Disclaimer: I do not own 'Merlin'. I only own OC characters!

Rating: M for language & fight scenes.

A/N- Please note - You will still be able to follow this story without knowing the TV episodes.

Thank you so much everyone for your reviews, follows and favourites;Atenealuna, Micky-Moo, RosiePosie15, Melody Jane, LeopardFeather, AnotherWorld3111, Lady Ravanna, bilboswaggins2, SimplyKelly, saya659, 3r2YOni, Joo, Jo, Sam, maisyformerlin, Upptiy and Guestsfor your reviews! I really appreciate them and love to read them! Thank you also to all of those who have added this story to their alerts or added it as a favourite!

I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Thank you to my fantastic betas nycsinger16 andAnotherWorld3111! :)

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Chapter 29: Ready

Aria sucked in a deep breath as Gwen tightened the bodice of her ivory wedding dress. Gwen had been unsure as to why Aria had chosen an ivory dress when tradition typically dictated that one should wear a coloured dress. Aria had insisted however, and explained that it was tradition from where she was from to wear a white of ivory dress. Gwen had accepted the answer and immediately agreed when she saw how wonderful the colour looked against Aria's pale complexion, blonde hair and green eyes. Aria looked down and gingerly ran her fingers over the light coloured jewels encrusted on the front. Her shoulders were bare, with the sleeves of the dress beginning under the arch of her shoulders and hanging down by her sides. She could hear Gwen struggling with the ties behind her and stifled a giggle. The morning had been a flurry of events leading up to this moment; Aria had been scrubbed as clean as one could imagine, her hair had been washed and conditioned using herbs and ointments that Gaius had carefully crafted, her nails had been manicured using small twigs and her wedding dress and accessories had been laid out around the room she had been residing in. Not only that, but Aria's usually straight hair had been twisted around tubular material and pinned up, in a similar way to one might curl their hair in the future. She had even been given rather lacy underwear to wear by Gwen - especially given the time period, which made Aria blush profusely at the thought. Gwen had purely laughed and given her a wink, causing Aria to turn an even deeper shade of red.

Gwen was already dressed in a dark purple gown that Aria had picked out for her friend almost immediately from a sea of colour and material. It deeply complimented her friend's complexion and Aria thought Gwen was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was truly a magnificent Queen in more ways than one. Gwen's hair had been tied up, with a few ringlets hanging free by her neck. She too, looked beautiful.

There was still just over an hour until the wedding ceremony commenced, but Aria was already feeling nervous, the butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.

What if he doesn't turn up? What if he runs away? Stop it, Aria. This isn't some modern day romance film! This is Merlin we're talking about! Wait, that totally doesn't sound any more realistic.

"There." Gwen smiled triumphantly, "Your dress is tied up at the back. Now, let's begin on your hair."

Aria smiled, "Thank you, Gwen. You really don't have to go to all this trouble."

"Yes I do." Gwen tutted, "You're my best friend, and besides, I'm your bridesmaid. So only I can help you get ready."

Gwen stood back to admire the dress, "Oh, Aria, you look beautiful. That dress fits you perfectly."

Aria grinned and spun around on the spot, the loose skirts of her dress and sleeves flying around her. The dress was truly beautiful and flattered Aria's figure immensely. Gwen walked up to the dresser and patted the stool next to it.

"Sit here and I'll begin on your hair. It looks to be dry enough by now."

Aria walked over to the stool and carefully sat down, ensuring that her dress wasn't crumpled at the back. Gwen started to un-pin a section of Aria's hair, and sure enough, long curly ringlets fell down past her shoulders.

I've never really curled my hair before; it was always too straight to bother. I look so different with curly hair, how is that possible? It's just hair, right?

"Your hair is so soft and silky, Aria. I'm so pleased that it has taken to the curling cloth."

Maybe I should tell Gwen that it's easier to say 'curlers' than curling cloth? Hmm, maybe that's a spoiler and really not important right now.

"I'll begin now, and I'll let you know when to pass me the flowers and lavender."

"Flowers and lavender?"

"Yes." Gwen smiled, "I thought last night that you would really suit flowers threaded through your hair. It's simply you."

"Sounds pretty." Aria clasped her hands together, excited.

She watched in fascination as Gwen did her hair. Aria had never been gifted with nimble hands, and so could never do much with her own hair. Gwen began to plait a section of Aria's hair on the right side, whilst wrapping it over the top of her head. Aria tried to watch how she did it, but Gwen's hands moved so fast she gave up. By the end, it looked like Aria had a halo on top of her head, made from a thick plait woven with small flowers and lavender. On the left and right side were thinner, fishtail plaits that ended with a soft curl, and also had small flowers threaded throughout. The rest of Aria's hair tumbled down her back in waves.

Once her hair was finished, Gwen began to use a moisturising lotion on her face, gently rubbing it in until it had been completely soaked up by her skin.

"You're so lucky your skin is pale and supple." Gwen smiled at her friend, "You don't need any other ointment but the moisturising lotion."

"That's good." Aria sighed, "I'm not sure I could handle painting cosmetics on my face."

"Cosmetics?"

"Ah, yes, you know, the stuff women put on their faces to cover freckles and blemishes and that sort of stuff."

"Oh yes." Gwen nodded, "You're lucky, you don't need all of that."

"Thanks, Gwen." Aria smiled.

Gwen reached down and picked up a small box, "You do however, need some rouge on those pale cheeks."

Aria chuckled, "I suppose I do."

Gwen rubbed her finger in the rouge and tapped it on Aria's cheeks, carefully rubbing it into her skin so that it didn't look too bright or obvious. Once she had finished she smiled in satisfaction at her work. Aria's cheeks had a natural looking pink glow, as if she had a mild blush. Gwen opened another box and took out a lemon, causing Aria to raise her eyebrow at her friend.

"For your lips."

"Er, OK." Aria looked confused.

Gwen laughed, "Here, I'll rub it on your lips to increase blood flow. Trust me, your lips will be pink and plump when I'm done."

"I'll trust you." Aria chuckled, hesitantly watching as Gwen leant forward and rubbed the lemon onto her lips. Aria couldn't help the way her face scrunched up at the sour taste.

Once she was done, Gwen took a step back to admire her work.

"Aria, you look breathtakingly beautiful."

Blushing Aria looked at herself in the small, oval mirror on the desk and gasped.

Is that really me?

"No, no, that won't do. Come over here and look in the long mirror." Gwen helped her stand and almost dragged her over to the mirror.

"Wow." Aria gasped.

"You look beautiful – I told you, didn't I? Merlin is going to collapse when he sees you!" Gwen clasped her hands together in excitement.

Aria, still too shocked to say anything, just stared at herself in the mirror.

Seriously, is this me? I- I look… I look beautiful.

Aria turned left and right, her mouth open in amazement. The dress was very form fitting, showing off Aria's curvy hips and breasts. Her shoulders and collarbone were bare and pearly white, stray ringlets of hair gently cascading over them. The rest of her hair fell down her back and Aria shook her head slightly to see the curls sway. Her face was blemish free, with a slight pink tinge on her cheeks, and her lips were rosy and enticing. Gwen held out Aria's necklace and signalled for her to lift up her hair so she could tie it at the back. Aria smiled as she felt the soft weight of the necklace Merlin had bought her rest on her chest. Gwen then reached out and slipped her bracelet on her right wrist, making Aria feel as if she was now complete. Both the necklace and the bracelet seemed to match her wedding attire perfectly. If she hadn't have known Merlin had bought them for her separately, one might assume they had been bought especially for this occasion.

"Now, don't forget your shoes." Gwen pointed to Aria's cream shoes next to where she stood, "You don't want your dress to drag on the ground."

Aria slipped her feet in, relishing the feeling of the soft satin and silk hugging her small feet comfortably.

"And finally, the flowers."

Gwen walked over to the far window and picked up the small, purple bouquet resting in water there. She shook the bunch quickly to get rid of the excess water and checked to make sure the yarn holding the stems together was tight. Then she walked over to Aria and held the bouquet out, smiling.

"Thank you, Gwen. For everything." Aria sniffed, suddenly feeling emotional. She took the bouquet in her hand and breathed in the fragrance of the lavender and wildflowers.

"Oh Aria, you're my best friend, I'm always here for you." Gwen gave her a gentle hug, so as not to ruin her make-up.

"Why are you crying?" Gwen stroked Aria's back reassuringly.

"I'm not really." Aria sniffed, "Well… maybe a little. I suppose I just feel quite emotional that I'm getting married and my family aren't here to see. Nor are my closest friends from back home."

Sadness passed across Gwen's face, "I'm so sorry, Aria. I remember you telling me about your family and friends, and I didn't even think-"

"It's not your fault Gwen!" Aria exclaimed, "It's been nearly three years since I have been in Camelot and I really love it here. You have been wonderful and you truly are my closest friend. I just thought when I got married my mother and father would be here."

"I understand." Gwen replied soothingly.

"I am so excited and happy to be marrying Merlin, and to be able to do that with you and Arthur there is incredible. Honestly, you have no idea. I think I'm just having an emotional moment."

"I understand, Aria. I had the same when I married Arthur and my parents weren't around to see. Always know I will be here for you, and Arthur and Merlin of course."

"Thank you, Gwen. Sorry, I'd forgotten about your parents, it was insensitive of me."

"Don't be silly." Gwen smiled and then clapped her hands together, "Why are we dwelling on this sadness? It's your wedding day!"

"This is true!" Aria laughed, "I'm sorry Gwen, and thank you. I truly am incredibly happy. You have also done an amazing job to make me look so beautiful."

"Aria, I didn't need to do anything. You are already beautiful."

Aria blushed, "Thank you."

"There's also something you should know."

"Oh?" Aria cocked her eyebrow up at her friend.

"Arthur and I would like you to move into the castle with us. Into rooms next to our quarters on the uppermost floor."

"What?!" Aria exclaimed, "But that's where your royal guests stay. Merlin and I can't live there, we aren't even royal!"

"Aria, you are like a sister to me. I would love it so if you would move in here with us. You once said before that you were staying in my old house because you weren't married to Merlin so it would be odd to live in the castle with him, but now you are getting married…" Gwen trailed off, looking hopefully at her friend.

"Gwen, I'd love to. Thank you so much." Aria leant forward to grasp her friend in a tight hug.

Gwen returned the hug, a huge smile on her face, "Thank you, Aria. I can't wait for us to live together again! You'll be in the room next to mine again!"

Aria laughed at her friends happiness, "Me too, it will be wonderful!"

"I think Arthur is secretly happy that Merlin will be living closer too. In fact, it was his suggestion – but don't tell Merlin that!"

Aria laughed, "I won't. But that's so sweet!" She shook her head, "Sometimes I think I'll never understand Arthur and Merlin's relationship."

"I don't even try to anymore." Gwen grinned, "But I'm so happy that you will be living close by again, I've really missed you."

"I see you every day practically." Aria laughed.

"It's still not the same." Her friend pouted.

Giggling, Aria patted her friend's arm and thought about what the future was going to hold.

My future… or is it my past?

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"Merlin." Arthur called for the hundredth time, "Calm down, you're being ridiculous."

"Ridiculous?!" Merlin almost shouted, whilst slapping his hair down, "Why won't my hair sit right? Does it have an agenda against me?"

"Do you know how ridiculous you sound? I mean, more than usual of course."

"Shut up, Arthur." Merlin mumbled, "You were just as bad at your wedding ceremony."

"Here." Arthur picked up a nearby vase, took out the flowers in it and dumped the water on Merlin's head.

Merlin, stood dripping wet with his mouth hanging open, "What do you think you're doing, you clotpole?!" He shouted.

"Fixing you. Well, as much as I can."

Arthur threw the flowers on the nearby table, grabbed Merlin and dragged him to the other side of the room. Leaning down he picked up a cloth, wrapped it around Merlin's head so that it covered all of his hair and began scrubbing his hair dry. Once that was done, he grabbed his comb and began combing Merlin's hair back. The entire time Merlin stood there, not sure whether to be in shock or irritated. The King stood back and smiled.

"There." He turned Merlin around to face the mirror on the far wall.

The clotpole did it. Unbelievable. He won't let me forget it either.

"What was that Merlin?"

"I don't know what you mean, sire."

"Arthur." Arthur spoke quickly, "And I was waiting for a thank you."

"Oh, right."

Arthur stood there tapping his foot waiting for Merlin, who was mute but grinning.

"No respect." Arthur rolled his eyes, but a smile graced his face.

"Thank you, Arthur."

Arthur looked surprised that Merlin had actually thanked him, and sincerely at that. He coughed, "Right, well, now you must get dressed. You're being slow as usual, Merlin."

"I would imagine that's because you dumped water all over me." Merlin held out his arms, the sleeves still wet.

"You won't be wearing that anyway, so I don't see why you're getting all upset about it."

"I'm not?" Merlin asked, confused.

"Of course not. You're to be wed in the main chamber hall and you want to wear those rags?" Arthur turned towards his wardrobe and started flicking through the garments inside.

"Rags?!" Merlin spluttered, "This was my best shirt!"

Ignoring him Arthur replied, "Here." He held up one of his red silken shirts, "I wore this beneath my chainmail when I married Gwen."

"A-Arthur." Merlin reached out and took the shirt, "I can't wear your shirt - you're the King!"

"It's fine." Arthur replied.

"You seem very fine with this…" Merlin raised his eyebrow suspiciously, "Does it smell or something?"

"What?!"

Merlin laughed at his friend's response, "Thank you, Arthur. I'd be happy to wear it."

Arthur rolled his eyes and continued looking through the wardrobe, whilst Merlin changed into the red shirt. It felt very soft against his skin.

So Arthur feels this comfortable every day. Still, I'm surprised he's this happy to lend me his clothing.

"And this." Arthur chucked a black waistcoat at Merlin, followed swiftly by a large, red cape. Moments later a pair of black trousers also sailed through the air towards him.

Merlin grabbed everything and laid them out on the bed. He stared down at the clothing before him and sighed.

"What is it now, Merlin?"

"It's very… red."

"It's Camelot's colours." Arthur replied dryly, "What did you think you were going to wear?"

"Something… I normally do?"

"You can't wear your neck tie, Merlin."

"I happen to think my neck tie is very fetching."

Arthur groaned, "Don't be a dollop head."

"We've had this conversation before, that's my word, you can't just steal it."

Arthur gave Merlin a pointed look, "If you don't hurry up and get dressed, Aria will be waiting all day for you."

The realisation that he was getting married and on a time limit sunk in again, and Merlin began to panic.

"You're right! I must get dressed, but where do I start?"

Arthur sighed, "Was I really this ridiculous on my wedding day?" He mumbled mostly to himself.

"Trousers, yes, trousers are a good place to start." Merlin fumbled with his belt and removed what he was wearing. Arthur shook his head at the sight.

"When you've finished getting ready, let me know."

"Waistcoat next, that's right. Yes, waistcoat." Merlin muttered, not listening to what Arthur was saying.

Arthur rolled his eyes yet again and exited the room. Outside he saw Gaius walking towards him.

"Gaius! I'm glad you're here, I think Merlin is broken."

"Broken?" Gaius asked, surprised.

"Yes, please can you check on him?"

"Of course, sire." Gaius smiled at the King.

"I'll come back later to check on him!" Arthur shouted as he began to walk away.

"Of course, sire. I'll be going to visit Aria after this, so you can take over again then."

The King groaned, "Fine, I'll definitely be back soon." He replied and walked towards the main chamber hall to ensure everything had been set up perfectly.

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Both girls jumped slightly at a knock on the wooden door.

"Come in." Gwen called out and then added, "Unless you're Merlin of course."

"I'm not Merlin, never fear. He's busy rushing around as if a mad man were chasing him. But that's normal for Merlin I suppose, and something he did the first day I met you, Aria."

Aria beamed as Gaius entered her room. Once he set his eyes on her, he stopped in shock and happy tears started to build up in the corners of his eyes.

"Aria, my child, you look beautiful." He walked over to her and gently embraced her.

"Doesn't she?" Gwen smiled, "She's ready, Gaius."

"You also look beautiful Your- Gwen." Gwen beamed at the old apothecary.

Aria felt a nervous jolt pass through her body and she shivered in anticipation. Gaius patted her arm comfortingly, whilst wiping away a lone tear.

"Gaius, I'm nervous." Aria spoke before she had even realised she had opened her mouth.

"I'd be surprised if you weren't, my child. But, I have known since the moment you arrived in Camelot that you and Merlin were destined for one another. I began to wonder after a time whether he would actually ever build up the courage to ask you. I am truly glad that he did."

"Thank you, Gaius." Aria smiled at her father figure.

Gaius held out his arm, "I know I am to walk you to Merlin within the chamber room, but may I also have the honour of walking you to the chamber room?"

"Iwould be the one honoured, Gaius."

Another happy tear appeared to leak out of his eye, which he deftly wiped away.

Gwen smiled brightly at the sight and walked towards the door, "Is Merlin in the chamber room already, Gaius?"

"Yes, he is there."

"Perfect. Aria, I'll walk down first and meet you outside." With a quick wave, she was gone, leaving Aria and Gaius alone.

Aria took a deep breath, "I'm still nervous."

Gaius chuckled, "Shall we make our way slowly?"

"I'd like that, yes." Aria grabbed onto Gaius's outstretched arm and took another deep breath.

With each step she took she felt the nerves build up inside of her.

Come on Aria, you can do this! You're going to your wedding, not an execution! What's wrong with you? You're being ridiculous. This is Merlin, your soul-mate. You're to be his wife.

She blushed at the thought, but felt courage flow through her.

"I'm ready."

"I know." Gaius replied simply.

They walked in silence for a few steps until Gaius spoke up again, "Aria, you and Merlin mean everything to me, and I love you both dearly. I know it has been hard on you to leave your family and friends behind, but I know they would be proud of you. Ever since you arrived in Camelot I have seen and treated you as my daughter." He paused for a moment, "I also see Merlin as my own, dear son. And although I sometimes wonder whether that boy has any brains, I know he cares for you deeply and completely. Always know that he – and I – will be there for you. I love you dearly, child."

Aria sniffed, tears threatening to fall, "I love you too, Gaius. You're like my father and I appreciate everything you've done for me. If you hadn't have asked Arthur to allow me to be your second apprentice, I don't know what would have happened to me."

Gaius gently squeezed her arm, his eyes also watery, "Thank you, Aria." He coughed quietly, "Now, we mustn't cry on such a joyous occasion."

Aria giggled, "No, we mustn't. It's been so hard this morning though, Gaius! Everything is setting me off."

"I understand, my child." He smiled warmly at her, "I feel a sense of loss sending you off to Merlin, but I know he will look after you well."

"Thank you, Gaius."

They were stood outside the main doors to the chamber room and Aria took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. Gwen stood next to her quietly, waiting and smiling in anticipation. Aria stared at the wooden door for a few moments, committing the wooden grain to memory. She closed her eyes briefly to collect her thoughts, before opening them and nodding in determination. She thought of all the times her and Merlin had shared already, and all of the times yet to come, and happiness blossomed within her. The thought of her soon-to-be husband waiting inside set her heart on fire and a sudden excitement built up within her. From inside she could feelthat Merlin was there – his magic was humming around her in anticipation. She held her hand up and tried to feel it. Ever since the magic transference spell Merlin had cast a year prior when she had been sent briefly back to her time, Aria had been able to feel Merlin's magic when he was feeling particularly emotional. It felt reassuring and she could sense his nervousness within it as well.

"I'm ready."

Gaius smiled and nodded at the Knights by the door. They slowly opened the heavy, wooden doors and Aria smiled as she walked into the room full of her friends and loved ones, sunlight filtering through the window and lighting her path towards the man of her dreams.

A/N I hope you enjoy this chapter :) Please review and let me know what you think!

Also inspiration for Aria's dress, her hair and flowers are on my profile ^^

I think the next chapter might be the one everyone is waiting for – in more ways than one! ;) Who's excited to read it?! :D