A/N: Uhm... I really can't say much except I'm sorry. I just really hit a wall about halfway through this chapter and... it took some serious help from my bestie MaryEvH (go check out her profile!) to get my ass back in gear. I apologize for the ridiculously long wait. As a little thank you for sticking with me, I made this chapter extra long, hope you like it!

C38: The Question

The ride back to Galdara felt like it lasted a second, though it took them two half days. The druids had sent them off with plenty of supplies, and a rather unsettling message for Merlynn.

While everyone else was having fun and celebrating their win against the bandits, Merlynn was pulled aside by the druidic elders. "We must thank you for your help, Emrys," they'd said. Of course they'd known her True Name. "You've proven yourself a leader among our people; trustworthy and caring." Then, the druid elder had smiled somewhat mischievously, and had knelt on the ground, followed by the other two elders. "We, the Dílseacht tribe, swear allegiance to you, Merlynn Emrys. We shall follow your example, heed your orders and if need be give our lives for your cause. Mar sin beidh sé."

Merlynn had been too shocked to say anything, and before she knew it, they'd been on their way back to Galdara.

A druidic tribe had sworn allegiance to her.

She just couldn't wrap her head around it. So, in the spirit of being completely honest with her sister, she'd told both her and Lancelot about the meeting. While Vivian had been a tad annoyed that Lancelot had known about her secret, she was a princess, and knew how to prioritise. Both the Knight and the older Princess had agreed that it was a good thing, and that it couldn't hurt. The tribe was self-sufficient for the most part, and thus wouldn't need daily governing. But if Merlynn was ever faced with a problem she couldn't handle on her own, at least she had magical allies.

But it troubled Merlynn. She knew she had a destiny, but shouldn't they be swearing their allegiance to Arthur? He was the Once and Future King, after all. And besides that, she was a little overwhelmed. She wasn't a Crown Princess, she didn't know how to be responsible for a people, even if it was just a small group. But the druid elder had implied that more tribes would follow their example, and Merlynn just wasn't ready for that. What if-?

"My lady, we're nearly there,"Lancelot said, effectively breaking her from her thoughts.

Merlynn looked up. She could see glimpses of the grey stone of Galdara's castle between the trees and sighed. She was nearly home. At least in the presence of her parents, she would always be their 'little bird', no matter how old she grew.

/*/

After they handed their horses off to the stablehands - Cian a little reluctantly - and servants had taken their possessions, Merlynn and Vivian made their way to the royals' wing of the castle. It was late afternoon, and they were exhausted. They would talk to their father the following day. Lancelot was probably already meeting with him to inform him that both his daughters were alive, and that the problem was solved. Details could wait until they had all gotten some rest.

But Merlynn found herself unwilling to part from her sister. They'd been so distant lately, that she wanted to prolong the time spent together. "Do you want to eat dinner together later? I could come-"

Vivian interrupted with a raised hand. "Not tonight, Merlynn. I'm tired and… I still need to think. I'll talk to you tomorrow," she said.

Merlynn was taken aback by her reply. She'd thought that now that Vivian knew the truth, things would go back to how they were before. "Alright. Sleep well, Vivian," she said.

Vivian smiled. "Sleep well, Merlynn." Then, she turned around and headed for her room.

The smile gave Merlyn hope that her sister just needed some time, and that things would be better in the morning. She headed towards her own quarters, feeling cautiously optimistic. Helga was just turning down the bed when she entered.

"Welcome back, milady," the other woman said cheerfully.

"Thank you, Helga. Did I miss anything while I was away?" Merlynn asked absently as she headed towards her dressing screen.

"Actually, yes. Lord Olwin and his son arrived yesterday. I believe they're here to discuss the recent skirmishes on the Western border," Helga replied as she tidied up.

Merlynn paused. "Arrin is here?" she asked, referring to the Lord's son. She'd played with him when they were younger, and she liked him because he never treated her differently because of her birth father.

"Aye, milady, I believe he's still in a meeting with your father," Helga said, coming over to help undo the lacings on her dress.

"Perhaps I should go see him? It would only be polite…" Merlynn mused.

The decision was made for her when a guard knocked on her door. "Pincess, the King requests your presence," he called through the door.

/*/

The guard escorted the Princess to her father's private quarters, where both her parents were waiting for her. Merlynn eyed them strangely. "Why do I feel like this isn't going to be an easy conversation?"

Her father sighed, while her mother got up from where she'd been sitting. "I'm not sure if you've heard, but Lord Olwin and Sir Arrin have arrived here."

Merlynn nodded. "I know, Helga told me," she said, confused. Where was this conversation going?

"There have been… skirmishes on the border where their lands are located. Both bandits and men from Caerleon's kingdom have been testing their defences, often killing a few men."

Fronwing, Merlynn sat down at her parents' table with her mother. "That's terrible. I take it we're sending men and supplies?"

"We are," her father confirmed. "But Caerleon is a smart man, and he knows Lord Olwin's lands are a valuable strategic point. Starhold Castle is the last defence on the border, if they overcome it, they'd have free access to Galdara, with nothing to stop them… He's made an offer to Lord Olwin."

Olaf paused, and Merlynn let that information sink in. In the back of her mind, she wondered why Vivian wasn't here, but then dismissed the thought. There were more important things to worry about. "And is Lord Olwin considering it?"

"Starhold used to be a part of Caerleon's kingdom," mother explained, "until your grandfather overcame the defences and claimed it as Galdaran soil. But there are those who believe that it still belongs to Caerleon. Lord Olwin's confidantes are pushing for a reunion with the other kingdom. They believe the bond with Caerleon is stronger than the one with Galdara. It was, after all Caerleon's ancestor who raised Lord Olwin's family to lordship, and granted them the land," she said, looking worried, but resigned.

"That's terrible, but I don't understand what this has to do with me. Shouldn't you be telling Vivian this?" Merlynn asked.

"We've already told your sister all she needs to know," her father assured her, joining them at the table.

Merlynn sat up straighter. "Then what can we do?"

"There is one solution. It would solidify our bond with Starhold, and allow us to send as many men as we can spare, without fear of treason," her mother said.

Before Merlynn could ask what this solution was, her father was speaking again. "You remember Sir Arrin?" he asked.

Now thoroughly confused as to where this conversation was heading, Merlynn nodded. "Of course, we used to play together, and he still sends me the occasional letter. Why?"

"He's asked me for your hand in marriage."

/*/

When Merlynn blinked open her eyes the next morning, she remained in blissful ignorance for about a minute. Then, she remembered the conversation she'd had with her parents the night before.

"Talk to him, get to know him again. And tell us your decision by tomorrow evening," her mother said.

She lay in bed, just staring up at the ceiling of her chambers. What on earth was she supposed to do now?

On the one hand, Arrin had been her friend for as long as she could remember, even if she hadn't seen him in years. Being married to him couldn't be that bad. On the other hand, if she didn't accept, it was possible Caerleon would launch an invasion.

And there was the small, tiny fact that she might have feelings for a certain blonde Prince.

Merlynn groaned to herself, rolling over onto her side and pulling a pillow over her head, as if to drown out her thoughts. She was not in love with that prat! Her mind was just running amok again.

I've known Arrin since we were children, she reminded herself. He's never laughed at me or called me a fake Princess due to my birth father. He's always been sweet. And he's a second son, I could stay in the capitol if we were wed. I could stay by Viv's side…

But the image of Arthur remained stubbornly at the forefront of her thoughts. The way he held her at Vivian's birthday ball, the way he'd grin at her when he replied with a particularly witty quip…

Goddess, that grin. Perhaps she was a little in love with Arthur, but she was certain it was just a passing fancy. Not very passing if you've been thinking about him since he left… or even since before that, a treacherous part of her mind whispered.

Groaning and sitting up, Merlynn decided to get dressed and do something. Sitting here overthinking the problem wouldn't solve it. Perhaps she'd take her mother's advice and speak to Arrin?

/*/

It was still early when the Princess made her way down to the stables. Arrin wasn't much of a swordsman, but he could handle any horse expertly. Merlynn was fairly certain she'd find him there.

And, as she expected, he was brushing down a brown mare. "She's pretty," Merlynn commented.

Arrin started and turned around. "My lady! I didn't expect to see you here." He seemed as sweet as ever, and the thought made Merlynn smile.

"My lord," she greeted him with a nod. "Is she yours?" she asked, gesturing to the horse.

"My father's. She's a lazy one, if I don't make sure she moves from time to time, she'd be twice her size," he replied jovially.

"Nothing like my Cian, then. I can barely keep him cooped up for a night, let alone a day. Come rain or shine, he'll be in the paddock," Merlynn said, grinning.

"Sounds like a handfull. Perhaps he needs some exercise?" he suggested, smiling bashfully. Yes, Arrin was terribly sweet - a rare thing among nobles - but it didn't make her feel anything.

"Are you suggesting a race, my lord?" she said, hoping to bring him out of his shell a little. A race would do her good, and, she suspected, him as well.

Arrin blushed. "Oh… if you wish it, my lady, I'll gladly oblige!" he said cheerfully. "And please call me Arrin, my lady."

"Then it's Merlynn to you. I'll meet you by the gates in few minutes?"

"Of course, my… Merlynn." He was blushing again. Merlynn wasn't sure if it was talking to a woman that brought out his shy side, or if this situation was as strange to him as it was to her.

With a last nod, she set off towards the paddock, where she saddled Cian and directed the eager horse to the city gates. He was pawing the ground restlessly, hoping for some adventure, no doubt. Merlynn just hoped that Arrin would be up to the challenge.

"Where to?" Arrin asked once he'd joined her. He sat astray a gorgeous grey stallion. It was a lighter beast than Cian, though probably quicker to tire.

"Do you know the hunter's pass in the forest?" she asked. It was a small clearing, well known to locals as the last point hunters could get a good night's rest. There was a small wooden cottage that travellers could use for shelter, and a small stream to water their horses. It was a decent distance, but not so much as to make the guards nervous.

"I believe I do," he replied.

She grinned. "Well then I hope you can find it without me!" she said, and quickly urged Cian into a gallop. He carried her over the path at record speed, towards the woods. When she glanced behind her, she saw Arrin had finally gotten into motion. Although it appeared he had a shadow. Lancelot was following at a slightly more sedate pace. Probably knowing where they were headed. Goddess, she did not need a chaperone, let alone a protector on this trip. They'd barely be out of sight of the city walls!

Nevertheless, Merlynn focussed on gathering speed. Cian might have been more sturdily built than Arrin's steed, he could outrun most other horses if he put his mind to it. "Rith go tapaidh, Cian," she yelled to her horse, urging him on.

Together, they dashed through the trees, barely having to slow down as they jumped over the undergrowth. Both Merlynn and Cian knew this forest inside and out. Or, at least, the part closest to the castle. It was no wonder they arrived well before either Arrin or Lancelot made an appearance.

Merlynn let Cian cool down in the stream, while she took a seat on a nearby boulder and settled down to wait. It took a few minutes, but eventually Arrin rode into the clearing, followed closely by Lancelot. "You boys have a lot to learn," she commented from her elevated position.

Lancelot just sighed and shook his head in exasperated amusement. Arrin just smiled. "Very well done, my lady. I mean, Merlynn," he said, and Merlynn had a slight suspicion that he'd let her win. Which was irritating, to say the least. She was more than capable enough to win on her own merits, thank you very much.

Shaking the annoyance off, Merlynn hopped down from the boulder and walked over as the two men led their horses to the stream. "So, Lancelot, what brings you here?" she asked, knowing full well why he'd come.

"I'm your personal guard, my lady, I'm to accompany you whenever you leave the city," he replied diplomatically, though he was obviously suppressing a grin. What he wasn't saying was that he was also her chaperone. It wouldn't do to leave the princess alone with her possible future intended, now would it?

"Of course," she said wryly. He shot her a wink, before focussing his attention on his horse.

As she rolled her eyes at her friend, she turned around and saw Arrin coming her way. "Could I speak with you, my lady?" he asked.

Merlynn didn't comment on the return of the title, and just glanced at Lancelot, who nodded that it was alright. "Of course," she told the lord.

They walked to the edge of the clearing. "I suppose you've heard from your father about my offer?" he said. At least he didn't beat around the bush.

"I have," she confirmed, keeping her eyes on the forrest surrounding them.

"I know the situation is not ideal, but… I'd like to explain, if I may?"

Finally, Merlynn looked at him, and all she saw was the same boy who'd asked her to dance at her first ball, when all the other boys sneered. She saw the boy who'd helped her climb trees, even though he knew she wasn't supposed to. She saw her friend. So, she nodded.

"When I was born, I was born in Galdara, as was my mother before me. It's always been my home, and your father my King," he started. This time, he was the one avoiding eye contact, as he looked up to the leafy roof over their heads. "I love my country, but I know there are those in my father's house who do not believe as I do. I just want to serve, always have. Had I been any good with a sword, I'd have become a knight in your father's army, but I've never been so inclined. I know the Kingdom stands at risk is my father is swayed by Caerleon, and… this seemed like the right decision. My older brother is already married, and keeps his own councel on the matter, but I… I could do what had to be done, and I do it gladly."

He paused for a moment, his eyes tracking the movement of sparrow flitting between the branches. Then his eyes found hers again, and there was an intensity there that hadn't been there before. HE smiled a little bashfully. "It helped that as a young man I'd taken quite a shine to you."

Merlynn wanted to open her mouth to reply, to say, anything, but nothing came to mind. Arrin had fancied her? Did he still?

"I would have gone to you with this solution first, but you were out on a diplomatic mission," he continued, unaware of her shock. "So, I want to ask you now, Merlynn, if you'll do me the highest honour and agree to be my wife?"

/*/

*Dílseacht = Loyalty
*Mar sin beidh sé = So it will be
*Rith go tapaidh = Run fast

A/N: Next chapter: Vivian will definitely be letting everyone in on her opinion on the matter, more Arthur! and some serious conversations, as well as the start of another recognizable episode.

Now, before you all shoot me; Merthur is still very much endgame, and this story arch is just another hurdle they have to get across (which they will). I am not a fan of love triangles, so this won't go on for too long, but it will tie in with Vivian somehow. I'll leave it up to you to speculate how. That said, I think this is a very much needed arch to advance Merlynn as a character, so just stick with me and see where this goes, okay?

Leave me a review and tell me what you think! (Nicely, preferably, I don't want my mood ruined a day before my big brother's wedding!)