Chapter 8 A Visit to Nemeth Part 3
The sun was beginning to shine as white clouds dotted the horizon. A breeze blew the clouds along the sky, as Merlin and Mithian cantered on. As ever, Merlin was behind Mithian and struggling to keep up with her. He suddenly remembered what a superb horsewoman she was, while he had to concentrate to even stay in the saddle. She turned her head and shouted something out to him, but the breeze blew her words away from his hearing. In the end she was forced to try again.
"We are not that far from a really lovely spot, it's just another few miles away," she shouted.
Merlin felt sudden relief at the idea of the ride coming to an end at least for a while. Besides which he felt hungry for the first time. He thought back at the morning and of all the good things he had seen at the magic School. For the first time, he felt ready to undertake the task and he felt totally refreshed too. The change in scenery and company had boosted his well-being as well, enabling him to sift through his overworked mind. He realised that for now he felt completely free of all the responsibility that filled each working hour in Camelot. He was determined to make the most of it, at least for now. It would be over all too soon, but at least he and Gilli had a clearer plan in mind now. He noticed Mithian had slowed her mare, he did likewise and suddenly they were riding side by side.
"I am sorry. I keep forgetting that riding horses in not a hobby of yours!" she laughed,
He laughed with her, "You would think with all the number of quests I went on with Arthur and the Knights, I'd be more used to it by now!" he admitted.
"When I was a little girl, I would watch my brother take off with my father and I'd be very jealous of him as they rode away. I had to stay at home and practice my needlework and learn how to be a Lady," she said, "All I wanted was to climb trees and ride horses,"
Merlin laughed, "I can understand your frustration. Do you still climb trees?"
"When no one is looking," she grinned at him.
"That I would like to see," Merlin laughed.
"Is it really so surprising, the idea of me clamouring up a tree?"
"Now you mention it, maybe not. You have always had a touch of spirit about you," Merlin smiled, following her off path. Up ahead the landscape narrowed into a crescendo of autumn colours, orange and brown. It took Merlin's breath away at the raw beauty of the place. "This is gorgeous!" he breathed.
"It's just down the way," Mithian pointed ahead, "We will have something to eat and then I shall give you a little tour, of our magical monuments around here,"
"That sounds good," Merlin grinned, still taking in the scenery around him.
They stopped before a stream, Merlin slowly getting off his horse and looking about him. There were tall Elder trees all around them, in between the bushes offering the last bits of berries from the year's bounty. Even now, he could still hear a little chorus of bird song a few miles down the forest. He went over to Mithian taking the basket from her, as she laid a rug on the ground. Merlin opened the basket gasping at what had been cramped inside it.
"This will keep us going for a while," he remarked, taking out the food. There was crusty bread, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, some little cakes and plenty of fruit which he laid out in front of them.
"Elsa always spoils me," Mithian smiled, helping herself to some bread.
"Why shouldn't she, I would too!" Merlin said with a little smile.
"I am glad to hear that Court Sorcerer." Mithian smiled back.
They concentrated on eating some food, both enjoying the contented silence and enjoying the view up ahead of them. The sun by now was getting lower, a breeze more prominent making Mithian shudder. Noticing Merlin put a shawl around her shoulders.
"Thank you. It is so good to see you have a new jacket. I used to feel so sorry for you in that thin brown one you used to wear. I am guessing it was made for you?"
Merlin laughed, "A present from Gwen, she was determined to get me out of it the moment Arthur made me Court Sorcerer!" Merlin said, grinning at the memory. "That jacket and me shared some good times though,"
"It was a wonder you didn't catch your death!" Mithian gasped, "I am so glad Gwen has taken you in hand!"
"I hear you two are still writing?" she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, we are. It's nice to catch up with the gossip in Camelot sometimes it feels isolated over here. It seems as if Lachlan is already taking after his father," she smiled.
"He is, but luckily he has the sense of his mother in him as well." Merlin laughed.
"He enjoys your magic tricks though,"
"Especially when I make his father's prized possessions disappear…" Merlin laughed.
"I can imagine Arthur would find that annoying!" Mithian smiled.
"It still feels surreal using magic so openly now in Camelot," Merlin admitted. "Everything has changed so quickly, yet some things still seems the same,"
"You will find that once the School finally opens as well," Mithian said, "That first year was over so fast, we barely had the chance to catch our breath,"
"I'm sure that will prove to be the case, the time has already flown by as it was," Merlin grimaced.
"Don't be over ambitious to start off with. Just make sure everything is in place before you accept the first children. You will find the numbers will increase very quickly once the School opens,"
"Have you always been so well disposed towards those with magic?" Merlin asked, curiously.
"I would say that comes from having a Druid as a nurse maid, she loved telling Nael and me stories. A lot of them made up but I appreciate now that much of what she said was laced with truth as well," Mithian smiled. "It was through her that I came to realise how lucky I was and that I was in a position of influence to help others,"
"She sounds quite a woman," Merlin said, "I have never asked about your mother?"
"She died a couple of years after I was born, I never really knew her. My father at least spoke about her from time to time. This sounds weird, but I've always felt as though she was there in spirit with me throughout the hard times,"
"I'm sorry you never knew her, but she would be very proud of what you've become."
"Thank you. What about you? Did you ever know your father?" Mithian asked,
Merlin sighed softly. "I met him once and then lost him just as quickly."
"I'm so sorry," Mithian said, "I shouldn't have asked you,"
"It's all right, maybe I need to talk about him to someone." Merlin smiled, sadly.
"Your mother never spoke about him?" Mithian asked, softly her eyes searching his face.
"Maybe from time to time she touched on him, but I never knew his name or anything and I didn't feel as if I should ask," Merlin admitted.
"That must have been hard,"
"When I was growing up, I always assumed that she didn't want to talk about him. But since then we have spoken about him a lot more. She even gave me a box of possessions from him and a magical staff," Merlin explained.
"Can I ask what happened to your father?"
"Arthur and I were sent into Essetir to search for him. It was when Kilgharrah the Great Dragon was attacking Camelot. Gaius had told Uther that only a Dragonlord could stop him. Arthur was carrying an injury and it got infected on the journey. So, I had to find him myself. I found him living in a cave in the middle of nowhere,"
"A cave?" Mithian asked, surprise in her voice.
"He told me about his experience in Camelot. Uther had asked to make peace with the Dragon and had asked my father to bring Kilgharrah to him. But instead of keeping his word Uther chained the Dragon underneath the castle. Gaius smuggled my father away and sent him to Ealdor where he stayed with my mother. Eventually Uther sent Knights to Ealdor to hunt him down. He ended up living as a recluse,"
"That's dreadful. Your poor mother must have been heartbroken to lose him like that,"
"She was. My father was very embittered to begin with and once he realised who Arthur was, he wasn't prepared to come back with us to Camelot. But I reminded him about Gaius and eventually he changed his mind and came with us. That night I told him about my mother and Ealdor that was the only time I was able to call him father. We were ambushed the next morning and he died saving my life."
"Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry," MithIan replied, laying her hand on his arm. "You never told Arthur?"
"Not at the time, he knows now. But Gaius thought it was too dangerous in the beginning."
Mithian put her head on his shoulder, "You had so many hard moments, sometimes life is not fair."
Merlin brought his head down onto hers and they stayed like that for a while lost in their own thoughts. He thought back to the bleak day where he lost his father so suddenly and for a moment the emotion almost came out of him. He then remembered where he was and came to his senses. He found Mithian looking at him closely.
"We should not be afraid of letting our emotion out," she said softly. "Sometimes it's the only way to move on in life,"
Merlin smiled sadly. "Yes, I realise that now. But it's a hard habit to break when I spent so many years hiding away,"
Mithian shook her head, "I don't know how you managed all those years. I wouldn't have been strong enough for that,"
"But I don't have to hide anymore," Merlin said, looking at her closely and once more marvelling at her natural beauty and loveliness but most of all kindness.
"What about us taking that little tour of monuments I promised earlier," she asked.
"That would be nice, are they far away?" Merlin asked, steeling himself for the ride once again.
"The first one is within walking distance, they are all around in the forest but they all have very different meanings and stories about them,"
"That sounds interesting." Merlin smiled, following her through some bushes.
"This one is like a memorial to a very brave Knight, who saved a village. Here we are,"
Merlin walked over to the huge stone that was stood on its side. It had an inscription which read, "To the brave Knight Sir Develin, who in the Kingdom's darkest hour, touched the magic stone and led us towards the light,"
"The story goes Sir Develin rode into the village and saw it up in flames. It is said as he rode past the stone it connected with him, he touched the stone and within him a magical power burned inside him and he was able to destroy the raiders and put out the fires with one wave of his hand."
"That sounds like one of the many tales I was brought up on," Merlin said, in wonder.
"There are those who said he was an old sorcerer who was resurrected to lead the village against its most crucial battle,"
"Which story do you believe?" Merlin asked her, taking in the stone once more.
"I prefer the first story of him connecting to the stone naturally. I am guessing he must have had some magic inside him already. Maybe a family connection, many do have that."
"Including you?" Merlin smiled.
"So, my father says," Mithian smiled. "Though I have never been able to use it to persuade him to let me follow my heart,"
"Magic isn't for vanity. Something Gaius was always reminding me about." Merlin replied.
"Is it vain to want to be loved?" she asked,
Merlin could feel her eyes on his face and he knew exactly what she was implying. "It's not up to me Mithian, you know what the answer would be if it was. But I suspect your father has plans for you."
"The curse of being a Princess." She said, moving off.
Merlin caught her arm and pulled her over to him. "A very beautiful one," he said putting his face close to hers. He could feel her easing into his arms and he made the most of every second, wishing for all the world he could give her what she wanted most of all. In that moment, he would have marched back to Nemeth and asked King Rodor for his daughter's hand if he could have.
But he also knew he couldn't risk any upset between the two Kingdoms. Nemeth and Camelot were important ally's and he could not upset the balance between Rodor and Arthur, whatever the cost to his own heart. He wondered if his destiny would ever stop putting him in impossible positions.
"I'll take you to the next place, which is very special," Mithian said, taking his hand.
Merlin walked with her along a beautiful path which was full of fallen leaves and autumn colours all around them. After a brief walk, they had come across a gate grey in colour with another inscription written on it. "You are entering the Gardens of Gedref." Merlin read. They went through the gate and immediately Merlin sensed this was an important place.
"This place has another name, the Gate of Martyrs," Mithian explained. "Within this garden are burial places of some of Nemeth's most important magical figures. There not just people either as you will see."
Intrigued he followed her along a narrow path, up ahead was a long burial grave. Merlin stared at it knowing this belonged to no person but a creature, a magical creature.
"So, what's the story?" he asked, suddenly impatient to know.
"This is the grave of Nyamesk the last known unicorn in the Kingdom. It is said that Nyamesk was the mount of an ancient sorcerer called Toberlain. He is said to have protected the Kingdom from the dark forces which came from the east. One night he had been forced to go into battle against a group of invaders. During the fighting, Nyamesk was forced to run through flames and sword wielding warriors, he was fatally injured, attempting to take Toberlain to safety. It was said that the sorcerer at the end of the fighting, fell to his knees and cried a thousand tears." She pointed over to a tiny brook in the corner, "They call it the Brook of the Sorcerer's Tears. Every year the children leave something at the unicorn's resting place. It was once believed that if enough tears were shed, the unicorns would come again. Alas, that has not happened."
"Arthur and I saw a unicorn once. He killed it and it brought a curse down on Camelot and he was forced to undertake a challenge, to make up for it,"
"So, it's true then?" Mithian smiled, "Did you meet Anhora, the Keeper of the Unicorns? I remember my old Druid nurse telling me all about him."
"Yes, we did. It was Anhora who set Arthur a challenge,"
"What did he have to do?"
"We were made to sit a long table and there were two goblets, we were told that in one of the goblets there was poison, and both goblets had to be drunk from,"
"My goodness, so what happened? How did you get around it?" Mithian asked, her eyes shining.
"After I tried to work out what we could do, Arthur distracted me. He poured the liquid from mine into his goblet and then drank from it. He then collapsed,"
"I'm guessing it wasn't actually poisoned?" Mithian asked,
"No. It was a sleeping potion. Anhora explained because he had done something pure-hearted the curse would be lifted and he would live."
"You two have had some adventures," Mithian sighed.
"That's not all. To make up for killing the unicorn he smuggled the creature's horn off the wall of the Great Hall and we buried it in the forest. As we stood up, we saw the unicorn come alive once more," Merlin smiled in the memory of it.
"So, there really are unicorns still? I would love to see one," Mithian said.
"Maybe, one day you will." Merlin grinned.
Mithian smiled, a smile so deep and enchanting it almost blew his heart away. "I have something else to show you,"
Merlin followed her through a bush towards the corner of the ground, they had to push past prickly branches, Merlin could hear more water running in the distant. He wondered if it came from the brook Mithian had just told him about, or whether it was somewhere else. He had to climb over a big rock, then make his way under some tree branches which rested on the wet ground. As he looked ahead, he could see a monument, made in stone with a creature perched on the top. It was only as he came nearer, he recognised what it was.
"A dragon!" he breathed, "what is this about?"
"I know your father was a dragonlord, this is the memorial of another one. His name was Stelfine he controlled a dragon called Dralanen. The legend goes he had a battle with the ancient Kings, after they attempted to take his dragon. Stelfine went on a quest to rescue him but he was killed by some bandits. It was said that Dralanen felt his dragonlord's death and in a rage burnt the castle to pieces. All that is left is some ruins. They say sometimes on the wind, if it blows in a certain direction, you can hear Dralanen's cries of anguish even now,"
"That is sad," Merlin said, gently touching the dragon's face. The carving was so life like that Merlin felt as if he could see into Dralanen's soul. He looked at the carving of Stelfine and for a moment saw his own father, for a moment he wondered what he'd have done if he'd lost Kilgharrah. It made him think once more about Aithusa and how desperate he was to find some cure for the young dragon.
"Do you want to see anything else?" Mithian asked,
"I'd love to spend all afternoon here, but it may be better if I accompany you back. The light will soon be fading," Merlin pointed out.
"Yes, I suppose we better had. I don't want my father to worry, Nael should be back as well,"
"Good, I liked your brother. How does he feel about taking over from your father?"
"If he is nervous, he never seems to show it!" Mithian laughed.
"He will make a good King. He has a similar disposition to Arthur,"
"He is a decent human being, for a brother," Mithian admitted, "But don't tell him I said that,"
Merlin laughed, "I promise,"
As they made their way back through the forest, a breeze accompanied them, making them both shudder. Merlin could feel the first snows were but days away and he would have to return to Camelot in a couple of days and who knew when they'd seen each other again? For the first time, he felt a little sad and disgruntled.
He turned and looked at her catching her own intense stare back at him. For a minute all they could both do was smile sadly at each other. Merlin, not for the first time felt as if she was reading his mind as they threaded their way back to their horses. By the time they had packed up and had mounted their horses the first glimpses of evening was beginning to appear. The journey back to Nemeth was conducted in silence, as each of them concentrated on galloping through the forest. Eventually Merlin caught sight of the Palace through the trees and for a second felt a strange relief.
The Palace guards opened the gates for them and they cantered over into the courtyard where one of the grooms trotted over to them. Merlin watched as the young boy helped Mithian down, eventually he took Merlin's horse from him.
"Thank you," Merlin nodded, following Mithian up the steps. As they reached the top she turned to him.
"Maybe you will join me tonight for a late drink?"
"Yes, of course. Although I have a meeting with your father first,"
"I meant after that naturally," Mithian smiled, "I hope you have benefited from today?"
"I have, very much so. Thank you for arranging this opportunity and also for the tour this afternoon. I feel I know this Kingdom a little better now,"
"Good, then it wasn't wasted. I had better go and get ready for dinner." Mithian said,
"Yes, me too and get out of this muddy boots," Merlin laughed.
"Leave them over by the door, I will get Jonah to wash them," she said,
"Don't go to any trouble, I can do them myself,"
"Nonsense, I insist you are our guest here," Mithian said, a little stern look on her face.
"If you are sure then, I will look forward to seeing you later."
He watched her disappear down the corridor her poise impressive as it usually was. As he took his boots off, he could hear a distant noise and sensed a storm about to erupt. He made his way upstairs quickly and within minutes of making his room he fell asleep.
Later that Evening
The dinner was in full swing with everyone recounting stories of what they'd been up too. Merlin was content to stay in the background as he listened to the Knights and Gilli telling their stories and also listened to the up-to-date news of Nael's imminent arrival back in Nemeth. He watched Mithian as she too appeared to be staying quiet and letting others take the limelight. He suspected she too was feeling a little sad and down. He only had one more night in Nemeth and by late morning they'd be on their way back to Camelot. Every now and then Mithian would catch his eye and they'd share a smile once in a while.
Merlin tried to concentrate as Lancelot recounted the tale of his and Percival's adventure's in Nemeth. He laughed along with the rest of the table, but his heart wasn't really in it, but he was anxious not to make it seem so obvious. He saw that every now and then Gilli kept meeting his eye, he made an effort to look as if everything was fine. But he could tell Gilli was not fooled.
Presently a servant came in and gave King Rodor a message, Merlin watched as the features of the old man transformed.
"It seems Nael will soon be with us I am happy to say. Merlin, it may be an idea to have our conversation before he arrives," King Rodor suggested, easing himself up. "Give me a few minutes and I will meet you in the State Room,"
"Yes, of course my Lord." Merlin smiled.
Merlin watched King Rodor leave the room, returning a smile to Lancelot as his friend watched him from across the table.
"I hope you are not in trouble Merlin!" Percival grinned.
Merlin laughed with everyone, "I certainly hope not. It sounded like you both enjoyed your day,"
"Yes, it was an interesting experience certainly," Lancelot laughed, "We also picked up some new skills. I hope we get the chance to try them out back in Camelot,"
"I am sure the people appreciated the gesture of you being there. I've always liked how in Nemeth a lot of work is done inside the villages themselves," Gilli smiled.
"I heard they dressed you up as a giant Percival." Mithian said.
Percival laughed, "Yes, I am still dislodging the straw from everywhere as well,"
Merlin got up, deciding it was best not to keep King Rodor waiting.
"If you all excuse me I will go and meet the King," Merlin smiled. He exchanged glances with Mithian as he left the room.
Not for the first time, he wondered what it was about. As he made his way down the corridor, he remembered the smile Mithian had given him as he had stood up. He suspected she knew more than she was letting on which made him even more curious. The two guards opened the door for him and he walked into the room.
It was a massive round room, with windows on one side and cupboards with endless shelves full of books and manuscripts at the back. For a second, he had to fight the temptation to go over and have a look. He had a good look around and was impressed with both the space and the amount of light. It reminded Merlin of the Great Hall at Camelot, there were statues on each side of the walls. On the wall was the crest of King Rodor's house, beside it dotted around were a couple of drawings. One, he recognised was of Albion, the other one he went over to have a closer look at. As he stared a voice boomed out.
"That is Brittany, I spent part of my youth going on quests and earning my spurs there." King Rodor said,
"I have heard a bit about the place, is it true the forests are full of snakes and huge spiders?" Merlin asked, still staring at the picture.
"I think I remember a couple of snakes, but I don't recall the spiders being much different to the ones here,"
"I suspected that would be the case," Merlin smiled.
"You must also have the book of Brittany's fauna and folklore then?" Rodor said, reaching a for a dusty brown book and handing it to Merlin.
"This seems to be very familiar," Merlin admitted with a smile.
"It was my constant companion when I was a youth. You should go there one day. There are some very fine Knights there and some spectacular scenery,"
"I would like to travel a bit, but I cannot see my job getting any less busy in Camelot over the next few months,"
"No, indeed. Having a responsibility such as yours certainly uses up your time. How is everything in Camelot?"
"It is going well so far. We are starting to organise the next part of the official phasing in of magic. On the whole, I have to admit it has worked out really well. There are always problems, but they have been solved for the most part," Merlin said, "Can I ask why you have asked to see me?"
King Rodor smiled, "I was fearing you would see the question as quite weak."
"I didn't mean," Merlin began.
"Don't worry Merlin I am not offended. Of course, you are right there is an ulterior motive as to why I've asked to see you."
"Ah," Merlin smiled. "I thought there might be,"
"Please sit down." King Rodor poured some Port into a glass and gave it to Merlin. "To your health,"
"And yours as well," Merlin replied, tipping glasses.
"The last year I have done much thinking about my future situation. My son Nael will shortly be able to take over from me. After that, it is only what happens with Mithian that I will have to decide,"
"I see." Merlin said, "Can I ask why you are telling me this?"
King Rodor looked straight at Merlin. Merlin tensed for a moment feeling a big question was going to be asked, he felt slightly uncomfortable under the elderly King's scrutiny.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" he asked,
"Of course, you can,"
"Would I be right in suggesting you have feelings for Mithian?" King Rodor asked,
For a moment Merlin felt himself almost blush. Never for one moment did he imagine the King would ask him the question outright. He paused before choosing his words carefully.
"It is true we get along very well. Mithian has always been there for me and supporting me, even before my secret came out,"
"I am glad to hear that. But with respect I don't think you've answered the question," King Rodor replied, with a light smile.
"No, you are right," Merlin admitted. He took a deep breath before continuing, "Yes, I do have feelings for Mithian. It's not been something I've thought about as I didn't think anything would be possible,"
"I see. The last year has been a challenge for us. When I took her to meet King Martin, the situation made a bad impression on her. I had been determined to meet him for myself first and had ignored all the warning others had given me. Sadly, it was my daughter who was forced to pay that price," he explained, sadly.
"I'm sorry that must have been difficult for both of you,"
"Did Mithian ever tell you that I married for love?"
"She did once, I always imagined that Arthur had been the first to do it. But it seems I was wrong,"
King Rodor smiled. "He chose his bride well. I almost caused a war with my decision, but I never regretted it. When I married Anniya, it was the happiest day of my life, but I am not sure her father ever forgave me for not marrying Agnes her elder sister. She eventually found a husband and was happy."
"That is good to hear," Merlin replied,
"Yes, but it wasn't long before the winter virus killed my wife and I was just left with my two lovely children. It didn't help that Mithian was almost a copy of her mother. Every time I looked at her, all I could see was Anniya,"
"I'm sorry, that must have been difficult,"
"In the beginning yes, it was. But as Mithian and Nael grew up they both developed very distinctive personalities. They became their own people. I always knew Nael would eventually succeed me, but I had always promised Mithian, that if at all possible, I would afford her the same opportunity that I gave myself, especially after the episode with King Martin."
Merlin looked ahead, realising with excitement that everything he had felt would be impossible, might after all prove to be wrong. He lifted his head as King Rodor asked him another question.
"Would you have any interest in marrying my daughter?" he asked,
"It would be a dream for me and an honour. But can I ask a question?" Merlin said,
"Of course." The King assured him.
"I had always assumed Mithian would marry a King or an important person of influence, bringing two Kingdoms together," Merlin remarked, frowning.
"That is entirely what I am proposing. Camelot and Nemeth are allies are they not? By marrying my daughter to you, I am merely making the bonds between our two Kingdoms stronger,"
"But I am just a – "
"I think the problem here Merlin, is you are reluctant to accept your new status. To me, you are one of the most influential figures in Albion along with Arthur. You still think of yourself as the poor boy from a country village. But to everyone else you are a very different proposition now, and a very powerful one,"
"It is true I find it hard to accept that I am that important," Merlin admitted. "In my relationship with Arthur, he has always taken the lead,"
"I realise this is a little bit awkward and I am not trying to force an answer from you now. But I am sure you know my daughter is keen on this match, I just wanted to sound you out and see if you are of the same mind,"
"Yes, I can assure you I do feel the same way." Merlin replied, taking another sip. "As you pointed out, this will further bind Camelot and Nemeth together,"
"Yes, it will. There is no pressure from me over the timing take your time if you need too,"
Merlin laughed, "I have a feeling, that might not be on Mithian's mind!"
"No, probably not, that being the case I think my son has arrived. I hear you have a prior meeting with my daughter planned!"
"It seems we have things to talk about all of a sudden. If you excuse me,"
"Yes, of course. I am sure she is dying to find out all about it!"
Merlin nodded as he reached the door. Along the corridor he could already see Nael commending everyone's attention. Nael smiled, as Merlin came walking over.
"Prince Nael, it is good to see you once again," Merlin smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine Merlin. I hope you have all enjoyed your stay in Nemeth,"
"Yes, it has been a really interesting stay thank you,"
"Nael!" King Rodor called,
"Please excuse me, I will join you all for breakfast tomorrow," Nael nodded, and walked down the corridor towards his father.
Merlin picked this moment to make his and Mithian's escape as the others all drifted away into another group. Mithian was only too happy to follow him.
"I believe there is a bottle upstairs awaiting our arrival," she smiled,
"You didn't have to go to that trouble," Merlin replied, innocently pretending not to understand her point.
She gave a sly glance, but he grinned and followed her upstairs. As the door closed, she turned to him and he almost laughed out loud at the look on her face. But he decided to play it coolly.
"So, what did my father want to talk to you about?" she asked, straight to the point.
Merlin sat down, accepting a glass from her. "Oh, you know he just wanted to know all about the situation in Camelot with Arthur. Nothing really important!" Merlin shrugged.
"That's all?" she asked, her face looking questioningly at him.
He let the minute last for a couple of seconds longer, before laughing at her. "As if you don't know what we were talking about!"
She narrowed her eyes at him, before joining in the laugher. "I'm sorry, I suppose I was a bit too keen maybe?"
"I never thought this day would arrive," Merlin remarked.
"What day?" Mithian replied, the two of them swopping roles now.
"The day I could ask you to marry me," Merlin smiled, taking her in his arms.
"Well, I'll have you know I've put a lot of work into this," she replied, putting her arms around his neck.
"I noticed you haven't given me an answer yet," he pointed out.
"I didn't realise you had asked,"
"Will you marry me Mithian?" he asked,
"Of course, I will," she said kissing him.
"Arthur won't believe this!" Merlin grinned.
"I think you will find that he and Gwen know a bit about this already!" Mithian replied, a sweet smile on her face.
"Oh, of course the letter writing. I should have known Gwen was up to something!" Merlin said, rolling his eyes.
"I hope you don't mind!" Mithian replied, refilling his glass.
"No, of course not. At least it means I won't be getting endless teasing by Arthur either,"
"I don't think we should delay this wedding," Mithian suggested.
"When would you like to do it?"
"I was thinking maybe a couple of months. My parents married at Christmas time," Mithian smiled, "I love the idea of all the snow roundabout."
"Can we organise it that quickly?" Merlin asked,
"I think you will find Gwen has already planned a lot of it!" Mithian smiled.
"Really? Does that mean its going to be a full state wedding?" Merlin grimaced.
"If it's any consolation some of the other Kings may struggle to make it!"
"Now you say that, I can see it has it's advantages! I suppose we had better tell everyone tomorrow,"
"A breakfast to remember," Mithian smiled.
"I will have to leave tomorrow still, but we can always bring you to Camelot. I am sure Gwen already has some apartment lined up for you somewhere."
"She does," Mithian laughed, "She doesn't leave anything to chance,"
Merlin laughed, "You two together, will be unstoppable,"
Mithian raised her glass at him.
"I had better go to bed, I imagine we will have an early breakfast tomorrow," Merlin said, regret in his voice.
"I suppose that would be the sensible thing to do. But once we are married don't imagine that will always be behaving sensibly," Mithian said, raising her eyebrow.
"That is fair enough," Merlin smiled, taking her in his arms. They kissed each other and stayed together for a few minutes, before Merlin reluctantly broke away.
"I will see you tomorrow," He promised.
"I can't wait, have a good sleep,"
Merlin waved as he shut the door behind him, feeling like he was floating on the clouds. Had that really happened he wondered to himself drowsily? But somehow it had all come together and he couldn't have been more contented. It wasn't long before his eyes closed and he fell into a long, happy sleep.
The next morning, they announced their engagement and everyone happily celebrated. Merlin felt on cloud nine, as he and Mithian thanked everyone for their congratulations. It proved to be a melancholy morning, as the time for Merlin to leave became closer. Merlin agreed with King Rodor that the Knights would escort Mithian to Camelot a few weeks before the wedding and he and Nael would join them just before. He could already feel the pressure of the occasion, but he felt pretty sure that Gwen would already have started the organisation before he'd even left Nemeth.
As he thought of what lay ahead, he wondered how it would affect his workload once back in Camelot. But he knew the idea of having Mithian with him would be more a help than any hindrance. He just hoped she would settle down to Camelot life and be happy. By the time he and the Knights were on the road back to Camelot, he wondered about the reaction of everyone back there. He knew his mother would be pleased, she seemed to get on well with Mithian and she could see their attraction from the beginning.
He imagined that it would be Gaius who would be most surprised. But then since he was reunited with Alice, Merlin had seen how the rekindled love had transformed his mentor's life overall. Suddenly he couldn't wait to tell him and see the reaction. The journey was straight-forward and without incident, Merlin realised the next time he arrived back he would be a married man. As he recognised the white towers of Camelot in the distance, he couldn't wait to embrace his new life.
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