I know that I stated that I had three more chapters. However, I could not find it in my heart to cause turmoil after a such a happy occasion. I must give credit to the author Karen Marie Moning because I used her druidic binding vows. I loves those vows and her Highlander druid series. I hope you love the conclusion of Wonders of Destiny. I hope you have enjoyed the story and would love ideas for Mordred/Merlin, Lancelot/Merlin or Protective Knights and Merlin stories.
****The Marriage of Emrys***********************************************************************************
After the oaths were completed, the Triple Goddess spoke, "For the last judgement, I call Sir Mordred to come forth." Mordred stepped forward hesitantly and with a frown. He tried to relax as he noticed that Emrys had a bright smile on his face.
Mordred knelt before them. "My child, you have lived through many ordeals. Several still haunt you. You need to let go of your guilt and forgive yourself. When Emrys returned your magic, you were tested and found blameless by magic thus you were able to receive your gift again. Even in darkness and anger, you held tight to the beliefs of your people. You did what you had to do to survive yes, but you are only human. Very few people will leave this life without causing directly or indirectly someone deaths. It is part of the cycle of life."
She knelt in front of the druid and placed her hand under his chin, so she could look at him. "Rise my child and be free." She leaned closer to him and kissed both each of his cheeks. She held his hand as she helped him to rise. However, she did not release it. Mordred was beginning to get worried.
The Great Mother still holding Mordred's hand to keep him in place turned to face King Arthur. "I would like King Arthur and Iseldir to step forward." The two men looked at each other but moved forward. What few people noticed that the both set of Emrys parents and Morgana had moved to the front, as well.
The Great Mother faced the crowd and smiled. "To end this gathering further on a celebratory note, I am pleased to inform everyone that Emrys has chosen a mate." She waited for the excitement to settle. The Great Mother released Mordred's hand only for him to find it being held by another.
Emrys stood before Mordred with a gold light emanating from him. "I have known you as a child. As you have been conflicted by your emotions for me, I have struggled with mine for you. However, even as I struggled, something inside kept urging me forward. Even when you were lost, I never gave up on you. Even though there were many that believed that I should have. You have always been with me even when you weren't. As we grew closer with your return, I discovered the reason that I could never stop looking for you was because you were the other half of my heart as Arthur is the other half of my soul." He knelt before Mordred. "I kneel before you as your king, as an immortal man to ask if you would consent to marry me and share this life and all other future lives as my husband."
There were gasps and smiles throughout the crowd. Mordred knelt to the ground and took both of Emrys' hands. "I have loved you as a child does a hero. I have loved you as a friend. Since, my return to Camelot, I love you as man. I never thought that I would have a home and family again. However, you gave me a home and a family with the knights. I would be honored to share this life and all others with you."
After the two men were done hugging and kissing, they rose. The Great Mother turned to Iseldir and King Arthur. "Iseldir, you have been chosen to participate and aide in this binding ritual being the chief druid of Mordred's clan. Do you agree to participate free of reservations and with love and joy?"
"I would be honored to participate."
"Please enter the circle." When Iseldir stepped on to the golden dragon, he had to stead himself against the force of the magic. It was more than he had ever experienced. It was so pure. He had to control the call of his magic to rise and greet it.
The Great Mother faced King Arthur. "King Arthur Pendragon, you have been chosen to participate and aide in this binding ritual as the soul brother of Emrys and king to both Emrys and Mordred. Do you agree to participate in this magical binding ritual free of all doubt, mistrust, reservations and with nothing but love and joy?"
Arthur looked to a beaming Emrys. He noticed the slight doubt and fear pass through his brother's eyes. He felt guilt rise through him. He stood proud and smiled at his brother. "I am far from deserving such honor." He faced Emrys. "I have known your loyalty, friendship, brotherhood and love. I know that it would take a very strong man to protect you with a love of Camelot and magic to earn and keep your heart. I have seen you depressed and struggling. I can see and feel your joy and happiness. I can honestly say that I have no reservations and doubt. I am truly and deeply happy for you and would be honored to participate."
"Please enter the circle, King Arthur." King Arthur has felt the power of his brother before in ritual and it paled in comparison to what he was feeling now. The purity called to him and moved through him. He felt the love and safety that Emrys brought him though it was tenfold, now. If this is what magic truly felt like; then he could not understand why someone would want to taint it or misuse something this beautiful.
The Great Mother faced the people. "For the outer circle, the following have been chosen: the five oldest dragons and Athisua, Gareth and Elaine Porter, Balinor and Hunith Ambrosius, Iseldir's clan, Morgana Pendragon and last but certainly not least The Knights of the Round Table. Before you form the circle, you must step forward only if you can do so without reservation and with love and joy. Those that possess magic will feel the circle call to it do not keep it bound let it flow and mix with the magic of the ritual. It will help purify your own and strengthen the ceremony. If you are willing; then please form the circle now."
Everyone slowly came forward. Morgana stood by Hunith. Gareth and Elaine stood between Hunith and Balinor, who stood next to Athisua, who kept trying to enter the main circle. Leon stood next to Morgana and the rest of the knights stood on his otherside. The druids started on the other side of dragons till the last one was standing next to a knight.
The Great Mother motioned Emrys and Mordred to the center of the dragon. She had them face each other. A gentle mist appeared. She smiled. "Our last two participates have arrived." She turned. "By your presence in the circle, you have consented to participate and aide in this binding ritual, Queen Mithian."
"Yes, I have consented to this extremely honored request."
The Great Mother waved her hand and a fire appeared between Mordred and Emrys. She had the join hands over the fire. She had Iseldir stand next to her on opposite side of the fire, and Arthur stand behind Emrys. She motioned for Queen Mithian to stand behind her, and the Lady of the Lake to stand across from Queen Mithian. The Great Dragon landed on the spot behind Mordred.
"I, the Great Mother, the Triple Goddess, bind these two men in marriage for this life time and all others. Iarraim ar draíochta a thástáil agus ceangal an dá hearts agus anamacha ón bpointe i rith síoraíochta. Iarraim ar an eiliminteach a thástáil agus ceangal an dá hearts agus anamacha ón bpointe i rith síoraíochta." (I call upon magic to test and bind these two hearts and souls from this point through all eternity. I call upon on the Elemental to test and bind these two hearts and souls from this point through all eternity.)
Fire rose around the joined hands encasing them in its flame and spreading over their bodies. They soon dissipated to be replaced by a whirling wind, and after a time, it faded into a funnel of dust. Dust of the earth rose around them and wrapped around their joined hands. Once the dust settled, a gentle rain encased the couple and circled the joined hands. When the rain stopped, there were silent tears falling down every face.
The purity and power of the magic that was leaking from the circle was reaching every corner of the isle and spreading towards Albion. "The Elementals approve of this union. It is time for the couple to recite their vows to each other."
Mordred lifted Emrys' hand and kissed it. "Is breá liom tú le mo chroí agus anam go léir. Glacaim leis chun tú a sheirbheáil agus a chosaint mar atá tú ag freastal ar an Rí Amach agus an Todhchaí. Is é mo draíocht mise. Is é mo bhrón mo bhrón. Is é mo áthas mo áthas. Is é do namhaid mo namhaid. Is é mo theaghlach mo theaghlach. Is iad mo chairde mo chairde. Is é mo fearg mo fearg. Beidh mé mar solas duit nuair a bheidh sé dorcha. Bhí tú i gcónaí mo dóchas, neart agus solas. Beidh mé do solas nuair a bheidh sé dorcha. Beidh mé neart nuair a bhraitheann tú lag. Is dóchas a bheidh agam nuair a bhíonn tú ag dul i ngleic. Ní bhfaighidh tú riamh ná a bheith ina aonar riamh arís. Ceanglaíonn mé mo chroí agus d'anam a thabhairt duit, mar sin ní cuma cén áit a mbeidh tú ag tarraingt ar do shon sa saol seo agus ar gach duine eile le teacht."
(I love you with all my heart and soul. I vow to serve and protect you as you serve and protect the Once and Future King. My magic is yours. Your grief is my grief. Your joy is my joy. Your enemy is my enemy. Your family is my family. Your friends are my friends. Your anger is my anger. I will be your light when it is dark. You have always been my hope, strength and light. I will be your light when it is dark. I will be strength when you feel weak. I will be your hope when you despair. You will never feel or be alone ever again. I bind my heart and soul to you, so that no matter where you are I will be drawn to you in this life and all others to come.)
Mordred moved his hand and wiped a tear off Emrys' cheek. He mouthed the words. "You will never be alone again. I love you."
Emrys lifted Mordred's hand and kissed it. "Till you returned to Camelot, I had always felt alone; even though I was amongst friends and family. However, no one understood me like you did. I am used to do things alone because it is what I have had to do; however, you pushed and prodded. You were always in my mind, but you made me feel something that I thought that I would never feel again. I fought because I have lost those I love and had it broken. Yet, you pushed back. I want to ensure that no matter what the future holds that I tie the other half of my heart to me to ensure it remains with me through all time like my soul."
Mordred eyes widen. Iseldir and other druids' eyes widen. They knew what was coming. It is something that was lost. Only true love and immense power can cause the ties. The binding words were lost through the ages. "Tá mé draíochta, gan bás. Geallaim a bheith dílis duit féin agus ní hamháin fiú amháin nuair a dhéanaimid páirt uirthi till muid le chéile arís. Ní chríochnaíonn croí amháin gan anam. Is é mo anam ach leathcheann eile atá ceangailte le draíocht agus grá leis an Rí Amach agus an Todhchaí. Cuirim mo chroí le mo chuid féin agus do chuid féin le linn na mblianta atá le teacht, beidh mé in ann mothú a bheith agat i gcónaí ón WorldWorld nó ó Avalon. Ceangail mo anam le do chuid féin agus do chuid féin le mianaigh, rud a cheanglaíonn tú go dtí an Am agus sa Todhchaí chun freastal agus cosaint a thabhairt dom mar a sheirbheáiltear agus a chosaint. Beidh muid cothrom i ngach rud. Más rud é go gcaithfear rud éigin a chailliúint, 'Fíor mo onóir duitsa. Más rud é go gcaithfear duine a thréigean, 'Bí ar mo anam leatsa. Ba chóir go dtiocfadh an bás bás, 'Bí mo shaol ar do shon. Tugtar dom!" (I am magic, immortal. I promise to be faithful to you and only even when we are parted till we meet again. One's heart is not complete without a soul. My soul is but half another bound by magic and love to the Once and Future King. I bind my heart to yours and yours to mine through the ages to come I will always be able to feel your presence even from the Otherworld or Avalon. I bind my soul to yours and yours to mine thus binding you to the Once and Future to serve and protect me as I serve and protect him. We shall be equals in all things. If aught must be lost, 'Twill be my honor for yours. If one must be forsaken, 'Twill be my soul for yours. Should death come anon, 'Twill be my life for yours. I am given!)
Mordred mouthed the lost words back to Merlin as he spoke them. When the last word was spoken, power erupted. Golden ties traced to both their heart and souls. The golden ties wrapped around their bodies. They lifted off the ground and the ties forms a knot around the two bodies. One end reached far into the sky, and the other went deep into the earth. Minor ties reached for every creature of magic and those that have magic. Marking Mordred as King Consort.
Everyone watched in awe of the site before them. Even, those without magic can admit that they have never seen anything as beautiful. It is not just all the gold of varying shades but is the energy filling the air of love, purity, peace and life. It felt of infinity and eternity all in one.
Iseldir stepped up to the couple as they were lowered to the ground. He swayed from the energy. He took the cord and wrapped it around the entwined hands. "Vows made. This cord symbolizes the binding that they have vowed and created. It is the visualization of the tying of their heart and soul. In the physical world this cord can be cut or strained but know that in the spiritual and magical that the cords that ties this couple together can never be cut. This union is blessed and protected by the Elementals. Now is the time for those to offer their blessings."
The Great Mother placed her hand over the cord. "I bless and protect this union of my chosen representative and his chosen mate. I command those of this realm and all other realms to protect and aide this union. I offer this warning to be carried across this winds and time that anyone or creature magical or non, who attempt to harm or break this union shall have my wrath for the rest of this life and 50 lifetimes after or until they offer redemption or realize this special and sacred union. Should Emrys lose faith and love and fall to hatred and vengeance then this world and several others will suffer and see great destruction. It is this man and the Once and Future king that ground and preserve the purity of Emrys."
The Great Mother steps back as Iseldir takes her place. He places his hand over the cord. "I have seen the love and dedication that Emrys has for his mate. I have seen the great lengths he would go to help and save him without the support of the druids and family and friends. We were blinded by prophecy and refused see the men before us for who they really are to look in to their hearts. As a druid elder and Chief of the Camelot druids, I vow myself and my people shall bless this union and protect them. We shall listen and advise when asked. They are our King and his Consort and shall be treated as such." As Iseldir stepped back, his people started chanting their blessings and vow of protection from the outer circle.
Freya raised her hands into the air. "I, Freya Mhuire na Loch, bless an aontas. Mé ar a dtugtar Emrys mar leannán agus cara. Tá a fhios agam air go onórach agus fíor. Tá a fhios agam Mordred go fód agus fíor. Beidh sé Emrys 'neart agus é a chosaint ó Emrys' bealaí selfless. vow mé a chosaint ar an aontas as forálacha de chuid an réimse agus gach duine eile." (I, Freya Lady of the Lake, bless this union. I have known Emrys as a lover and friend. I know him to honorable and true. I know Mordred to steadfast and true. He will be Emrys' strength and protect him from Emrys' selfless ways. I vow to protect this union from those of this realm and all others.)
Queen Mithian followed Freya's lead and raised her hands into the air. She briefly closed her eyes and allowed the energy to flow through and fill her. The words came to her and were echoed and carried on the winds. "Merlin, you have been my friend since childhood. You have always treated me as an equal and never as royalty. I have watched as you put family and friends before yourself. I have seen your generosity, love, loyalty. I have never witnessed a strength and loyalty such as yours. You have remained steadfast and loyal to three masters. You remained loyal to magic and Nemeth. You were taken to Camelot and adopted it and gave them your loyalty even when they repressed and belittled you and condemned everything that you were. Yet, your loyalty never wavered to any of them, nor did you dishonor them. You see what others cannot. I have seen you struggle and fought for the man before you, even when I and those you consider family refused to help and offer support. With all my heart and soul and all that is within my power, I bless this union and vow to protect you both from being torn apart. I vow the protection from the force of Nemeth as their Princess and the force of Camelot as their queen. You both have my love and blessings."
Mordred smiled as he watched the silent tears fall down his lover's cheek. He watched the fear flash through Merlin's eyes. He knew that there were two final blessings and these two were the most important ones to his mate. He gently squeezed his hand to reassure him.
Arthur did not fully understand what was being asked of him when he agreed to enter till he watched his Queen. He was unsure what to say. He was happy that his brother was happy; however, he was unsure how he felt about having to share him. He glanced quickly at his Queen who nodded and smiled at him. He glanced to his knights, and they all nodded. He glanced at his brother who was glowing happy and bright. He smiled and knew what he had to say and followed what the others did.
"I, Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, High King of Albion, have known these men since they were children. I have mistreated and ignored them both. I have dishonored my brother many times over, yet he never lost his faith or loyalty in me or my people. He has protected me and my people from the shadows and in the open. He has been a friend, lover and brother. I have never seen you so happy and assured of yourself as the moment when Mordred said yes. It is both my pleasure and honor, to return your loyalty. I vow with all that I am in this life and all others my blessings and protection of this union with all that I am, and my knights and people of Camelot shall protect this union. You will always have my love, my brother. May you come to know the strength and love you have freely given to your friends, family and all the people of Camelot."
Mordred had the fight the urge to pull Emrys into his arms. He could see that he was ready to break from finally receiving the respect and love that he deserved from his brother and king. He knew the last one was even of greater importance. It was the blessing and vow of protection from the Great Dragon that has bound himself to Emrys. They both knew that the Great Dragon felt about Mordred and held tight to the prophecy that Mordred would kill King Arthur.
The Triple Goddess stepped forward. She looked at the Great Dragon. "Kilgharragh, the first dragon to be created and the Great Dragon, leader of the dragons. You have served many lords. You have seen captivity. You have chosen to bind yourself to Emrys of your own free will. In your captivity, you held tight to prophecy and destiny. You have confused the two at times and manipulated Emrys. Do you now of your free will bless this union and vow to protect the King Consort as you would Emrys, your Dragonlord for the rest of your life and in future lives regardless of the form you may take later."
Mordred felt the man before him stiffen. He gently squeezed his hand and never let his smile falter. He knew that his love was being torn on the inside. He knew that Kilgharragh would not have entered if he did not think that you could bless this union. His Emrys for all his power was always plagued with self-doubt. The Great Dragon roared. "Þú hefur þekkt marga hjartasjúkdóma og rannsóknir. Ég hef fylgst með því að þú átt erfitt með að koma inn í þitt eigið. Ég hef fylgst með þér að vaxa í ást og krafti. Ég horfði á að þú haldir stöðugleika í hugsjónina þína og eigið persónulegan kóða. Það er ekki völdin þín sem Emrys, heldur ástin þín og persónuleg kóða sem maður sem hefur rifið spádóm og eyðileggur árás. Þú hefur tengt sál sína við þitt og Arthur. Enginn getur þvingað hann til að skaða annað hvort þig né einu sinni og framtíð konungsins. Eins og með þig, mun galdur hans ekki leyfa því. Kraftur þinn og ást er mikill. Það er styrkur þinnar. Þú ert Dragonlord minn, konungur minn, en síðast en ekki síst ertu vinur minn og lærði mér hvað vináttu þýðir að binda drekann og herra. Við munum vera heiður að vernda ykkur eins og við viljum herra okkar. Við blessa og heiðra þetta samband."
The tears flowed freely down Emrys' cheeks. The dragons roared. The Great Dragon repeated his words in English. "You have known many heartaches and trials. I have watched as you struggled to come into your own. I have watched you grow in love and power. I watched you hold steadfast to your ideals and own personal code. It is not your powers as Emrys, but your love and personal code as a man that has torn prophecy and destinies assunder. You have linked his soul with yours and Arthur's. No one can force him to harm either you nor the Once and Future King. As with you, his magic will not allow it. Your power and love is great. It is your strength. You are my Dragonlord, my King but most importantly you are my friend and taught me what friendship means beyonds the bind of dragon and lord. We shall be honored to protect all of you as we would our lords. We bless and honor this union." All the dragons shot flames into the air almost making an arch around the circle and over the couple.
Iseldir stepped forward as the cord disappeared. "Blessing having been given. I am honored and proud to present King of Magic and Dragonlords Emrys Merlin Ambrosious and King Consort Morderd Ambrosious."
Mordred moved quickly to wrap his husband in his arms as his legs gave way from the strain. They kissed. Emrys cried tears of joy. They were soon embraced by those of the circle. Joy and happiness continued into the closing feast. Everyone the next day returned their homes. An age of peace, magic and prosperity filled Albion.