A/N My favorite scene in the whole book is in this chapter. I hope you enjoy it too! I'll be putting the last two chapters up tomorrow.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The Human Side

When the escort landed in the courtyard late that morning, a large number of elves were already waiting for them, including King Dathaan, who stepped out from one of the balconies. A moment later, Prince Tambryn and Albus hurried out from another balcony. Albus smiled softly when he saw Andrew was among them; dirty, bruised, and with a severely tattered cloak, but in one piece. Laura, Essie, and Danny were there as well, tired and pallid from their arduous journey. Essie and Danny were still smiling and grateful to be back, while Laura was quiet and solemn.

"Captain Fiel, report at once! You bring with you the human rescuers, so I gather you went far into the Darkened Lands after I bade your master not to do so," Dathaan said with obvious disapproval.

Captain Fiel knelt, setting his broom on the ground.

"My liege, there was little time to consult you. As is my duty, I followed the orders of High Prince Dathbryn, who asked me to deliver a message to you in public as well as one in private," he explained. He held out a rolled note, which the king snatched from his hand.

"Very well, out with it," Dathaan ordered.

"The war is over, my king, as Lord Andrew bears witness, for he has slain the demon queen. Prince Dathbryn and allies of our court have freed the skies from the demons. The prince has asked that the kingdom prepare for the many with injured hearts, bodies and minds that he has rescued this night," Fiel said.

Albus immediately turned on his heals and rushed inside to warn their healers, while King Dathaan read the note with pressed lips. Tambryn walked up to his father questioningly.

"It seems that beyond disobeying orders, your brother made some questionable allies," Dathaan said. "Are you certain you don't want to take his place as my heir?"

"That would be foolish when my brother has become such a proven leader, Father, especially knowing he is bound to face your wrath as a consequence," Tambryn commented. Dathaan frowned at him disapprovingly and swept inside. The king's departure freed Tambryn to address the team at last.

"My Lord Andrew, honored rescuers. It is true, then? The queen and her army has fallen?" Tambryn asked.

"The queen has fallen, yes, but I expect it will take time to clean up the rest of the demons considering how spread out her forces are," Andrew replied. "Have you seen Merlin and my sister?"

"They arrived just hours ago, Lord Andrew. It caused quite a stir, which is why my father was already in a state when he came to greet you. They appeared in the courtyard and the Gardener insisted that he would answer no questions or accept no comforts until your sister was taken care of," Tambryn explained. Andrew's shoulders relaxed.

"Since when is he Lord Andrew all of the sudden? You've all called him Sir Andrew up until now," Laura asked, putting away her broom.

"Yes, she has a point. What about that?" Andrew asked.

"You destroyed the queen, Lord Andrew," Tambryn said simply. "You and your team deserve our admiration and respect after what you have done. We are in your debt, Lord and Ladies... a debt that will not be easy for us to repay. What can we offer you?"

"I'd love to get back to my room," Danny admitted. Laura nodded in agreement.

"I'd settle for something real to eat," Essie said eagerly. "Have you ever tried to sustain a human body with a mouse's stomach?"

"I only want to see my sister," Andrew insisted.

"Come, I shall see to your needs myself, and then I must go help our healers with their preparations. Captain Fiel, please see to your squadron's needs and your own," Tambryn said.

"Thank you, Prince Tambryn," Captain Fiel said gratefully, turning to his men as Tambryn led the others inside.


Lucky was sitting at the window of Minerva's studio, propping her head up with her hand, while Minerva worked on her sewing. The seamstress offered points of conversation such as her work and the weather, but wasn't troubled when Lucky failed to acknowledge it. There was a brisk knock at the door and Minerva bade them in, smiling when she saw it was Prince Tambryn and Andrew.

"There she is," Andrew said with relief. Lucky looked him over as he came up and hugged her. "I'm glad to see you're all right."

"You seem to be alive too. Mostly," she added, seeing the state of his cloak.

"Yeah... definitely not our father," Andrew chuckled. "I'm glad Merlin managed to get you out safely, although I'm not sure how he did it."

"Oh, that. I don't know, it wasn't that hard. He just turned into another Lava Walker like me and we both walked out of the cage. Then he told me that you had things handled, grabbed my arm, and then we sprang up into the air like a pop gun and when we came down again, we were here. I guess he didn't really need to be rescued, but I sure did. I wasn't any help at all, was I?" Lucky said ruefully.

"Wasn't any help at all?" Andrew repeated. "Lucky, you were a catalyst, and that was as important as anyone else's role in all of this, trust me. Besides, you did fry your fair share of demons in the process of escaping, didn't you?"

"Not enough of them, if you ask me," Lucky said darkly.

"Well, don't worry. It's over now. Most of the demons are going to be sent back to their own universe, and the Dark Fae now have a king who is interested in bringing order back to the Darkened Lands, more than likely with a bit of justice thrown in. On that note, I should also tell you that Lunette is more than a little caught up in her fate at the moment, but she's all right otherwise," Andrew informed her.

"I am certain there will be plenty of time to hear all the stories, Lord Andrew, but I'm also certain that the Lady of the Box could use her sleep after all of this," Tambryn said.

"Lady of the Box?" Andrew asked, bewildered.

"Yeah, that's me. Whimsy started calling me that on account of Dale's music box," Lucky snorted. "Apparently once you've earned a moniker around here it tends to stick. But it's okay, I don't mind. It's just a shame I hadn't painted it blue first." Rolling his eyes, Andrew also insisted that Lucky get some sleep and then followed Tambryn out again.

"I don't suppose you know where the Gardener is?" Andrew asked.

"At last report, drunk off his ass," Tambryn explained. "I think I had better take you to your rooms instead." Andrew agreed with a nod, but he couldn't help but wonder what proper High Elf words the prince had used before they had gotten translated into what he had heard.


Jennifer sighed and nursed her coffee, smiling when Dasher came into the classroom.

"Good morning. Glad to be back?" she asked him sympathetically.

"Very," Dasher admitted, putting a notebook on one of the front desks. "Not that Willowby's house is bad, but I spent more time over there than at home this summer."

"I know. I don't blame your parents for trying to keep you boys out of it, though," Jennifer said. "At least the newspapers have moved onto other things. Anyway, help yourself to the breakfast cart. I'd rather everyone finished before they get too far into their items projects."

"Thanks for letting me join Items and Dabblers a year early, professor," Dasher said, going over to the breakfast cart.

"We try not to hold anyone back when they're good at something, Dasher. And being a goblin, you have instincts that help you pick out materials and components that most humans don't have," Jennifer smiled.

"That's true, although I would like to go into something else over the long term, because... well, I don't see much point going to all of this trouble of training me to be a wizard just to set up shop in Myrkinbrek making trinkets," Dasher said, sniffing at the coffee experimentally before opting for juice.

"I can see where you're coming from, although... Dasher, I hope you don't let those sorts of stereotypes from keeping you from doing what you really want to do in life. I mean... if you suddenly discover that you positively love making items, don't let anything keep you from it. You're here to open up your possibilities, not to close them off," Jennifer said.

"I understand," Dasher said with a nod, going back to his seat. Others began to wander in, including Keir, who stopped short when he saw Dasher in the front row.

"What are you doing in here already?" Keir wanted to know.

"Learning how to alter potions, of course," Dasher said.

"Keir, do you have your note from Professor Weasley with you?" Jennifer asked. Keir shrugged it off and fished out his note to turn in, then took a seat at Dasher's desk. Jennifer looked amused at that, going back to her refresh her coffee as others began to stroll in, including Garvan and Cain.

"Do we have to give you a note if you're the one who recommended us for the class?" Cain asked.

"I think we can dispense from that formality in that case," Jennifer chuckled. "Did you find that book of potions I recommended, Cain?"

"Yes, I even have the waterproofing sealant potions you mentioned marked in advance," Cain agreed, showing her the book. "I suppose we'll have to sit up front like in Items class?"

"Yes, although I think nearly everyone in this class is new this year. I have a lot more Items majors than Potions majors at the moment. Hello, Garvan, I see Professor Weasley managed to squeeze another class into your schedule," she greeted him.

"Yeah, but boy is my schedule this year crazy," Garvan admitted, sitting down tiredly. Jennifer didn't miss that he had a chain peeking out from under his collar.

"I understand, Garvan, why don't you get some coffee? And from now on, you might want to make sure this class is your first class of the day and not the last. We don't want any explosions, do we?" Jennifer warned him with a smile.

Cain was completely confused, wondering what that was supposed to mean.

"Yes, Professor. Sorry, I'm new at this," Garvan said sheepishly.

"Fair enough," Jennifer said, chuckling softly.

She then walked over to the window to let Radiance in, but then she heard several students saying "Good morning, Headmaster" behind her and turned around to see Severus walking to the cart, carrying a piece of parchment in his hand.

"Really, Professor Craw. Pastries on the first day?" Severus said critically as he strode towards her office. He also frowned critically at Garvan, who was standing near the cart with a cup of coffee. "Don't make me regret allowing you to take extra classes, Gamban," he warned him sternly.

"No, sir, I'll be careful sir," Garvan promised. But Severus didn't pass him until he had time to "straighten" Garvan's collar, pulling it up around the Time-Turner chain. "Professor Craw, might I get a word with you before your class?" Severus requested. Still focused in on the parchment in his hand, Jennifer anxiously followed him into her office.

"Is that from the Teletype?" she asked, shutting the door.

"As a matter of fact," Severus confirmed, still with his back to her as he looked it over.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense! I've been waiting for word just as long as you have... longer now, come to think of it," Jennifer demanded. "Are they back?"

"It would seem so, and not empty handed," Severus said. Jennifer's expression was undeniably relieved. "Albus doesn't get into much detail but relayed that everyone is safe and Merlin is back but in a frightful mood. Apparently, Andrew found a way to destroy Samira. With the help of an alliance between the Seelie Court and a group of Dark Fae who had yet to succumb to the horde, they were able to overcome the demons."

"Brilliant! Oh, that's brilliant news! Why is Merlin in a frightful mood? How did Andrew defeat Samira? What will happen to the demons now? And when are they coming home?" Jennifer demanded. Severus rolled his eyes, handing her the note.

"I've already paraphrased everything that was in it, but see for yourself if you like," Severus said. "I'm sure we'll be finding out more, but I gather from the haste of this note that they must be very busy over there right now. I'm sure there's still a lot they need to sort out over there." Jennifer frowned. "Please, Jennifer, don't start that. The worst is over; they are in little danger now. Although I must admit that it's a pity this had to come out today instead of a week or two ago, because I may have been able to make some schedule changes. Anyway, I am going to go tell Ashley the news."

"She's going to be so relieved!" Jennifer said with a smile.

"Yes, and you should be as well," Severus reminded her, slipping out the door. Nodding to herself, Jennifer went back out to the classroom, warmed her coffee, and cheerfully got back to work.


In the library, Ambrose was busy showing Maurice how to take care of the front desk.

"Checking books out is the easiest part of what we do, really, it's when they get checked in that things get complicated," Ambrose explained, tapping two sets of blocks that had been slid into holes on the desk that kept them firmly in place. "This is today's date, and this second one is when they're due back, so all you have to do is fill out the card and make sure they sign them. Over here is the return scroll rack, and there is the return book rack. Most students will put their books on them already, but if you notice random volumes around on the table or set on this front desk, just make sure they get on these racks. Once you're comfortable with that job, I'll show you how to inspect the returned ones for damage and how to put them away."

"Right," Maurice said. "I suppose its unlikely anyone will come in this hour, though, being the first day and all."

"Not likely. But Professor Scribe does like to start her students off with a simple essay, so you'll probably be busy the next time you come in. Is it only Mondays or have you been assigned another day?" Ambrose asked.

"After lunch on Thursday," Maurice said, and Ambrose nodded at that.

"It'll definitely have picked up by then," Ambrose decided. "Here, I'll teach you a quick spell to help you put check out pockets in all of these."

Just then Maurice felt a change in the castle, and he wondered if he had just imagined it. He gazed around just in time to catch Carnegie whistling down the hall carrying a metal bucket. A few moments later a couple of girls raced by, chatting excitedly as they ran to their first class.

"What are those girls so happy about? It's well past first bell now," Maurice observed.

"Especially considering that they're probably going to Defense if they're heading that way. Aldus will rake them across the coals, even if they are first years," Ambrose chuckled. "Still, the air does seem lighter, doesn't it? It's almost as if your sister was feeling better all of the sudden."

"You're right. It does feel like that," Maurice agreed, glancing at Ambrose thoughtfully. "Do you think they might have heard something?"

Ambrose, who had been wondering the same thing, had trouble keeping his eyes off the hallway. In fact, he had been staring out the door for several minutes when Severus came in, looking between them as he walked to the desk, his gaze finally fixing on Maurice.

"What are you doing here?" Severus asked flatly.

"Student aid. I have first hour on Mondays," Maurice explained.

"Hm. Fine, I suppose this concerns you as well," Severus mused. "It would appear the worst of the crisis in Tir Na Nog is over. I made a copy of Albus' last letter for you, Ambrose," he said, handing it over.

"Andrew and Fortuna?" Maurice asked.

"Everyone is safely at the king's castle. I need to speak with Bael, now. Ambrose, please have lunch with Professor Weasley today," Severus said, turning towards the door.

"But I have to be here all day! Librarian Boulderdash is still helping his family set up their bookbinding shop," Ambrose reminded him.

"I'll send her down," Severus said briskly, walking over to the staff room. Bael and Hermione were inside, apparently going over their class notes.

"Now, how are any students going to get to you if you spend your conference in here?" Severus asked Hermione.

"It's the first bell of the first day, Severus. They haven't even had time to come to me in a panic about dropping a class they don't like yet," Hermione pointed out.

"It's just as well. I want you to go down to the library for lunch and give Ambrose the ethics speech. I don't care if he is a teenager, he's still employed here."

"I agree," Hermione said. "But good luck keeping them apart."

"Oh, you know about that too, do you? Well, see what you can do," Severus said.

"What is all the fuss about?" Bael asked curiously.

"I believe the Headmaster wants Ambrose and Maurice to be "just friends" for as long as possible," Hermione explained.

"Ah, that. Well, that's hardly fair, is it? I've seen how other students carry on in this school..."

"Students, yes. One of them is employed here," Severus said.

"Ah, yes. I can see how that would be a problem," Bael agreed.

"Anyway, the reason I came in here was to let you know that Merlin has been freed and the crisis is soon to be over. It is more than likely that it will still be a few months of our time before you're able to return, however, so I suggest that you begin working out a more detailed agenda so that whoever is taking over your class can do it without too much trouble."

"Your sister and Aldus are both capable of it, Severus, they've been helping me with a formal manuscript on our culture," Bael said.

"Yes, I am aware, but they also have other duties and I'd rather you prepare the class in its entirely so that whoever picks it up doesn't have too much more work to do," Severus explained.

"I understand, Severus. I'll get to work on it right away," Bael agreed.

"Thank you. The sooner that is done and on my desk, the better," Severus said, sweeping back out of the room.

"So! You'll be going home soon! I bet that's a relief after getting stuck here for over a year," Hermione said.

"I was just getting to point that I felt comfortable over here and now it's almost time to return," Bael admitted with a sigh.

"That's how life works over here, I'm afraid. It's always changing," Hermione grinned, then grew thoughtful. "Bael, I was wondering. Do elves ever get fated to be with someone of the same sex?"

"Oh! Yes, of course, all the time, but not always romantically. I was fated to serve the Prince, after all," Bael explained.

"But sometimes it is romantic? Well, I suppose what I'm really asking is if can they have cosmic matches of the same sex," Hermione clarified.

"Yes, I'm sure they do. Don't they happen in your world as well?" Bael asked curiously.

"I couldn't say, really. Since we humans tend to make our own choices, finding a cosmic match is exceedingly rare," Hermione explained. "Even though they do seem to be more common in the wizard world than on average; you're still more likely to be hit by lightning than to find a soulmate. I don't have enough data to go on."

"Oh. Well, there are a lot of old tales of Danaan who came to your world and found mates among the humans, and some of them were of the same sex sort," Bael recalled. "Perhaps I should send along one of our own texts on that time period the next time Albus or someone pays a visit."

"That would be positively fabulous! I would love that!" Hermione agreed excitedly.

"In fact, there might be even a tale about the Gardener and his fated mate as well, come to think of it, and he was male too," Bael said. "I'm sure you'll find that interesting reading." It became so quiet that he looked up from his work, Hermione staring at him with an open mouth. "What's wrong? I thought you might have heard of that one, considering it happened in your land."

"Oh. My. God," Hermione said, pushing her hair back from her forehead as it sank in. "Merlin saw he was fated to be with a human and remembered him even before he was born. In fact, he was so anxious to meet him that he went out of his way to make sure that his parents got together. Merlin even helped the boy's father disguise himself so he could to seduce his mother and conceive him. Then, because he had remembered many terrible things happening to his match, Merlin went on a personal mission try and stop all of the bad things he remembered in his future from happening. The two of them never would be more than close friends because his soulmate preferred women... too much for his own good. So despite Merlin's efforts... despite everything he tried to do to prevent his soulmate's doomed fate from coming about, it happened anyway... in part because Lady Viviane intervened and made certain that Merlin could not change what had been prophesied."

"It sounds to me like you know the story already," Bael observed.

"Not in the same context! Now it's so obvious, I don't know why I didn't see it earlier! You know, he denies ever having a soulmate if you ask him," Hermione said. "But that makes sense too in a way, considering who his match was. I really don't think there are many that Merlin would ever tell that part of the story to... his wife and son, perhaps... I doubt he's even told Severus. Honestly, for Merlin's sake, maybe it's best if we keep it quiet for now... er... but still send me the book."

"I will. I promise," Bael said with a smile.


Lunette Vallid arrived with the wounded and then went out of her way to find out where Laura was staying and coaxed her into going to the Healer House with her, hoping to pull her out of the memory of the rescue by having her help with their recovery.

Andrew, in the meantime, was busy tracking down where Merlin went. After studying the castle's structure, he played a hunch and made his way over to the tallest, narrowest tower. A pair of guards were positioned at the bottom the stairs. Both of their expressions changed when he approached.

"Are you lost, Lord Andrew?" one of them inquired.

"I was looking for the Gardener, actually. Is he around?" Andrew asked.

"He does not want to be disturbed, Lord Andrew," the guard admitted.

"But I haven't been able to talk to him since we've gotten back. Surely he'll talk to me at least," Andrew said.

"We have our orders, sir," the guard said apologetically.

Suddenly the guards stood up straight and became alert. Andrew turned around to see Prince Dathbryn, easily recognizable from his brother at that moment because he hadn't changed out his torn and blood-stained clothes. Andrew doubted that Dathbryn had even been to bed since they had last met.

"Whose orders are these?" The high prince asked as he walked up, glancing between them.

"The Gardener's orders, Prince Dathbryn," the guard said.

"Lord Andrew is to be presented to the court tonight, Ilwyn. And even if he does not outrank our Gardener on that technicality, he is if nothing else the savior of our people. Let him pass," the prince said. The guards immediately stepped to the side. Before Andrew could thank him, Dathbryn had already continued on his way.

Andrew thanked the guards instead, grimacing when he saw how many stairs there were. He found himself remembering what it was like to climb all those stairs to the Astrology Tower at school, although those weren't anywhere near as narrow as these. Finally he reached a heavy door at the top and put his hand on it, a bit surprised when it opened easily.

It didn't take Andrew long to notice the Enchanter. He was standing next to the open window wearing a sour expression and an ice bag on his head, his folded arms covering the tip of his beard.

"Hi," Andrew said.

"Oh. It's you," Merlin answered without turning around.

Deciding that was probably as close as he would get to an invitation, Andrew stepped in and shut the door.

"How are you feeling? Better?" Andrew asked politely.

"I wasn't ill. I was indisposed," Merlin said curtly.

"Oh, so that's what they're calling it these days," Andrew chuckled.

"I don't know who 'they' are, but it's none of their business how I feel, thank you very much."

"Fair enough. Actually, I came up because I was rather curious as to how you and Lucky finally got out of that cage," Andrew explained.

"The same way she got in," Merlin said in a huff. "The moment I realized that the cage didn't seem to care whether there was a lizard in my cage or not, I took a similar form and we squeezed our way through the bars together. And after I noted that you and the two Seelie kingdoms had matters well in hand, I decided it was time to get out of Dodge and take Fortuna with me."

"Dodge?" Andrew asked curiously.

"Never mind that. You showed me a way out, so I got us out. Thank you. Now, unless you have something else to bring up, clear off, will you?" Merlin snapped.

"What in blazes is wrong with you? I've never seen you act like this..."

"You haven't known me that long," Merlin retorted.

Andrew became thoughtful and quiet as he attempted to work out what had gotten him so upset. Merlin continued to look out the window and chew on his beard.

"This has something to do with that spell you cast on me during the fight," Andrew surmised. "The one that stripped my blocks away and showed me how much of my stupidity over the years was tied to my anger towards my mother for abandoning us and getting hurt in front of us."

"You should have been allowed to figure that out for yourself! I had no right to force you to deal with it yet. It was interference of the highest order, taking away someone's decisions like that. But if I hadn't, a great many worse things would have happened after that moment!" Merlin snapped. He stormed around the room as he searched for another drink. He scowled fiercely when he realized the bottle of whiskey he had liberated from Danyelle was also empty.

"Yes, they would have," Andrew agreed, ignoring the wizard's stomping around as he righted a stool and sat down. "Subconsciously, I would never have allowed my mother to protect me, and I probably wouldn't have even known that she as able to. As far as working it out on my own... that was not going to happen anytime soon, Merlin. I wasn't even aware what was the cause of it all. Even though... well, I admit that watching Mum with Quintin and my making progress with Rel has been chipping at that wall, it would probably have taken me years to have truly worked it out on my own."

"No, not as long as you think. If I hadn't gotten myself into this mess and you'd have stayed home, you probably would have worked it out within a year or two," Merlin said and waved it off, finally finding a bottle with a swallow in it. But before he could drink it, the color of the liquid changed. Swallowing it, Merlin blinked and confronted Andrew.

"Did you just transfigure my last drop into tea?" Merlin accused him.

"You got yourself this worked up over something I would have solved myself in a year or two?" Andrew countered.

"It isn't about time, Andrew, it is about choice! A choice I denied you by interfering! Every time I have done that in the past, it has led to nothing but pain and disaster, and I promised myself that I would not goad myself into denying a person's choice again!" Merlin raved angrily.

"So that's it," Andrew said, realizing now that Merlin wasn't really angry at anyone but himself. "This is all about what happened at Camelot. And breaking your promise made you angry all over again..."

"I've never stopped being angry!" Merlin shouted, several bottles breaking behind him. "Arthur had such promise! He had such vision for what humans could be if they just concentrated on their best traits instead of their worst! And then those stupid prophesies came out, and I desperately did everything I could to save him from that fate, and all it did was force him down an even darker path than the one I had tried to save him from! Viviane was right to stop me from interfering any more. I did nothing but make things worse! Damn it all!" Merlin turned and faced the window again, rubbing his eyes despite the fact it was too late to do any good to stop the angry tears that had come from his rant.

Behind him, Andrew exhaled and smiled gently, searching the wreckage until he found a broken tea set that he could mend. He then took some of Albus' tea leaves out of his pocket and added it to the hot water that had filled up inside the teapot.

"So you really do have a human side after all," Andrew said. Merlin merely grunted, apparently not in the mood to talk any more. "I suppose all of this is also why you disappeared into Tir Na Nog for so long and shut the doors between our worlds on your way out. And I bet it's also tied to you coming back, too. You wanted to keep Ciardoth from destroying our worlds because you didn't want another one of your 'mistakes' to mess with the human world again, and you also wanted to get back in an attempt to account for your interference in the past."

"Icarus was condemned to his spectral death because of the horrible crimes he committed attempting to cheat fate," Merlin said, sounding calmer yet still brooding. "You might say that I am condemned to life for doing something similar, only on a much larger scale. I'll be repenting those deeds until the end, and I shall struggle to live as long as possible so that I might get closer to that goal. I'll never be able to reach it," he murmured. "And interfering in your choice was definitely a step further back than I wanted to take!"

"I don't think so," Andrew decided. Merlin grunted again. "That isn't sentiment talking, Merlin. I'm actually talking about Fate at the moment. I've been hearing a lot of stories since we got back to the castle, and they all have the same theme. It was Fate that brought Lunette stumbling into her grandfather's camp so she could negotiate an alliance to help bring down the demons. It was my fate to bring Samira down after all the hurt she had caused my family. And if that wasn't enough, it was Fate that brought my team to this world. If any member of my team hadn't been here, we would have failed. Thanks in part to Lunette getting lost, and helping the Dark Fae clear the skies. Essie, for warning us about impending danger on more than one occasion, most especially at the river, where we would have blundered into those Naughs if we hadn't been more careful. Danny, for her vast experience in hiding in animal form, keeping us safe and rested on our way to Samira's court. Laura, for keeping me on pace, and for racing back to get the prince to start dismantling the demon stronghold even before Samira had fallen. And Lucky, for being my loyal defender when I needed it, and being a catalyst when our worlds needed it, just by being my sister. And me, actually, since I certainly wouldn't have volunteered for this if someone hadn't told me I was going whether I wanted to or not. You see, it was Viviane who chose our team, Merlin. And by breaking your promise, you did nothing more than choose to follow fate as it was truly intended to happen. As you might recall, my mother did the same thing once," Andrew reminded him when Merlin turned to stare at him. "And my father was able to prove to Viviane that Mother's interfering had been the right thing to do. Therefore, by the same token, by choosing to work with Fate on this occasion, your interference had been the right thing to do too. In a way it's all come full circle. Doesn't that make it Fate as well?"

Merlin stared at him.

"Viviane formed your party?" he asked for clarification.

"Yes, she did, and Father chose to allow it," Andrew added for good measure. Merlin squinted.

"What is her angle in all of this?" Merlin wanted to know.

"Does it really matter?" Andrew asked with a laugh. "I think we owe her one anyway."

"Yes. But don't you dare tell her that," Merlin insisted. Andrew nodded with a grin. "Oh, and don't tell her I said anything about her being right in that other matter I may have accidentally mentioned just now."

"I would never do that to you," Andrew assured him. "Tea?"

"Oh! I suppose, if I can find my honey pot," Merlin decided and began searching through the broken pots to recover it. "You know, Andrew, you really are very wise for a man of your age."

"If so, I have to you to thank for it, Merlin," Andrew said, "by helping me find myself again." Merlin thought about it a moment, righting the lid of the honey pot and setting it on the tray.

"You are quite welcome, Andrew," Merlin said at last. Andrew smiled, accepting a bit of honey in his cup.


In court regalia much too elaborate for any of their tastes, Andrew, Lunette, Laura, Essie, Danyelle and Lucky walked into the ballroom and up to a dais, a crowd of other courtiers looking on with interest as the King, Queen, both Princes and Princes Niamh respectfully made way for them. King Iuchan stood on the other side of Dathaan, smiling proudly at his granddaughter, while Merlin stood next to the dais along with Ganon and several other court mages, his robes quite modest compared to the others. Somehow, it made him seem all the more important among them rather than detracting from himself as he had obviously intended.

"My courtiers, friends, representatives of the Seelie Court and of the Darkened Lands Court," Dathaan addressed, Iuchan nodding to him cordially. "We are here to officially recognize our newest lords and ladies to the courts. Although they must soon return to their world, it is important that we acknowledge their accomplishments and their titles, for the benefit of those recording these events, as well as their own benefit should they chose to return in the future.

"First, let us recognize King Iuchan's intended heir, for without her our peoples would never have come to an understanding. I present Princess Islene of the Moon, Councilor to the Courts!"

"Just what I needed, another promotion," Lunette murmured under her breath. Only Andrew had heard it as she stepped forward and made a complicated gesture they had all been taught to pay tribute to the court. The response was one more of feeling and magic than an audial response, but Andrew couldn't help but liken it to clapping.

"Next, our newest ladies of the court: Lady Laura the Kindhearted, Lady Danyelle the Cunning, Lady Essie the Listener, and Lady Fortuna of the Box," Dathaan announced, and they stepped up and made their gestures, Andrew wondered how Laura had earned her particular moniker; the others were more obvious to him.

"Really, did it have to be cunning?" Danny had murmured to Essie as they stepped back over. Essie simply grinned at her.

"And now to introduce our new Lord; the son of our dear Lord Severus, who delivered us from the demon queen and helped insure the victory of our courts... Lord Andrew the Wise," Dathaan announced, the emotional response flooding the room as Andrew stepped up. As he carefully made his own gesture, he threw Merlin an accusing smile. Merlin smiled back and shrugged innocently... too innocently to not be the guilty party. "Come! Let us celebrate our victory and our new Lord and Ladies! Peace has come at last!"

The crowd made an audible noise this time of cheers and chatter, while the royals stepped over to greet the presented. Iuchan hugged Lunette openly, while the princes made a point to congratulate Andrew first, who also earned a fatherly pat on the shoulder from the king.

As soon as he could, he slipped down to where the court mages had congregated. They were all standing around each other with goblets in hand, using the opportunity of them all having to be there by debating magical theory with one another. As Andrew came up between Merlin and Ganon, Ganon nodded his head respectfully and made a simple gesture towards him. Andrew also couldn't help but notice that Ganon's cup was empty while Merlin had barely touched his.

"Tired of royal hobnobbing already?" Merlin teased.

"Andrew the Wise?" Andrew asked knowingly.

"You should thank me, dear boy, they were debating between calling you Andrew the Elusive, or Andrew the Beloved," Merlin explained. Andrew blinked at that.

"Thank you," he said sincerely and received a chuckle in response.

"So how much longer will you be staying?" Ganon asked Merlin.

"Now that everything has been put on the right path again, we really ought to be heading back as soon as possible," Merlin admitted. "But don't worry, Ganon, I promise I'll help you set up that experiment of yours the next time I visit." Ganon seemed placated by that.

"Experiment?" Andrew asked.

"Yes, on the Danu river. I'm rather curious to find out how it works, and whether there is a magical element or not," Ganon explained, but then lowered his voice, glancing over to where the Priestesses were all holding conference. "But don't tell my wife, I don't think she'd approve." Andrew laughed softly at that.

"You two are quite the couple. I suppose it proves that religion and magic can be compatible on occasion," Andrew said.

"Only just," Ganon said in a low voice.

"I think you're both going to be fine parents," Andrew said.

"Ah yes, the baby boom. That will be rather exciting, won't it?" Merlin said mischievously.

"Exciting or dull? We won't have time to do anything but rear our children for years," Ganon admitted with a sigh.

"Perhaps Albus might have some ideas to help with that issue," Merlin suggested. "Assuming he's not coming with us, I suppose. Andrew, do be a good chap and find out who all is going, who all is staying, and who still has unfinished business here? With any luck, I'd like to be out of here tomorrow morning."

"So soon?" Ganon frowned, for he had been hoping to discuss magic theory with him at breakfast.

"Now, you know I'm never gone for long, but I do have a business and a very worried son and wife to get back to, you know."

"I can't imagine what it must be like to be married to you," Ganon said flatly.

"Oh! Well, I'd offer, but as you know, I'm already taken," Merlin answered mischievously.

"Yes, so am I," Ganon said, apparently not appreciating Merlin's humor.

"In that case, I suppose you'll never know then," Merlin concluded. Andrew shook his head and chuckled, then went to check on the others.