing lightly.

"So I have not smeared it enough?" Arthur replied.

"Not so much that it tis unrecoverable, my lord" she laughed.

"Then perhaps that is what I shall do tonight with you, my lady. Dirty my family's name without a second thought." Arthur kissed her neck. Artemis laughed.

"And who says I would allow this?" she said trying to shrug him off.

"You were the one who suggested it, my lady."

"No, my lord. I simply asked if we would be caving into our desires. Your desire may to bed with me, but who is to say that it is my desire?" Arthur stopped.

"That would be…," Arthur said looking for the right word.

"Teasing?" Artemis asked with a laugh.

"Exactly," Arthur said.

"Well, would it not be worse to cave in to temptation and desire?"

"Worse for you perhaps," Arthur muttered. Artemis laughed. Her laughter fell silent as she sighed. She leaned against Arthur listening to his heart.

"There was this woman, Aradia," Arthur said slowly interrupting the silence.

"I already know. Aradia and I have spoken."

"What did she want?"

"What she always wants, the future."

"I don't understand."

"She wants to know the future I know of from prophecies. Aradia used to be a very gifted seer many years ago. But then again many years ago Aradia and Master Gwydion were also lovers."

"What happened?"

"They had different ideas of the future. In the end, Gwydion had no choice but to take her ability to see the future. She now forever lives in darkness."

"Was he right to do that?"

"I don't know," Artemis admitted, "but he won. We can only follow him."

"True," Arthur replied. "And the Sword of Magus?"

"Saoirse stripped it of it's abilities without Peter even knowing."

"Saoirse is a sorceress."

"She is also my friend." Arthur nodded.

"She helped saved you. That's all I care about." Such a statement took Artemis by surprise, but she would never show it.

They continued to talk. Artemis slowly began to tell Arthur more and more about the people and places she had seen. He would ask her about one of the monarchs and Artemis would tell a story of how they met. Slowly their energy faded.

"Stay awake," Arthur whispered weakly his own eyes shut.

"I am," Artemis muttered. She was curled up against him.

"No you're not," Arthur argued.

"I'm attempting."

"Sad attempt."

"Mhm," she muttered.

"We should get you to bed."

"Yeah," she said but neither of them moved. Artemis finally drifted off and Arthur followed soon after.

Light shown inside the tower as the sun rose. Artemis's eyes opened as the sun fell on her eyes. She stretched slightly, but realized Arthur's arms was still around her restricting her movements. He moved his arms. She must of waken him.

"Morning," he said rubbing his eyes.

"Morning. Sleeping on a tower is not a good idea. I'm really sore," she admitted.

"Agreed." Artemis stood slowly and Arthur followed.

"I forget how beautiful it is here," she said looking over the land. The sun hit the snow on the ground perfectly. The snow on the houses had made a gorgeous scene. "I also forgot how cold," she admitted pulling her arms around herself. Artemis could see her breath. Arthur took off his cloak and pulled it around her. Artemis looked at him and gave a sigh. She took Arthur's crown off the floor and gave it back. He didn't put it back on.

"Arthur last night… every day… you and I… Arthur," she said looking at the ground and back up at him, "This is wrong. You know it. I know it. The world knows it."

"Is it so wrong to be with someone you love?" he asked. She looked at him.

"In a world where there is no bias or class standards or any of that, no, but our world is not that way. Arthur, you don't seem to understand exactly what you are risking by getting involved with me."

"Of course I do," Arthur replied. "My father-"

"Arthur, no, no you don't. It has nothing to do with you. You are forbidden to marry me until you are king and you change that. I am forbidden to marry you… until my dying breath."

"I don't understand."

"Servants can only marry another Servant and even that's rare. The Servants of the World need only the world."

"But I don't understand," he said frustrated. "You were going to marry Kael." Artemis shook her head.

"I wasn't a Servant then. I was simply one training. I could have given up the idea of being a Servant, but I can't anymore. I chose this road. When Kael died, the Servants asked me to finally be one of them not just training I said yes. I was initiated. I am in Camelot as my first real job as a Servant. I cannot get involved with you. It would be against not just our rules, not just against society, not just against my Masters but against the world."

"You do not want this," Arthur said.

"It doesn't matter if I do or if I don't. I must put my duties before my heart."

"Why?" Arthur said anger building. "Tell me why? Why can't you do this for yourself just this once!"

"Because this is a law that has been specially written in stone! My destiny and yours was not meant even touch! What we are doing is a crime against humanity, nature, and destiny! It's a crime against the gods!"

"Then it is a crime! I do not care!"

"But I do," Artemis said. "Arthur… I am staying here. The Servants have given me the choice to leave Camelot. I do not know if I will ever set foot in Camelot again. I could not bare it. You and I can never be. Even if the earth falls and the sun darkens, there is no us nor will there ever be," she said harshly. Arthur tried to find the words for what he wanted to say but it was impossible. Artemis had torn him in two. Her face was hidden behind a stone cold mask. Nothing was revealed. Arthur turned and left down the trapdoor without another word. Artemis took in a shaky breath. She wanted to break down. She wanted to cry. She wanted to scream. She wanted to hit something or someone, but she didn't. Instead, she very calmly turned back to the scene in front of her trying to forget things that couldn't be forgotten even if she had an eternity.

The parties finished and the feasts passed. Arthur and Artemis did not speak to each other not once after, but it was time for them all to leave. Many monarchs were in such a rush that they had no time to stay after the alliance, but they all bid Artemis farewell at one time or another. It was interesting to see each of them after so long. Artemis hugged Merlin. Arthur was already on his horse. His pride refused to allow for so much as a goodbye. Artemis turned to Morgana and hugged her.

"Will you be back?" Morgana asked.

"Who knows what the Gods have in store? The wind may blow me your way one day soon."

"I hope," Morgana said. "You have been a good friend."

"Take care of them, Gwen," Artemis said hugging her.

"I will. You take care as well."

"I will." Artemis stood in front of Ava. Ava looked like she wanted to cry. Everett had his arm around her waist.

"Be good. Take care. Do what you want not what others want. There are times to be serious, and times to kid. Pleasing everyone will just led to unhappiness. Love is something worth life." Ava hugged Artemis. They were now the same height.

"Yes, mother," she laughed. Artemis smiled.

"We will meet again."

"Are you sure?"

"Who knows maybe I will return to Camelot soon."

"I hope." Artemis watched as they left. She stared Arthur, who felt her stare, but did not even glance at her. Artemis ran up the stairs to the wall as they passed and she watched until they were nothing more than dots. It would be a while until she returns to Camelot.