Epilogue – The Return

Elia sighed as she leaned against the railing of the balcony, her now shorter waves blowing in the breeze. It had taken a rather long time before they were able to add it to the home, gradually expanding it over the centuries. What had started as a humble cottage all that time ago was now a rather large country house. It also had a large garden that always seemed in bloom, though it was nowhere near the grandness of Rosewood. Whenever Elia was not out and about, she could be found there, tenderly attending to the many plants and flowers there.

She and Merlin had settled in the spot on the hill she pointed out that day on the shore of the lake. It provided them the perfect view of the lake and island in its middle that only she and Merlin could see. She loved it there, though they still would travel often. Leaving here and there so as to avoid attention. They had seen the world a few times over by now, but this place, it would always be home.

She toyed with the gold band around her finger on her right hand, smiling slightly as she glanced down at it, then to the brighter diamond ring on her left. There hadn't been a large wedding. In the aftermath of Arthur's death, it seemed to be a bit too much. So, they had a small, quiet ceremony before Gwen and the knights. They often renewed their vows to keep with the times - hence the diamond ring she now wore along with her original wedding band. There was a photo album under their bed full of photos from various time periods. But always, her favorite had been that first…

Merlin stood nervously in the courtyard in the middle of the gardens of Camelot. It was nothing compared to the gardens of Rosewood, or the forests of The Willows, but it was the closest they could get. And Elia had insisted that all elven weddings were performed outside - nature held its own special magic.

He glanced around, seeing the grinning faces of Percival, Leon, and a few others, falling lastly on Guinevere. There was a sadness in her smile. There was a sadness in all their smiles. Though it was a happy occasion, they all carried the ghosts of those who should be there but weren't. Gwaine. Elidren. Trevor. The other elves.

Arthur.

Merlin shook his head, glancing up at the sky. Now was not the time to think of sad things. Today was the start of the rest of his days with Elia at his side. As his wife. For years he had dreamed of this day. And while it was not exactly what either of them had initially planned, it was perfect for them.

A throat cleared and Merlin looked over at Percival, who grinned and nodded his head over to the side. Merlin looked over, his breath leaving him as he saw Elia standing there.

He did not know how it was possible for a dress so laden with jewels to still appear so light and airy. It was a light rose gold and twinkled in the warmth of the setting sun. A long veil in the same material sat atop her head, flowing back behind her. On top of the veil was the large Rosewood crown. Elia was a celestial vision.

She lowly stepped forward, making her way towards Merlin as she barely contained the grin on her face. She only had eyes for him, barely registering anything else around them.

"You look beautiful," Merlin whispered as she reached him, taking his hands. She couldn't speak, only continue to smile as happy tears filled her eyes.

"Now that we are here, let us begin," Gaius said. Elia had taught him the ways of elven weddings. Though they could not do everything according to tradition, among her, Merlin and Gaius, they had created a small ceremony that would marry traditions from Camelot, the elves, and the druids.

The ceremony continued, with Gaius managing to say a few things in the elvish tongue before reverting back to the common speech.

It then came time for the two to speak their vows. Elia took a deep, shaky breath, meeting Merlin's eyes. As they were traditionally spoken in elvish, she had altered them slightly in order to better translate them, so that he and the others could understand.

"By the will of the goddesses, I stand before you. I come also of my own free will and I vow, nothing in this life, nor the next, will part us. I give you my heart and my life. I am forever yours and you are forever mine," she said softly. Merlin grinned, bouncing slightly on his toes.

"By the will of the goddesses, I stand before you. I come also of my own free will and I vow, nothing in this life, nor the next, will part us. I give you my heart and my life. I am forever yours and you are forever mine," he repeated.

Gaius then stepped forward, holding out his hand where two simple, gold rings sat. They each reached forward and took the rings. Elia slipped the larger one onto Merlin's index finger on his right hand. He then repeated the action. They looked up at each other expectantly.

"As the rings have been given and the vows made, may this union now be sealed with a kiss," Gaius said. Elia stepped forward and their lips met in a tender kiss. They parted to the sound of laughter and clapping, turning to look at the small gathering around them.

"Come," Guinevere said, a glistening of tears in her eyes as she embraced first Elia and then Merlin. "Let us go to the hall where we shall feast and celebrate this union."

The group began heading inside, with Elia weaving her fingers with Merlin.

"What happens next?" he asked, smiling down at her.

"Anything," Elia vowed.

Modernity was a fascinating thing to Elia. In all her years alive before, she never could have dreamed up some of the things she now used every day. The telephone, cars, computers, the internet. She tackled everything with a child-like glee. Much to the entertainment of Merlin. And thanks to his magic, she was able to mask her more noticeable attributes, namely her ears. It was also through his magic mixed with hers that they were able to keep the garden in bloom as well as grow a few herbs and plants that had only previously grown in the elven kingdoms. Even after all this time and improvement, they were much more practical than some of the medicines of the modern day.

So, they passed their days, waiting and looking out to the lake. Wondering if today would be the day.

"Thought I'd find you here," Merlin said from behind her. Soft music wafted through the open door that led to their bedroom. She looked back at him, smiling as he walked up with two wine glasses in hand. He held one out to her.

Her heart leapt. She knew this scene all too well. She had seen it many times before. And now it was finally coming to pass.

"I just love this view," she said, turning back to the lake as he joined her. A car sped down the road in front of the house, likely heading into the nearby village.

"It is something," he replied, leaning on the railing next to her. She glanced over at him, noting the small grimace of pain.

"He will come back, Merlin," she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. Merlin nodded, still looking out at the lake.

"I know," he said. "Still doesn't make the pain go away." Elia sighed and looked back at the lake.

"I know that all too well," she said, her brow furrowed as her thoughts drifted to her family and friends from The Willows. Elidren. Rhys. Cameron. Trevor. She then thought of the knights of Camelot. Queen Guinevere. They had become good friends while Guinevere ruled. It was the same with those who came after her. She and Merlin had always stayed close, though as time passed and people believed less and less in magic, the two had faded into the background, choosing to take on a role of observation.

"You still miss them, don't you?" he asked, finally looking over at her. She nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "I do as well."

"I often wonder if they are happy on the Isles," she said with a sigh.

"We will see them again," he said, gripping her hand and squeezing it.

"I just wish that we could see the others as well," she replied. The two were silent a few more moments, briefly taking a moment to think of those who had passed and would not return.

"At least we have each other," he said. She smiled and nodded, leaning over to kiss him.

"True," she said.

Music could be heard pouring out from a house down the lane. The two looked over, noting the large amount of cars parked outside.

"It would seem our neighbors are hosting another party," she said, an eyebrow raised.

"Did they invite us again?" Merlin asked. She nodded and looked back at him.

"Seem to be a bit more persistent than the others," she replied. "Granted, they are a lot younger than the sort we usually get around here." Merlin chuckled.

"Perhaps we should accept. Just once. See if they lay off," he said. Elia laughed.

"No, that would just inspire them to invite us over even more," she said. "Best to continue to say no. Eventually they'll stop. It isn't safe to let anyone get too closer… Perhaps we should have donned older facades this time around." Merlin snorted.

"You hate looking old, Lia," he said, looking down at her. She frowned.

"Do not," she snapped.

"Do too. But it's fine. I much more enjoy the way you look now," he said before kissing her.

"Even with my shorter hair?" she asked, an eyebrow raised as she reached up and touched the curls that sat around her shoulders.

"Even with the shorter hair," he replied. "Though I'll admit that I much prefer the fashion from the 40s."

"Really? I prefer the 20s for that," Elia said. "And the parties..."

"Nearly couldn't get you to leave," Merlin said, rolling his eyes.

"But you finally got the hang of the Charleston," Elia quipped.

"Yea, just before the newest dance craze came about," he muttered.

"I must say, this century certainly has much more comfortable fashion," she said, looking down at her yoga shorts and oversized t-shirt that hung off her shoulder. "I thought for sure I'd lose my toes when all women wore were heels."

"Ah, but they do make your legs look rather amazing," Merlin replied. Elia playfully shoved him.

"How did the meeting go with the executor today?" she asked.

"Well. Our affairs are all still in order. Investments going well and such," he replied before taking a drink.

"Not that I care, but it certainly eases my mind a bit. Especially since we do not know how much longer we must wait," Elia said, looking back out at the lake. Merlin glanced at her and then cleared his throat.

"I've been thinking, Lia… as you said we don't know how long it's going to be… perhaps we should rethink the idea of children," he said cautiously. Elia sighed heavily.

"I told you, Merlin. It's too dangerous. We don't know what it is that will bring Arthur back. I don't want to face a battle worrying about a child or two," she replied.

"But… as you said, we don't know when this will happen… they could be full grown before whatever it is happens," he pushed. "I mean, for all we know, they could be a key to all of this."

"We don't know that," Elia said sharply as she turned to look at him. Merlin sighed.

"Fine, I suppose you are right," he said. Elia's expression softened as she wrapped an arm around him.

"I know how badly you want this. I do as well, but… we should wait. Wait until whatever is coming comes," she said, kissing him. He looked at her and nodded.

"As long as I have you, anything is worth waiting for," he replied. Elia smiled and started walking backwards towards the door, pulling Merlin with her.

"And I never said we couldn't have fun trying," she said, a devious glint in her eye.

The next morning, Merlin stirred slightly in his sleep. He instinctively pulled Elia closer, wrapping his arms tighter around her.

A second later, his eyes flew open as he looked towards the balcony.

"What is it?" Elia murmured sleepily.

"You didn't feel that?" he asked, starting to sit up. Elia blinked her eyes open and peered up at him.

"Feel what?" she asked. Merlin jumped slightly.

"That," he said, throwing the comforter off and reaching down for a pair of pajama pants on the floor. He pulled them on and walked to the balcony.

Elia sat up, a concerned look on her face. She quickly set about to pulling on some clothes and followed him as he stared at the lake.

"I didn't feel-" She stopped speaking as she felt it as well. A sharp sort of change in the air. She looked out at the lake, the morning sun glinting off its smooth surface. "What was that?"

Merlin's eyes widened suddenly as he turned and ran back into the house.

"What's going on?" she shouted as she followed him, grabbing a robe on the way through the bedroom. They were both out the front door and halfway across the front lawn before he answered.

"It's Arthur. He's back."

Elia's eyes widened as Merlin broke out into a run. She sped up, easily catching up to him as they both bounded through underbrush, pasture, and trees, coming to a stop on the lake's shore.

Standing at the water's edge, looking around confusedly and still donning his full armor, stood the Once and Future King.

Elia's hand rose to her mouth as Arthur finally caught sight of the two. A look of relief came across his face as he moved towards them though it was quickly replaced with more confusion as he took in their attire. While Merlin had run out without shoes, Elia had managed to slip into a pair of wellies. Still, even under modern day standards, they looked a bit odd. Merlin seemed frozen in place as he continued to stare at his best friend.

"What the bloody hell are you wearing?" Arthur said as he reached them. Merlin just grinned before launching into a hug that surely would have been crushing if it hadn't been for Arthur's armor.

"You're back," he said. Elia began smiling as her eyes filled with tears.

"Seriously, Merlin," Arthur said, shoving him off. He looked at him and then over at Elia. "What the hell is going on? Where are we? And why the hell are you both running around half naked?"

"We're still in Albion, though it's not called that anymore," Elia said, smirking slightly at him. "Welcome to the year 2019, your highness." He just stared at her in confusion before looking back at Merlin.

"What is she talking about?" he asked. Merlin just grinned and chuckled before swinging an arm around his shoulder and starting to lead him back towards the house.

"Arthur…there is so much we must tell you…"

And now you see where things are headed in the next installment. I'm excited to start posting it, but still needs a bit more work. Hang tight, everyone!

And thanks for reading and following this one!

Without further ado… a small preview of "The Return of Arthur."

A Whole New World… For Arthur

"What is this?" Arthur said, looking around the living room of Elia and Merlin's home, frowning. Merlin had deposited him on the sofa while Elia ran to the kitchen to make tea and coffee.

"Ehm, a lot of things have changed..." Merlin said, standing in front of the fireplace, his arms crossed. He had managed to run upstairs to grab a t-shirt so that he was no longer half naked, but he still felt slightly naked standing near Arthur in full armor.

"What's that?" Arthur asked, pointing at the large flat screen that sat on a table next to the fireplace. "And how are your paintings so realistic?" He stood and walked towards the wall and fireplace, taking in the various photographs of the two from their most recent vow renewal. They had gone to an island in Thailand and done it on the beach.

"They're not paintings, Arthur," Elia said, returning with three mugs. He turned to face her. "They're photographs. Taken with a camera. I'll show you later." She sat the mugs on the coffee table and picked up one of coffee, feeling she was going to need it to get through the rest of the day.

"A what? Has the world gone mad?" he asked. He looked back at Merlin. "I die and suddenly magic is everywhere?"

"It's not magic," Merlin said again. "Its technology. Science." Arthur just blinked. "No one in this time believes in magic anymore."

"For how long?" Arthur asked.

"Quite some time," Elia said, sitting on the sofa. "Ages. Centuries."

"Why am I back, then?" Arthur asked.

"Just where have you been this whole time?" Merlin asked.

"No, you answer first," Arthur replied, frowning. Merlin rolled his eyes.

"I don't know. All the dragon said was that you would return when Albion's need was greatest," he said. "Wasn't really keen on details."

"Well that's fantastic," Arthur replied.

"Good. Sarcasm. It'll help you fit in with the times," Elia replied, smiling. Arthur glared at her. Merlin rubbed his face.

"Well, obviously we need to figure out why he's back," he said. Elia snorted. "Not helping, Lia."

"Sorry," she said, though her grin told another story.

"Just how do you suggest we do that?" Arthur asked. Merlin looked around the living room before bounding up the stairs. "Where did he go now?"

"Likely to get his laptop," Elia said. "Have some tea, Arthur. It'll help calm you." He walked over towards the coffee table, staring down at the mug as though it contained poison. "It's just tea." He reached down and picked it up, pulling the tea bag out and studying it. "The leaves are inside there."

He then took a cautious sip as Merlin returned downstairs, carrying the laptop. He sat next to Elia and opened it, quickly typing away.

"What the bloody hell is that?" Arthur asked, stepping over to look down at the screen.

"Laptop. Searching the internet," Merlin replied.

"The what?" Arthur asked.

"For what? Impending magical catastrophes?" Elia asked. Merlin shot her a scowl before returning his attention to the screen.

"Just for… anything big in the news," he said.

"Ah, well then," Elia said, reaching for the remote and turning the TV on, quickly navigating to the morning news. Arthur jumped back, his eyes wide as he nearly dropped his mug. Tea splashed out onto Merlin.

"The hell?! Watch it!" Merlin shouted.

"WHAT IS THIS MAGIC!" Arthur shouted, pointing at it.

"Again. Technology," Elia said, rolling her eyes. "Think it's best for now that he stay in the house. Don't want him scaring the neighbors. And he'll need clothes."

"I know, Lia," Merlin said, not taking his eyes off the screen. Arthur tore his eyes away from the TV for a moment to stare at the two.

"You two… you waited for me all this time?" he asked.

"Where he goes, I go," Elia said, not looking from the TV.

"But the rest of the elves…"

"Went to the Isles," she replied. Arthur studied her, his brow furrowed.

"You stayed behind…" he murmured. Elia glanced at him but then returned her attention to the screen.

"I had to stay with Merlin," she said. "Apparently that is part of my destiny… among other things."

"What other things?" Arthur asked. Elia glanced over at him again, sighing.

"Probably best we take this a bit at a time," she said.

"So… everyone's gone. It's just you two," Arthur said. They both looked up at him and then shared a look.

"It's been over a thousand years, Arthur," Merlin said gently. Arthur nodded looking at the ground. He then fell into an armchair, his armor creaking.

"So, the knights… Guinevere…" he murmured.

"I'm sorry, Arthur," Elia said softly. "I know it's a lot to take in…" She glanced at Merlin and then at the clock, groaning. She pushed herself off the sofa. "Christ, I've got to get ready."

Arthur and Merlin looked at her.

"Story time at the library," Elia said, walking towards the stairs.

"I think this constitutes as an emergency. Can't you cancel?" Merlin said.

"It's too late to find a replacement and we can't disappoint the village children," she called out, already halfway up the stairs. "I'll only be gone an hour or so! I'll stop by the market as well!" She popped her head back down the staircase. "And for god's sake, find him some normal clothes while I'm gone, will you?"

"She seems about the same," Arthur said after she had left. Merlin chuckled.

"She's certainly made the last 1,500 years or so enjoyable," he replied. Arthur looked around the cozy home.

"So, you two married, then?" he asked. Merlin glanced at him and nodded.

"We did. A few months after… though we do another wedding every so often to keep up appearances, though truth be told, I think Lia rather enjoys planning them," he said. "Got an entire album of various wedding photos throughout the ages." Arthur stared at Merlin.

"Just what have you two been up to all these years?" he asked. Merlin sighed and put the laptop aside.

"A lot, actually. Traveling. Seeing the world - it's a lot bigger than we thought. Been to university a few times. Worked a few jobs," he said. "I can show you some of it, if you like. Stay here." He stood and walked upstairs, going into the study they kept and staring at the bookshelf. He pulled off several heavy books and made it back downstairs where Arthur was watching the TV with avid curiosity.

"You'll come to like it. Thought it a bit noisy at first, but there's some good shows out now," Merlin said, nodding towards the TV. "I'm still a bit partial to the wireless, but radios shows died out in popularity a long time ago."

"Shows?" Arthur asked, once again confused.

"Elia can explain later… she keeps up with it more than I do," Merlin said, sitting down. He placed the books on the table and then reached for the oldest one, opening it. Arthur leaned over, gazing down at the old photos. "These are from the 1910s. Don't really have many photographs before then, but Elia's a fair artist and has a lot of paintings and drawings from the years before that."

"Did you live here this whole time?" Arthur asked.

"Not the whole time but as much as we could. We have to leave every so often… to throw off the neighbors. Might get suspicious about a young couple that never ages. Though I do manage to change our appearances here and there," Merlin said. "And we have ways of keeping up with what happens around here while we're away."

"You still use magic?" Arthur asked, glancing warily at him.

"Only when needed," Merlin said. "We've got homes all over the place, so just bounce around when needed. There's a townhouse in London that Elia likes to go to when she's in the mood for some excitement. And we own the nearby cottages and land, so we can keep track of whoever lives nearby. Got an executor that takes care of letting them out so no one here knows we're the actual owners."

Arthur just stared at Merlin as though he were speaking a completely different language.

"It'll take some getting used to, but you'll pick it up," Merlin said, smiling.

"Merlin was rather fast at it," Elia said, coming back downstairs. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun and she had changed into torn jeans and a loose t-shirt with an oversized cardigan. She bent over the back of the sofa and kissed Merlin's head. Arthur just gawked at her.

"You can't seriously plan to go anywhere dressed like that," he said. Elia just laughed.

"Many things have changed, Arthur. Fashion included," she said, walking towards the front door. She pulled a bag off a hook next to the door and grabbed keys from a bowl on the table. "Have fun catching up while I'm gone, boys!"