Hey guys,
I'm afraid that like all good things, this story must come to an end.
There will be an epilogue, so keep an eye out for it, but this is the last chapter, and an extra long one too. It's dedicated to my sister.
I hope you enjoy, and as always please read and review.
Fey of the forest
This was it. The most important day of his life had finally arrived. For today he was going to marry Ingrid, and Merlin had never felt so nervous. It was strange really considering just how many dangers he'd faced during his life. Sure, he had been nervous when it came to battles and sorcerers and those big spells and facing assassins and what not, but that had been a completely different feeling. That had been fear. Now though the young warlock was scared. What if he messed up his words? Or if the ring didn't fit? Or what if Ingrid changed her mind? What if her father or brother had now decided not to let Ingrid marry him? What then? Or what if married life didn't suit them? Or...
"Cheer up Merlin. You're about to get married, not go out and fight hundreds of soldiers. You can't marry her with a face like that."
"But Arthur..."
"I'm sure that everything is going to be fine. Don't worry."
"The King's right. You should listen to him." Hunith said as she came in. "My boy is all grown up now." She sniffed.
"Don't cry mum..." Merlin handed her a handkerchief and found himself being pulled into a tight hug. Struggling to free himself, Merlin was suffocating in his mother's tight grip and he was about to turn blue when he was released.
"My baby... about to get married."
"Yep..." Arthur nodded.
"Hadn't you best go and see that everything's ready mum? Give them a hand?" He said almost pushing his mother out the door.
"Alright, I can take a hint. I'll see you in the Great Hall in an hour or so?"
"See you later mum." Hunith left to find out what was going on whilst Arthur and Merlin waited for their outfits to be delivered.
They didn't have to wait long before there was a knock on the door and in came one of the servants with three boxes. One of these he gave to Merlin whilst the other two were for Arthur. The young King eyed his warily, not knowing what to expect, whilst Merlin was wondering just what outfit exactly Ingrid had picked out for him.
"Just what exactly possessed you to let her choose our outfits?"
"By her I presume you mean Ingrid. She has a better fashion sense than me."
"Well, I can't argue with you there..."
"Oi! And besides, I was too busy tidying up after you to even have a chance to go looking for one, and she wanted it to be a surprise."
"Well, have you any idea what colour dress she's wearing?"
"None whatsoever. I don't have a clue if she's even wearing a dress. It is Ingrid we're talking about after all."
"True..." Arthur agreed. "Alright then, on the count of three we open them? One... Two... Three." The two young men opened their boxes and Merlin grinned whilst Arthur grimaced.
"Well? What's in your second box?" But before the young warlock could see what Ingrid had chosen for him, the young King had disappeared with his boxes behind a wooden screen. "Do you need a hand Arthur?"
"I am perfectly capable of dressing myself thank you very much."
"You could've fooled me." Arthur poked his head around the wood specifically to glare at him.
"I can you know."
"Never said you couldn't. Why you need me to dress you half the time is a complete mystery to me." Merlin shrugged.
"Well, trust me, I can dress myself today, and I am only going to wear this because it's your wedding and you are my friend."
"And if you don't then you're frightened of what my wife to be will do to you?"
"Exactly." Merlin simply smiled before taking his outfit out of the box. Unwrapping the thin paper that covered it, he found a midnight blue scarf carefully folded and placed on top of a silver tunic. The fabric was really quite soft and delicate, and Merlin had to wonder just how much exactly it had cost. He then found a black leather belt with intricate designs along its length. A set of black leggings was underneath all this, and Merlin tutted when he looked at the boots he wore. They simply would not do.
"'n loyw'n grai ddua botasau" his shoes now had turned black and were polished to such an extent that he could see his reflection in them. Getting changed into his wedding outfit, he was a bit surprised at just how long it was taking for Arthur to get ready. Checking himself in the mirror, Merlin ran a hand through his hair and smoothed down his tunic before fiddling with his sleeves.
"Arthur, are you sure you don't need a hand?"
"I'm positive."
"But..."
"I said I'm fine Merlin."
"Well, let's have a look then." There was a moment's pause.
"Promise you won't laugh?" Was it just him or did Arthur actually sound like he was begging?
"I'll try my hardest." The young King stepped out from behind the screen and Merlin simply could not help himself. He roared with laughter and tears came streaming down his face because he was laughing so hard. He was rewarded for this by a whack to the back of his head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"It's not funny Merlin."
"It is." Merlin grinned. His friend was wearing the most ridiculous outfit he had ever seen, and that was saying something. Arthur's tunic was baby pink with a bright red trim, and his leggings were the same colours just in reverse. They clashed terribly and then, to top it all off, he had been given a hat. This was much, much worse than the one that Ingrid had destroyed for him. Arthur's hat was oversized, bright pink with a huge plume of feathers and jewels attached. It was ten times as bad as the hat that had come with Merlin's official servant's robes and the young warlock knew that Ingrid had done this on purpose. This was her getting her revenge for the number of times that Arthur had made the young warlock look ridiculous, but he wasn't complaining.
"It isn't." The King sighed through gritted teeth. "Besides, if you don't stop laughing I'll throw you in the stocks for a month." Quite rightly Merlin instantly shut up but each time he looked at Arthur he could not help but smile. "What time have we got to be there?"
"Erm... I can't remember."
"Are you honestly telling me that you have no idea what time you have to be at your wedding?"
"Not exactly..." Arthur looked at him sceptically.
"Please tell me you can remember..."
"Well, there's no harm in getting there early now, is there?" Merlin smiled, heading to the door. His best man on the other hand seemed fairly reluctant to be exposed to ridicule so soon. "Come on Arthur. You just have to wear that for the ceremony and then..."
"I'd rather wear that dress than this..." he moaned.
"Shall I tell Ingrid that?" Merlin smirked whilst Arthur was forced to concede defeat. Heading to the Great Hall they found that most of the guests were present. Hunith was stood talking to a few of the knights whilst Lord Edgar was nowhere to be seen. Probably with Ingrid, Merlin realised. Taking his position, he knew now that all he could do was wait...
"I can't believe you're getting married today! It only seems like yesterday that you were running around still stealing his scarves."
"Ahem, that's because she was stealing his scarves yesterday."
"No, I mean it only seems like yesterday that you and Merlin first met. It's weird just how quickly time's flown by."
"Well... Hadn't we best be getting ready?"
"True. We only have a few hours..."
"That's more than enough time." Ingrid smiled.
"Maybe for you three with magic. What about me?"
"You've got us. Now where are those dresses?"
"Here." Said Gwen as she struggled inside with a number of boxes. "And the flowers are on their way."
"Flowers? What flowers?"
"Ah... Well, a little birdie told me to fetch you some flowers for your bouquet, so I thought daisies and marigolds?" Alethea smirked as Ingrid's face fell. That was exactly what she didn't want for her flowers.
"Thank you but..."
"I'm joking of course. They're black and white roses."
"Better." Ingrid smiled.
"We know you too well." The girls took their dresses from Gwen and all but Ingrid began to get ready. The bridesmaids were all wearing midnight blue satin, their bodices embroidered with silver stars with their full length skirts plain. Helping each other with the fastenings, they then turned to Ingrid, knowing full well that she would not manage her dress on her own.
"It is a lovely dress." Amelia commented as they took it out of the box.
"Well, that's your something new."
"Something old?"
"No. Not yet anyway"
"Something borrowed?"
"That should come from me." Alethea smiled.
"From a happily married woman right?" Gwen asked.
"Exactly."
"Are you sure that it should come from you then?" Morgana asked
"Well, I am the only one married here..."
"Not for much longer." Ingrid pointed out.
"True. Besides, though Arthur can be a complete prat at times, I wouldn't have him any other way." Alethea smiled, taking off the bracelet of twisted silver that she wore. "I wore it on my wedding day and it's brought me good luck and prosperity. I hope it does the same for you."
"Thank you."
"And then you need something blue."
"No I don't. That's already covered." Sure enough, the raven haired beauty had something light blue on that would certainly make Merlin blush later on. "Now, will you give me a hand?"
"Left or right?" They joked as Ingrid began to sort her dress out. Smiling the four young women set about helping Ingrid with her wedding gown. The skirt was full length with a long train, and made of crushed silver velvet. The bodice was of silver satin with the top of it decorated with crystals and there was an intricate motif of a shooting star at the waist to one side. Lacing up the back, they heard a knock on the door. Morgana went to answer it whilst Gwen tended to Ingrid's hair.
"Flowers are here."
"You know, I've not seen Penny this morning..."
"She's probably already there."
"She is." Lord Edgar said from the doorway, scaring the five young ladies half to death. "Is it safe to come in?"
"It is father." Ingrid called as Gwen fixed the veil. The Lady de Ravenscar was wearing her hair half pinned up, the rest cascading down her back.
"Ingrid, my darling, you look beautiful."
"Thank you."
"But it needs something to complete it."
"What?"
"Here." He said, producing a silver locket. "It was your mother's. I gave it to her on our wedding day, and it is only fitting that you should wear it today."
"Something old..." the girls smiled as Lord Edgar did up the clasp around her neck.
"There. Perfect. You're going to knock Merlin dead."
"Are you sure that want to do this?"
"I love him father. Nothing's going to change that."
"You can't blame your father for making sure." Lord Edgar smiled. "Everyone's waiting for you." The young ladies took their cue. Picking up Ingrid's train, Amelia, Alethea, Gwen and Morgana got ready whilst Lord Edgar handed his daughter her bouquet. Taking her arm, Ingrid's father led her towards the Great Hall. Ingrid took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves and very soon they were at the oak doors. It was here that they found Sir Gerard standing outside and he smiled proudly when he saw his sister.
"They're all waiting for you inside."
"Then why aren't you in there with them?"
"Because I want to make sure that you are doing the right thing marrying him."
"I love him Gerard. I don't think I can love anyone else as much as I love him."
"Are you certain? Because it's a lifelong contract..."
"I'm absolutely one hundred per cent certain."
"But..."
"Gerard, would you like it if Ingrid did this to you on your wedding day?"
"No, but..."
"Then leave her be." Morgana ordered.
"Alright, alright... Just don't say I didn't warn you."
"Gerard..."
"Yes?"
"Just go in there." Her brother did so, and they gave it a few minutes before they followed.
The band began playing as the oak doors opened to reveal one magnificent bride and four equally beautiful bridesmaids. Ingrid had to smile when she saw just how handsome Merlin looked in his outfit and she stifled a laugh when she saw Arthur. The tailor had done a magnificent job, and Ingrid risked a glance back to see Alethea struggling to keep a straight face. As they walked down the aisle, she heard her friend quickly whisper something to the young King along the lines of 'nice hat'.
"You look stunning." Merlin told her as Lord Edgar let go of her arm and took his position to one side.
"Thanks. You're not looking too bad yourself."
Geoffrey of Monmouth, who was still the court's Officiate, stood before the young couple and waited for silence to fall. Ingrid quickly passed her bouquet to Alethea before taking a deep breath. By the evening she would be married, Merlin's wife, and it was a slightly weird thought. The hall fell into a hushed silence and the ceremony began.
"Friends and loved ones, join with me in the celebration of the union between Merlin of Ealdor and Lady Ingrid de Ravenscar as their lives' paths now merge to become a singular road paved with love.
If there is any here who can show just cause that these people should not be joined into the bonds of marriage, let them speak now, or keep their silence for all time." Ingrid was half expecting her brother or Arthur to say something, but no one said a word, so Geoffrey of Monmouth continued.
"Ingrid de Ravenscar, Merlin of Ealdor, know now that since your lives have crossed, you have formed ties between each other. The promises you make today and the ties that are bound here will cross the years and greatly strengthen your union. With full awareness, know that you declare your intent to be handfasted before your friends and families." He said before looking straight at them. "Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?"
"Yes, we seek to enter" they chorused.
"I bid you look into one another's eyes." He instructed, handing the six various coloured silk cords to Arthur. "Ingrid, will you honour him?"
"I will."
"Merlin, will you honour her?"
"I will."
"Merlin and Ingrid, will you seek never to give cause to break that honour?"
"We will."
"And so the binding is made. Join your hands." They did so, and smiled as the first cord, made of dark blue silk, was draped across their hands.
"Ingrid, will you share his dreams?"
"I will."
"Merlin, will you share her dreams?"
"I will."
"Merlin and Ingrid, will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?"
"We will."
"And so the binding is made." A light blue cord was draped across their hands. "Ingrid, will you share his laughter?"
"I will." She smiled, glancing at Arthur.
"Merlin, will you share her laughter?"
"I will."
"Merlin and Ingrid, will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?"
"We will."
"And so the binding is made." A silver cord was added to the two blue silk ones. "Ingrid, might you ever burden him?"
"I might"
"Is that your intent?"
"No"
"Merlin, might you ever burden her?"
"I might."
"Is that your intent?"
"No."
"Merlin and Ingrid, will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?"
"We will."
"And so the binding is made." A fourth cord of white silk was draped across their hands. "Ingrid, might you ever cause him pain?" she knew that she already had done, but she had no wish to purposely hurt him again.
"I might"
"Is that your intent?"
"No."
"Merlin, might you ever cause her pain?"
"I might." He'd caused her so much heartache when she had returned to Camelot, but he had soon remedied that.
"Is that your intent?"
"No."
"Merlin and Ingrid, will you both share each other's pain and seek to ease it?"
"We will."
"And so the binding is made." A black cord now. There was just one last vow to make. "Ingrid, might you ever cause him anger?"
"I might."
"Is that your intent?"
"No."
"Merlin, might you ever cause her anger?"
"I might."
"Is that your intent?"
"No."
"Merlin and Ingrid, will you together take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?"
"We will."
"And so the binding is made." The last cord, dark grey silk, was placed across their hands before Geoffrey of Monmouth handed his book to Arthur and began to tie the cords together, stating as he did so: "The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords, but rather by your vows. For always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union."
The cords were then removed and Penny stepped forwards with two rings attached to a silver chain around her neck.
"To signify the eternity of our love, we give a ring, a perfect circle."
"It is without end or beginning and without weakness. They serve to remind us that love goes on, regardless of circumstance." They slipped the white gold rings onto each other's hand before they were pronounced husband and wife. There were loud cheers and a round of applause whilst the newlyweds kissed. Joy and happiness and love filled them, and they only broke off for air when they found themselves being dragged away...
It didn't take long for the hall to be changed over ready for the celebrations to begin, and Ingrid had to smile. Everything was perfect, with the wedding cake being exactly as she had imagined. Three cakes were tiered and covered in white icing, with black sugar roses placed at regular intervals. Table decorations included black and silver candles, and small pumpkins with carved faces and candles inside were spaced around the hall. Small pouches were placed on the tables, one for each person, with two biscuits inside, one in the shape of a raven and the other in the shape of a bat. Raven feathers were spaced across the tables too, and black and silver tablecloths were covering up the oak. Jinx and Pipsquawk, both wearing silver ribbons, were around too, playing with Penny. The platters of food present on the tables looked delicious, and Ingrid and Merlin knew that there had literally been no expense spared.
Smiling at her husband, Ingrid took his hand and led him to their seats. Alethea had kindly lent them the use of the two thrones for the evening, and so they were sat at the head of the table. Next to Ingrid sat her father and brother, whilst Hunith sat next to Merlin. Arthur was seated beside Hunith and Alethea was sat next to Gerard. Ingrid kind of felt sorry for her friend, but she didn't have much time to be sympathetic. The others were sat in their respective couples and all were eager for the feast to start.
Soon the platters were empty and whilst dessert was being prepared, cups were filled and speeches were made. Lord Edgar did his first, standing up and calling for silence in the chatter filled hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I could not be a prouder father. To see my daughter happily married has brought me great joy and no end of expense." There were a few laughs here. "But I am sad to see her go, even if it makes me a wealthier man... I am assured that she can look after herself, so Merlin need not worry about that. In fact, when we were planning this wedding, my daughter refused to take on Merlin's title. I quote 'I'm an independent young woman Merlin. Would you really take that away from me?'" There were more laughs here, and Ingrid blushed ever so slightly. "I have no doubt that she can indeed look after herself. She has never really needed me or her brother, but when she has done, we have been there to support her. I am sure that her husband will now take up that duty for even if she won't admit it, she will need him." Lord Edgar paused for breath, taking a sip of wine. "And I am sure that married life will not change her. She has always been full of mischief, and since she has been able to walk she has been letting Gerard now who's the boss. In fact, as a little girl she often used to chase her brother around Ravenscar with a wooden spoon to beat him up with, and she nearly always won. Anyway, I am sure that you two will be very happy together. Welcome to the family, Merlin de Ravenscar." There were a few claps and a toast was raised to the newlyweds before Arthur got to his feet.
"Why on Earth anyone would want to marry the complete idiot of a bumbling servant that is also known as Merlin was completely beyond me. He doesn't have looks or charm or wit and he certainly wouldn't make a good knight. However, they do say that love is blind..." Arthur realised that he was being glared at. "But then I realised that it didn't matter that Merlin was not like other men. He is unique and one of a kind. He is brave and has saved my life so many times that I think we have both lost count. He is also a good friend. To see him so happy with Ingrid has made me happy too. It is about time that he had something good.
Alright, I have to admit that I was a little against this match at first, but having watched their love blossom and grow I came to realise that I was being a prat..." Merlin grinned. "And I am truly sorry for it. You see, Merlin and Ingrid are like two sides of the same coin. They are total opposites and yet they are meant to be together. I can only hope that they will have the same fortune as I and my wife have. To Merlin and Ingrid de Ravenscar!" Another toast was raised.
"Friends, thank you for coming." Merlin said, wanting to sit down, but Ingrid nudged him. "And, erm, well, I must say that I could not be happier. I never once thought that this day would come. First she was stealing my scarves, and now they belong to her. All I can say is that no man can be more joyful than I am to be married to the girl of my dreams, and that this has been the best day of my life so far. I have no idea what I have done to deserve such a beautiful wife, but I am certainly not complaining. So, a toast now, to my lovely wife, Lady Ingrid de Ravenscar!"
Dessert was soon over and the tables were pushed to the sides to allow a dance floor to be set up. As this was done, Arthur disappeared to his room to try and change his tunic, which he had 'accidentally' spilt wine on whilst Gaius was stood congratulating Merlin and Ingrid, as were many of the guests in truth. A band of minstrels were in one corner playing music, but no one was dancing just yet. One couple had the honour of the first dance, and Ingrid was simply waiting for her new husband to offer. It only took god knows how many hints for him to finally realise.
"My lady wife, care for this dance?"
"I would." She smiled, taking Merlin's offered hand and allowing herself to be led to the dance floor. Starting to dance, she happily let him lead, until he then began to step on her toes. Once or twice she could forgive, but after about the five millionth time, she was getting fed up.
"Merlin, I swear... if you step on my toes just one more time..." her threat was cut short as she spotted Arthur wandering through the crowd. He was no longer in pink, but blue, and his hat had disappeared. Now, she couldn't have that. *Poof* The hat, now even fancier, reappeared on his head, and his clothes were now a rather fetching shade of pink. Better.
"Sorry..." thankfully, before he could break her toes, the tune came to an end. Ingrid went for a drink, and watched as Arthur tried to persuade Penny to destroy his hat.
"Penny, come here... There's a nice dragon." The ball of scales wandered over to the young King. "Set fire to this please?"
"No. Auntie Ingwid said you had to wear that. She made it for you."
"Please Penny."
"No."
"Bad dragon!" As Penny flew off, Alethea appeared by her husband's side and smiled.
"Decided against baby pink and gone for salmon now I see."
"What?" he looked down, and his face fell. "Ingrid!" the raven haired lady disappeared from view, but she still watched as Merlin was made to try and destroy his hat. Every time he tried, the hat became more and more extravagant until there were more feathers than anything else.
"Oh, I give up sire. It's indestructible!"
"Too right it is." Ingrid smirked as she snatched Merlin away. "Now then husband, I believe you owe me a drink." She said, taking the goblet from his hand and drinking it. She then turned Merlin's goblet of wine into a goblet of water.
"What?"
"I know what you're like, and I don't want the Court of Camelot to have to suffer your drunken singing."
"Aww..." he pouted.
As the night wore on, Ingrid continued to change Merlin's wine to water but drank alcohol herself. As Arthur carried on trying to change out of pink, she also continued turning his clothes back, but as she became more and more tipsy, her magic was becoming worse. Now, instead of pink, Arthur was wearing a dark purple with yellow spots all over it, and Merlin's drink had now turned to mud.
"Ingrid, you can lay off the magic now." Merlin told her after spitting out his drink.
"But..."
"Trust me." Then, about an hour later, after Ingrid had danced with her father, and reluctantly danced with her brother, she was bored. Seeking Merlin out, who was now also as tipsy as she was, Ingrid took his hand and dragged him away.
"Where are we going?" he asked, before she picked him up.
"You'll see." She smirked, carrying him out of the Great Hall and towards one room in particular.
"Hang on, shouldn't this be the other way around?"
"You're right." She said, dropping him unceremoniously into a heap on the floor.
"Ow!" Ingrid just giggled.
"Sorry." Merlin got to his feet, shaking his head, before picking her up.
"Hello again."
"My husband." She smirked
"My lady." He smiled at her, before he recognised the corridor they were on. "Ingrid?" he questioned, quirking an eyebrow, but the only answer he got was her lips on his...
They left Camelot the next day. Their things were packed and all that was left was for the horses to be made ready. It was with a massive smile that the newlyweds woke late that morning, hangovers having been cleared away by magic. It didn't take at all long for them to get ready to leave on their honeymoon, and all too soon they were in the courtyard with the others.
"So, this is it, you're off then?"
"To Ravenscar? Yep."
"Safe journey then you two." Alethea smiled, hugging them both.
"Have fun."
"And Merlin..."
"Yes?"
"Be good."
"I'm always good." Arthur snorted.
"Well, we'd best be going. It's a long journey." Ingrid told them, moving towards her new horse, a wedding present from her father, and mounting up.
"See you in six weeks?" the young King asked as Merlin mounted up and began to head towards the gate.
"Perhaps." He called back, and the newlywed couple smiled and waved as they rode out of the castle to begin their new life together...