"What?! You can not get betrothed to just anyone Arthur."

Arthur was seriously getting tired of everyone questioning him when he made decisions as King. Standing he asked, "Why not? I am King now, I can do anything I want."

Minerva rolled her eyes as she said, "Okay, I will give you that one."

Arthur smiled. "Cool, you know you are the only one out of the three in my inner circle of friends who acknowledges that I am the King."

"I suspect there is a reason Lancelot and Merlin do not. You do know you will have to live with the consequences of marrying now and not waiting for a better alliance. I am guessing she is from Crafthole. What is her name and station?"

Arthur shook his head at her assumption. "You could not be more wrong. It is Merlin."

Shocked Minerva grabbed Arthur's arm. "Fool around with him all you want Arthur but you can not seriously be thinking of marrying him."

"Yes I am and we will talk about it later. Apparently I have court as you so graciously reminded me and I think this may be a conversation that Gwen and Lance should be in on. Do not you?"

Arthur brushed pass Moinerva to open the door, and waved at her to proceed him out into the hall. As they both began walking towards the throne room she said, "Okay, I will have a servant tell Gwen and Lancelot to join us in my room while you handle the petitioners."

Arthur nodded and Minerva curtsied her leave. Entering the throne room he sat down and motioned the first petitioner forward.

Approaching the throne a young woman curtsied as she said, "Sire, in Kashmir we have mountain bandits who are harassing our farmers and threatening the lives of our children if we do not turn our harvest over them. If we do so many of our children will not live to see another summer as the winter is harsh and they just would not be strong enough to survive it. Please we need your help."

Arthur thought a moment as he tried to picture just where Kashmir lay on the tactical map in his head. "Kashmir is right on the border with Cedric's kingdom is not it?"

"Yes your highness and during times of unrest when the knights of both kingdoms patrol the border to repeal invasion from the other side we have some respite from the bandits as they dare not raid. However during times of peace, when the knights have returned back to their kingdoms we often find ourselves in this position. We know there is no clear King to whom we owe allegiance and expect help, thus we take it in turn. It is Camelot's turn to hear our plea and thus begin the cycle once more."

Arthur nodded, talking as he thought it through "Yes, but for an army of Camelot to appear on the border without King Cedric's permission or knowledge it would be seen as an act of war. However, we would have these barbarians wiped off the face of the earth. Sir Elyan and four knights will accompany you back to your village while Sir Agravaine and five knights will approach King Cedric under a flag of truce to inform him of the situation. We will also draft up an ongoing peace treaty in the hopes of preventing future bloodshed and providing your village with continuing protection."

The young woman's relief was instantly obvious as she curtsied and said, "Thank you, Sire."

Elyan and Agravaine stepped forward and began to escort her from the hall. "Just not Lancelot." Arthur called after them.

Elyan turned and slightly bowed in Arthur's direction to acknowledge that they had heard. The next petitioner stepped forward.

The man bowed. "Sire, I would like to run special...experiments in my cellar. I will need funds for blades and harnesses. I will also need soundproofing for walls strong enough to muffle, say, loud screaming."

Arthur sat shocked for a moment as images of mysteriously disappearing villagers flitted through his mind. "Yes, um, why do not you find the constable and detail your plans with her? I am sure she will get you all set up."

The man bowed his acknowledgement of Arthur's words as he said, "Constable, you say? Yes...Maybe I will have the constable over for dinner soon..."

Arthur watched as the man left before holding one hand up to stop the approach of the next petitioner as he beckoned Tristen forward with the other. "I think you may want to warn Isolde I sent that one in her direction."

Tristen bowed as he said, "Yes Sire, I am on it." He then hurried out so that he could warn his wife.

Now Arthur beckoned the last petitioner forward.

"Sire, I am a sister of the Jacoban order. A handful of us run an orphanage in the outer village which currently houses twenty children. For the past few months one of our younger boys has begun to show signs of magical possession. He is four years old and when you were crowned he saw how much you looked like him so at first we thought that was what caused him to act out. After a few weeks we were forced to come to the conclusion that the poor boy was being controlled by outside magic as he was afraid of what was happening to him. We feared that the attack on him might be due to his striking similarity to you so this evening we were going to bring him to your majesty for guidance but he has gone missing and we fear for his safety."

"You are not exaggerating, he really looks like me?"

"Yes Sire, the same build, blond hair, and blue eyes only a much younger version of course. It is almost uncanny how much Bradley looks like you, Sire. Some of the sisters have pondered the possibility of whether or not he was actually yours."

Arthur chuckled at that but he knew he would make it his mission to find the young boy even though the child was not his. "Sister, he may not be mine but not only is it my royal duty it is my moral obligation to find this child. I have one last meeting before I can devote my time to finding him."

"Thank you Sire." The sister curtsied and left as Arthur stood, ending court so he could make his way to Minerva's room.

While Arthur was hearing partitions Merlin was making his way through the slightly deserted halls of the castle. With the lateness of the hour Merlin figured using a small tracking spell to locate Maxwell would be the easiest way to get this over with before it turned midnight.

"STEDE."

Immediately a soft, thin white line appeared on the floor beneath his feet. Smiling he quickly followed it to the kitchens where Maxwell appeared to be going over the supper menu for the next day with the head cook. Merlin cocked his head as he listened to the specific instructions Maxwell was leaving the cook with, he seemed to be asking that no onion or garlic be added to the next day's supper because a lord who was arriving in the morning seemed to have dietary issues with that plant family.

He waited for the Royal Advisor to finish before saying, "Max?"

"Yes Merlin."

"Is there some place private we can talk?"

"Sure, come with me to my room. Is there something wrong with Arthur?"

"No Arthur is fine. I just need to talk to you."

Max looked back at Merlin as he led the way to his room, something was up and as Merlin was Arthur's manservant he was betting the conversation was probably going to be about Arthur's mysterious sorcerer. Opening his door he waved Merlin through.

Closing the door behind them he asked, "So, what is so important?"

Merlin took a breath for courage before saying, "I know Arthur has spoken to you but I need to know you are not immediately going to execute Arthur's magic user once you know who that is."

Max sighed, it was just as he thought Merlin had come to make sure Arthur's sorcerer would be safe when they came to talk to him. "Secretly I have never agreed with the all magic users are evil trail of thought and I suspect that as soon as it occurs to Arthur that his sorcerer is in danger he will be repealing the law. So, no I do not plan on killing or even detaining this sorcerer whoever it is."

"Wizard...good...good...that is good. Um, okay, here goes nothing." Merlin held his breath a moment before tightly nodding. Holding his palm up and flat he said, "ORGELDRĒAM."

A ghostly harp appeared in his palm and music softly began to play. Expecting no more than a name Maxwell was shocked at the display of magic from the young man. He listened to the heavenly music for a moment before reaching out to close Merlin's hand, only to find his hand closing on air as Merlin quickly moved beyond his reach. Startled Max looked at him but decided to concentrate on the matter at hand instead of why Merlin was still acting so skittish around him.

"You can trust me Merlin. How long after you came to Camelot did Arthur and you become involved?"

Rubbing the bridge of his nose Merlin guessed it was a good sign that Maxwell was not accusing him of be-spelling Arthur. "That is not...never mind it is too complicated to explain. Anyway, it was never like that between Arthur and me. I certainly never expected my destiny to include a prat like him. Not to say that you are wrong in thinking that there has been something going on this whole time that we are just now beginning to acknowledge but I would never use my magic in that way. Are you going to be okay with this?"

Even as he asked that question Merlin heard a voice echo in his head, "Emrys."

"There may be a few problems but I am sure things will work themselves out." Maxwell assured him.

"Emrys." The strange name floated through Merlin's head again causing him to say, "Huh?"

"I said..." Max began but then he noticed that Merlin seemed to be somewhere else. "Merlin are you okay?"

Merlin shook his head to try and clear it. "Yeah, I am okay. I just need to go follow-up on something."

Worried now Max asked, "Merlin, what is it?"

"Emrys."

"Nothing...I do not know. I will get back to you once I know for sure, but I have to go now."

Max sat down as Merlin hurried out, he would need to think through the possible ramifications of this whole situation and try to plan ways to limit any future fallout. Hopefully whatever was now bothering the young sorcerer wouldn't present a new danger to Camelot.

In the hallway outside Maxwell's room Merlin sent out a small tendril of thought, "What do you want? Who are you?"

"Emrys, my name is Mordred. We need to talk. Can you come to the stables?"

Merlin sent an affirmative even as he broke into a trot. He had to find out what this druid wanted and get him out of Camelot before one of the knights detained the druid for execution. Entering the stables he looked around as he said, "Hello?"

A dark haired, handsome young man slowly emerged from the back stall. "Emrys?"

"I guess so but please just tell me what you want, it is not safe for you here."

"I know but we need your help with a young boy we have found."

Merlin glanced back towards the castle even though he knew what he was going to do. "Where is the boy and why do you need my help?"

"He is in a place of sanctuary beyond the outer forest. The high priest has him under his shield but we have been unable to trace the one whole seeks to control him. For this we need your help."

Sighing Merlin nodded as he gestured for the young druid to lead the way. "Do you know what the child's name is, Mordred?"

Mordred smiled back at him as he led the way through the back alleys of Camelot to one of the side gates. "The child says his name is Bradley, Sire."

"Do not, just no, that is...Merlin is fine or apparently Emrys if we have to get all formal." On those words the two left Camelot.

Suddenly, when they had reached the field just outside Camelot, Merlin felt a tug at his heart and his magic beginning to boil. Stopping short he closed his eyes to try and analyze why his magic was extremely unhappy with him leaving the grounds of Camelot. Searching he found that a small bond had begun to solidify between Arthur and him, one which was so new that it needed them to be close together. Well that was interesting, perhaps that was why Arthur had become more possessive in regards to him. While it was something that he should have thought to look for earlier, right now in order to help the druids he would need to adjust the connection so that it would allow a greater distance between the two of them. Concentrating he slowly began to build the bond, his magic flaring hotter and wilder as it realized what he was trying to do. As Merlin opened his eyes Mordred turned to inquire why Merlin had stopped and noticed the fading molten gold of Merlin's eyes. Mordred started in surprise but asked no questions, just quickened his pace as he had a feeling that something was off and that they needed to reach the elder druids at the sanctuary quickly. Merlin rushed after him through the forest until, between one step and the next, they entered a small clearing with only an old rock well in the center.

Back at the castle Arthur was about to enter Minerva's chambers when he felt a slight pull on his heart. Closing his eyes he leaned his forehead on Minerva's door as the phantom pain shivered through him. After a moment it passed and Arthur straightened with a slightly puzzled look to his face but shrugging it off and opening Minerva's door. Inside Minerva, Lancelot, and Gwenhwyfar awaited his arrival. Heaving a large sigh he entered and joined them by the fireplace.

"Okay, let us start with your number one problem with me marrying Merlin."

Gwenhwyfar and Lancelot looked at each other in surprise as Minerva gathered her thoughts.

"You need to produce a heir Arthur, preferably with a wife who provides Camelot with a powerful ally."

Lancelot spate out his wine as her words caused him to laugh mid drink. "Sorry Minerva that is not going to happen, he has always been into guys not girls. I had a feeling there was something between Arthur and Merlin but he's never actually followed through with his feelings before. He usually ignores them so I dismissed the feeling as being all in my head. The only surprise here is he is actually talking marriage."

Gwen smiled slightly as she asked, "Really?"

While Minerva muttered, "He is doing more than talking marriage with Merlin."

Arthur blushed as he ignored Minerva's comment and answered Gwenhwyfar, "Yes Lancelot is right I have always been more drawn to men than to women. Until Merlin I have never felt the need or a deep enough connection to explore it with the few who did happen to catch my eye. Believe me when I say that the bond between Merlin and I goes beyond anything you can comprehend and I am not letting that go. That is even saying the bond we have will let me abandon my sorcerer even if I wanted to."

"Sorcerer?!" All three exclaimed but then Minerva held up her hand to stop Arthur from saying anything. "Never mind, only you will have to repeal the law regarding magic users if you plan on marrying one instead of killing him. I can see I have no choice but to congratulate you, however I reserve the right to say I told you so when an alliance opportunity slips through out fingers because of this choice."

"Deal, but I reserve the right to feel smug each time I form an alliance without bloodshed even though I will not be marrying their daughter."

Minerva held out her hand to shake Arthur's as she said, "Deal."

Lance shook his head at the two of them as Gwenhwyfar got up to hug Arthur.

"Congratulations."

Arthur hugged her back. "Thanks. Now that petitioner who was here about the little boy said he was being controlled by outside magic and has gone missing. I promised her I would find and help him. I expect the three of you to help me do that."

"Sure, what do you need us to do?"

"Gwen, I need you to question the servants about seeing a four year old blond boy who seemed lost or out of place. Lance, I need you to do the same with the knights. Minerva and I will question the council members and visiting nobles. Someone in Camelot must of caught sight of this boy, especially considering that he apparently looks like a younger version of me."

Gwen smiled at that last part. "Why Arthur if he does in fact bear any resemblance to you then I think we may have the answer to Minerva's little problem of an heir. If we can find him all you will need to do is make him your ward and everyone will probably assume that he is yours so the line of succession will not be questioned."

Minerva nodded. "I had not thought about that option but it could work."

"I see where the two of you are going with this. What do you think Arthur, up to becoming a father overnight?"

Arthur rolled his eyes at his friends and brother. "When we find this boy safe we can confirm how much he actually looks like me, only after he is safe will I even consider this crazy idea."

Back at the castle Minerva stood and laid a hand on Arthur's arm. "Even if he does not look like you it is a good idea Arthur. Do you know the boy's name?"

"Bradley." As Arthur said the child name he felt a surge of anger flood his body.

Minerva saw the rage enter Arthur's eyes and carefully asked, "Arthur, what is it?"

"I am going to kill whoever just touched Merlin."

Apparently while they had been talking Mordred had turned to Merlin and asked, "SAGA HWÆT IC HATTE. The greater I get, the less I become, my worth is the process, and not my sum. SAGA HWÆT IC HATTE."

"ONGESTENENES."

With his answer the clearing changed to an open glade with about a half dozen druids ringed around a small, unconscious boy who lay on an alter in the center. Mordred hurried forward as he said, "Myrddin, I brought Emrys like you asked. How is the boy?"

An older, white-haired druid stepped out from behind the alter. "He is well my brother. We have time for me to meet the promised one."

Merlin shook his head even as he eyed Myrddin. "Please, let us not start with the whole destiny thing, I have heard it practically all my life. How about I just have a look see at the boy and hopefully figure out who is at the root of the magic controlling him, okay?"

Myrddin bowed slightly as he said, "As you wish." He gestured towards the ring of druids and the child inside. "He is protected within the circle of six. Come."

He strode into the circle with Merlin close on his heels. Reaching the alter Merlin smiled at the innocent child that looked so much like his beloved it made his heart ache. Reaching out he gently placed his hands on the boy's temples. Closing his eyes he slipped into a mediative state and lightly into the sleeping child's soul. He quickly discovered that the child had no magic of his own but that a pulsing tendril of another's magic wove its way throughout his essence. Carefully he traced the connection, slowly unraveling it back to its source.

"Niniane," he whispered just before his knees buckled.

Myrddin quickly reached his side. "Are you okay Emrys?" He asked as he reached out to help Merlin up. Merlin was too tired to avoid the comforting hand that came to rest on his shoulder. As soon as he made contact Myrddin hissed and snatched his hand back as if burned.

It was at this moment that Arthur had felt the rage flood his body and made the comment about killing whoever had just touched Merlin. Not knowing what was happening miles away, or even at this moment with Arthur, Minerva softly said, "Arthur as far as I know no one has done anything to Merlin. In fact, last I saw him he was looking for Maxwell."

Arthur stared at her a moment before slowly sitting down. Gripping tightly to the arms of the chair he growled, "Send someone to wake up Albertus, quickly Minerva and then I want you and Gwen to quietly leave. Lance, carefully remove my sword from my presence and guard the door. Do not let anyone but Albertus in and by all that is holy do not let me leave."

The three of them looked at each other worriedly before following Arthur's directives. A few, long minutes later Albertus approached Lancelot. "What is wrong?"

Lance shrugged. "I do not know he was fine but then all of a sudden he got wicked angry and said something about killing the person who had touched Merlin. After Minerva pointed out that she did not think Merlin had been harmed he sent for you, made the women leave, and ordered me to take his sword and guard the door."

Albertus looked from Lance to the door of Minerva's room and back. "Oh." He rubbed his forehead before continuing, "Apparently Merlin is a lot closer to being twenty-one than I thought he was."

Lancelot looked at him in confusion. "What has that got to do with anything?"

"More than you know. Okay, I will need a sleeping draught from my workshop. Can you send a servant to go get it and then bring it in to me?"

"Sure Albertus."

Albertus nodded his thanks before slowly opening the door. "Arthur? It is just me, I have sent for a sleeping draught. It should help you relax. I am coming in and I can tell you this story my mother once told me while we wait."

He pushed the door inward so that he could look in and be sure it was safe to enter. However, once it was opened all the way he found that Arthur was no where to be found. Entering the room he carefully opened the curtains that were enclosing Minerva's bed on the off chance that Arthur had laid down to relax on it.

Back in the glade Myriddin was shocked at the energy he had just felt burn through his body. "Blessed Be Emrys. Not only the promised one but the Cosmic Dragon and not completely bonded at that." Shaking his tingling hand he asked, "Did you find out whose hand is behind Bradley's magic?"

"Yeah, Niniane. I think she is on the Isle of the Blessed." Using the alter for leverage he slowly stood. "I will have to go there and confront her if I am to have any hope of breaking her hold on Bradley."

"You can not confront her Emrys, at least not yet."

Confused, Merlin looked at Myrddin questionably.

"She is too powerful for you at the moment. Your power needs to be released and grounded before you face her. May we know who your protector is?"

Slowly Merlin made his way out of the protective circle. "Arthur."

"Not your destiny Emrys. For the yin elements of Earth and Water there are the yang elements of Fire and Air. These two sides of one coin teach us that this is how the Universe works, two aspects of a single unity. Yin is black, dark, passive, and encompassing. Much like the power I sense coiled within you. Yang is white, light, forceful, and penetrating. Qualities I very much doubt the young Pendragon shares. You bear in your soul the essence of yang, there you will find the link to your soulmate. The bond is new, thus very weak but you should be able to follow it."

Merlin glanced at Myrddin a moment before saying, "You are one weird druid, not that I have met many of them mind you. I thought druids did not think in those terms but more in terms of a nature-based division. One of land, sea, and sky, with fire simply as a sacred center around which rituals were held." He chuckled as he continued, "Not that it matters because the ban of my life is also the love of my life and the desire of my soul. No matter how you phase the question the answer is still Arthur."

Myrddin thought over Merlin's words a moment. "The young King was born into this world on Samhain. Is this right?"

Merlin nodded.

"Then I take it he was conceived on or around the Winter Solstice?"

Merlin shook his head. "More towards Imbolc."

Myrddin nodded his head. "As you say. You also share these dates?"

"No, I was a Winter Solstice child, and before you ask my mother once said I was conceived during Ostara."

"I see, Imbolc and Ostara. Samhain and Yule. I now see why you are here during the Summer Solstice. Being the Cosmic Dragon you need the bonding ceremony to ground your magic to the mortal body you inhabit before that magic corrupts your very soul. We must see you completely bonded tonight Emrys."

Pinching the bridge of his nose Merlin tried to explain things, "Myrddin it is not as simple as that. My magic is unstable right now and threatens to run wild every time Arthur and I touch, never mind kiss. I am not going to put all of you in serious danger with any bonding ceremony."

Myrddin softly smiled. "Bonding does not usually include sex Ancient One though apparently it seems that your bonding will also have a sexual componant. As Emrys, or Merlin if you prefer, you are blessed to love and be loved by your guardian thus it will be more than a simple bonding ceremony for the two of you, it will also be a sacred handfasting ceremony. Both of these will be performed within our circle which will be both blessed and protected by the spirits of nature. The spirit which flows through and around us will protect all life within and without the grove when Arthur and you are joined. We need not fear any backlash when your magic is set free Ancient One."

Merlin walked over to sit on a small stump just on the outer edge of the protective ring around Bradley. Closing his eyes he let his head drop down until his chin hit his chest, just trying to relax and absorb everything Myrddin had said. Considering that he was scared and unsure of what exactly was going on with his magic it would probably be a good idea to be protected not only by the druids but by a sacred druid circle the first time Arthur and he consummated their relationship, even if it would be extremely embarrassing. He sighed as he opened his eyes, stood up, and looked at Myrddin.

"I can see how this may be the safest way for everyone so after I have rested a bit I will go back and get Arthur."

"Not necessary young wizard for we have the power of the grove to draw upon and bring him here. SAGA HWÆT IC HATTE. I chase away the dark, such wonders I create; a ward to the cold; unchecked my damage is great. SAGA HWÆT IC HATTE."

"LUFU."

The glade shone brightly as it wavered and faded away into the distance. Merlin looked around as a secluded grove shimmered into existence. A sweet scent, rather like mazipan with hints of honey and musk, drifted through the air as he saw that Myrddin stood in front of him with Mordred to his right and a druid he had not met to his left. Behind him he felt the heat of Arthur's presence just seconds before Arthur swept him up in a bone-crushing hug before tucking him behind Arthur's back as Arthur loomed menacingly between Mryddin and him.

Licking his lips Merlin could not resist slipping his hand under Arthur's shirt and stroking his bare back. Arthur leaned back into the caress.

Merlin..."

His breath catching as desire began to heat his veins, Merlin leaned forward to nuzzle the back of Arthur's neck. As his lips touched the warmth of Arthur's skin his magic flared and crackled in the air around them even as he vaguely heard voices murmuring something in the background. Suddenly he felt a wall of thick magic between Arthur's body and his, forcing them to separate.

As Arthur and Merlin groaned their frustration Myrddin said, "You can not consummate your bond until safely within the circle and the handfasting between the Once and Future King and yourself is complete."

Arthur gritted his teeth even as a thought occurred to him. "I had called Albertus to Minerva's room. When he finds me gone there may be panic."

Merlin's eyes glowed gold a moment before he said, "We can not have the kingdom panicking because their King has gone missing. The note I just left on Minerva's pillow explains where you are and will hopefully keep the court calm for now."

Back at the castle Albertus sighed as he looked at Minerva's empty bed and between one moment and the next a simple note appeared on the pillow. Picking it up he read the words as the wrote themselves in front of his eyes. It stated that Merlin had whisked Arthur off to a Druid Grove for some type of ritual that would join and bond his wild power safely. Maxwell was not going to like the fact that Camelot was once again without a King but hopefully Merlin would have Arthur back before anyone beyond the inner court knew about it. Folding the note up and tucking it in the pocket of his robe Albertus went to tell Lancelot to forget about the sleeping draught and to inform the Royal Advisor that their King had been taken by magic.

Back in the grove Arthur turned to face Merlin and placing his right hand on the magical wall between them he said, "Then will you please explain all this to me."

Merlin smiled as he place his right hand on the wall opposite Arthur's hand. "Did not you hear Myrddin? We are to be honored with a handfasting performed by these druids."

"What is a handfasting?"

"You would call it a wedding prat."

Arthur's face lit up as he said, "Cool, let us get started then."

Myrddin smiled at the two of them. "We will remove the barrier now but I must caution both of you not to touch until the ceremony is complete. Only then will it be safe for your bonding to take place."

Arthur and Merlin nodded as they slowly lowered their hands back down to their sides. The barrier sparkled a bit as it dissolved and Myrddin gestured for the two of them to a small circle which had posts placed at each of the cardinal points.

Once they were inside Myrddin intoned, ""Welcome, Beloved of the Earth."

"Welcome, Beloved of the Holy," Mordred intoned as he entered.

"Welcome, Beloved of the Wise," the third druid intoned as he joined them.

"Welcome to the sacred space upon the Earth where we have come together in love to consecrate the union of those whose love is sacred," intoned Mordred.

"Welcome to the sacred space in the Universe where we have come together to consecrate the union of those whose hearts and spirit are joined in divine love," intoned Myrddin.

The third druid then intoned, "Welcome to the sacred space within each of us which we open to be filled and newly consecrated in the power and presence of love."

All three then said, "Oh Great Spirit we ask you for your Blessing on this our ceremony, in which we consecrate sanctify, and signify the loving reunion of Arthur and Merlin."

Myrddin then intoned, "Arthur is male and is both part of, and the very totality of the divine male. Let us embrace him in our hearts and celebrate the sacred male divinity he holds for us tonight."

Mordred looked a little confused but he continued with, "Merlin is male and is both part of, and the very totality of the divine male. Let us embrace him in our hearts and celebrate the sacred male divinity he holds for us tonight."

Myrddin gestured to Arthur to accompany him counter clockwise around the circle inside the posts until they had made a complete circuit and stood in front of the alter. While he did that Mordred accompanied Merlin clockwise around the circle inside the posts until they also had made a complete circuit and stood in front of the alter. Arthur then walked to the center of the circle with Myrddin and the third druid. The third druid then walked back to Merlin and Mordred to accompany them to the center. Mordred then proceeded to walk Arthur to just outside the circle at the East pole, where they both faced out. At the same time Myrddin walked with Merlin to just outside the circle at the West pole where they also faced out.

In the center the third druid intoned, "In the presence of the All Powerful Spirits I invoke the power and blessing of the seven directions and ask that our circle be open to them." He then walked to each of the posts.

At the North post he said, "With the blessing of the Great Bear of the starry heavens and the deep and fruitful earth, I call upon the powers of the North to be with us and ask for their blessing as we join our beloved together."

As he walked to the South post a cold wind blew through the grove and the sound of a bear's roar filled the air. Reaching the South post he said, "With the blessing of the Great Stag in the chase and the inner fire of the Sun, I call upon the powers of the South to be with us and ask for their blessing as we join our beloved together."

As he moved onto the West post a warm wind blew through the grove and the call of a giant stag filled the air. Arriving at the West post he said, "With the blessing of the Salmon of Wisdom who dwells within the sacred waters of the pool, I call upon the powers of the West to be with us and ask for their blessing as we join our beloved together."

Now as he walked to the East post the salty smell of the sea filled the grove. Reaching the East post he said,"With the blessing of the Hawk of Dawn soaring in the clear pure air, I call upon the powers of the East to be with us and ask for their blessing as we join our beloved together."

Finished he walked back to the center of the circle even as the crisp cry of a hawk in flight filled the air. After a quick questioning look at Myrddin and Mordred he raised his face to the heavens and said, "With the blessing of the Lark of Inner Knowledge springing into the heaven above and singing its song of radiant, sure joy, I call upon the powers of the spheres above to be with us and ask for their blessings as we join our beloved together."

He then looked to the ground and said, "With the blessing of the Moon, I call upon the powers of the energy of the world below to be with us and ask for its blessing as we join our beloved together."

Lifting his head he said, "With the blessing of the Moon, I call upon the powers of the energy of the World within to be with us and ask for its blessing as we join our beloved together."

Myrddin now intoned, "May the harmony and peace of our circle be complete."

Merlin replied with, "May it be so," as his eyes glowed a bright gold as darkness descended for a moment and only the bright light of a million stars illuminated the grove.

As the sun returned Mordred carefully intoned, "May the power and security of our circle be complete."

As Arthur replied, "May it be so," a hum filled the area for a moment as the feeling of a great power threatened to overwhelm them.

Now the three druids swallowed nervously as they took a quick look at each other. It seemed they may have underestimated the power at Emrys' fingertips, for this type of reaction to their ceremony had never happened before. It was almost as if they had actually awakened the forces that they had called upon. Biting his lip in an effort to calm his nerves the third druid took a deep breath to continue even as a golden hue touched each them, making it bearable even though its presence could still be felt.

Biting his lip in an effort to calm his nerves the third druid took a deep breath and continued, "Each aspect meets and merges to form a whole. We see that tonight in those whose love we have come to sanctify and celebrate."

He slowly walked to the East and faced Arthur's back. "Hail, Man of the Moon. We salute you. Hail, Master of Emotion. Are you prepared to open your heart to sustain your beloved as he grows in love and wisdom?"

"May it be so," answered Arthur.

Arthur then walked North and faced out at that pole while the third druid walked West and faced Merlin's back. "Hail, Lord of the Sun. Flooding the world with endlessly abundant power and energy, ripening all that grows, we salute you. Hail, Master of Reason and the secrets of the mind. Are you prepared to open your understanding mind and offer the strength of your deep wisdom to guide your beloved as he grows in the light of your devotion?"

"May it be so," Merlin replied.

He then walked South and faced out while the third druid walked North and faced Arthur's back. "Hail, Lord of the Earth. Holding in your secret heart the promise of plenty within the endless circle of time's stately dance, we salute you. Hail, Master of abundance and wholesome healthy life. Are you prepared to open the abundance of your love and whatever crops you may harvest, be they physical, emotional or spiritual, to your love to tend to his needs and seek his greatest growth in the richness of your soul's richest soil?"

"May it be so," Arthur replied.

He then walked to the West and faced out while the third druid walked to the South and faced Merlin's back. "Hail, Master of the fire. Purifying all within the bright, clean flame of passion and desire, burning with the light of truth, we salute you. Hail, Master of the burning flame of truth. Are you prepared to focus the flame of your desire for love and light your passion for truth and right casting out the shadows of the unwanted and unwholesome past and using your heart to warm, not burn and your light to guide, not blind your beloved?"

Merlin replied, "May it be so."

He then walked to the East and faced out while the third druid walked to the West and faced Arthur's back. "Are you prepared to let the wisdom that is within you mature in the context of the companionship and love of your soul's friend and expand into a trust and depth which grows as your deepest self opens to that innocent, pure, and life-enhancing friendship?"

Arthur replied, "May it be so."

He then walked to the South and faced out as the third druid walked East and faced Merlin's back. "Hail, Lord of the Floods. Covering the world with the moisture so gentle it lay upon the land like a lover or so violent that it beats the very stones back into the sea, we salute you. Hail, Master of the strongest and the most yielding of elements. Are you prepared to water the inner heart of Arthur with the sustaining waters of your love, supplying him forever with your moist and verdant inner heart so that the crop of his inner greatness may flourish in the well watered soil of your deep and abiding love?"

"May it be so," Merlin replied before walking North and facing out.

At the same time the third druid walked to the South and faced Arthur's back. "Hail, Master of the unending search for truth, justice, and the life harmonious balance. Are you prepared to open yourself in the warming heart of your desire to your lover and to open yourself with equal passion to the search for the truth for the good of your deepest self and that of the world in the fullness of your love?"

Arthur replied, "May it be so," before returning at last to the East and facing out.

At the same time the third druid walked to the North and faced toward Merlin's back. "Hail, Lord of the Realm within. Diving deep into the hidden realms of discovery where love of truth lures us inward until the illumination of our inner core shines forth to make us wiser than we ever dreamed we might be, we salute you. Hail, Master of the treasures of that hidden kingdom. Are you prepared to go within your own dark inner home, find the ever bright illumination of the divine within and bring forth deepening love of that truth so that you can meet your lover with increasing wisdom, peace, and rapture through your own exploration of the depths of your soul?"

Merlin answered, "May it be so," before returning at last to the West and facing out.

Now the third druid walked to the center of the circle even as thunder rolled across the grove.

Myrddin's voice trembled a little as he intoned, "Welcome, oh powers of Water! Bless this couple with a love as deep as any ocean. May richness of body, of soul, and of spirit be theirs ever more."

Mordred slowly followed with, "Welcome, oh powers of Air! With clever fingers weave tightly the bonds of heart, spirit, and love between these two. Let none undo the fabric of their love."

A little more confidently Myrddin then said, "Welcome, oh powers of Earth! Bless this couple with thy strength and wisdom to be theirs as long as love lasts."

As the ground began to slightly shake under their feet Mordred finished with, "Welcome, oh powers of Fire! Ignite the passion and the love for this blessed pair, ever burning yet never consuming one or the other."

Now the grove crackled as magic flared again, even more powerful than before. Still facing out Merlin and Arthur were guided back to the center of the circle by Myrddin and Mordred. The three druids looked at each other, silently agreeing that as soon as the ceremony was over they were to vacate the circle. Standing back to back Arthur and Merlin missed the silent communication.

The third druid got them back on track by saying, "Arthur and Merlin you are with us here perfect alone but without the other neither of you is complete. Arthur and Merlin, is it your wish to be joined in one spirit of perfect wholeness but in dual flesh?"

Arthur and Merlin replied together, "It is."

Mordred had Arthur repeat after him as he said, "You can not possess me, for I belong to myself. But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You can not command me for I am a free person. But I shall serve you in those ways you require and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand. I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night and the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you the first bite from my meat and the first drink from my cup. I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care. I shall be or shield for your back and you for mine. I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honor you above all others and should we quarrel, we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances. This is my wedding vow to you. This is a marriage of equals."

Myrddin had Merlin reply with, "You can not possess me for I belong to myself. but while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You can not command me for I am a free person. But I shall serve you in those ways you require and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand. I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night, and the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you the first bite from my meat and the first drink from my cup. I pledge to you living and my dying, each equally in your care. I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine. I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honor you above we quarrel we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances. This is my wedding vow to you. This is the marriage of equals."

Myrddin and Mordred then guided Arthur and Merlin so that they faced each other. The third druid asked Arthur, "Arthur, is it your wish to present Merlin with a token to bind and signify your love for him?"

Arthur answered, "It is."

The third druid had Arthur place a ring on Merlin's finger and say, "I present to you my love in this pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm or grieve you in any form or fashion. Accept this, my jewel, my treasure, as a token of my trust. Just as its bright gleam will catch the ray of light, both day and night, may our love glow. Like the shining metal which forms its essence, may our love endure. Accept it, my love, along with my heart, for that which is mine is yours."

Guided by the third druid Merlin replied, "My love, I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept your ring know what is in my heart, as I know what is in yours. The power of my will, and of my love, shall be yours forever."

Then the third druid asked Merlin, "Merlin, is it your wish to present Arthur with a token to bind and signify your love for him?"

"It is," answered Merlin.

The third druid had Merlin place a ring on Arthur's finger and say, "Arthur, I present to you my love in this pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do a thing to harm or grieve you in any form or fashion. Accept this, my jewel, my treasure, as a token of my trust. Just as its bright gleam will catch the ray of light, both day and night, may our love endure. Accept it my love, along with my heart, for which mine is yours."

Guided by the third druid Arthur answered with, "My love I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept your ring. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in yours. The power of my will and of my love shall be yours forever."

The third druid now intoned, "Your vows have now been heard by all. These rings, like your vows, are without beginning or end. Now placed, they represent a seal of your love and respect for each other."

Myrddin intoned, "May your love lead you to support each other, never taking advantage of a weakness or flaw. May you always provide for the other what is needed to make the other stronger. This bread is your first meal as conjoined soulmates. May you never hunger."

He handed Arthur and Merlin a piece of consecrated bread and, while they ate it, quickly left the circle as the air began to visibly pulse.

Mordred's voice quivered as he intoned, "May your love lead you to supply each other, never withholding what will nourish the other. May you always provide for the other what is needed to make the other wiser. This mead is your first drink as conjoined soulmates. May you never thirst."

He handed Arthur and Merlin a goblet of consecrated mead and, while they drank, quickly left the circle as lightning flashed across the suddenly steel-grey sky.

The third druid seemed to take a deep fortifying breath before he finished the ceremony by intoning, "Calling forth the power of the direction and the majesty of the Universe, seeking the blessing of spirits of the planet, invoking the strength of those who watch over us and bringing this company to stand in blessing on the love and steadfastness of our beloved Arthur and Merlin. I now join you in full view of all those present with all the powers vested in me and flowing through me I now pronounce you joined in handfasting and marriage. You may kiss each other for the first time as husband and husband."

With those words he all but ran out of the circle even as Arthur and Merlin moved into each other's arms. As soon as he had reached the outer edge a shimmering ball of what looked to be a mixture of Earth, Wind, and Fire formed around Arthur and Merlin, hiding them from the three druids' view.