Chapter 10 A Winter Wedding

As the carriage made its way towards Camelot, Mithian could hardly contain her excitement. In the distance, she could see the white towers climbing into the sky. Within minutes she would be reunited with Merlin, at long last. She made sure she looked as respectable as she could, straightening her hair, and smoothing down her cloak. For the last week she had been counting the days down for her departure. Her father and brother would make for Camelot a couple of weeks later. She had already re-read the letter that Gwen had sent to her, describing the apartment she was to have, before she became a married woman. She was as excited to see her friend as she was her fiancé; just being in the Kingdom especially in the winter would be a thrill enough.

She had always loved Camelot at Christmas, the scenery around the stunning castle always showed it off at its best. As she looked out of the window the first snows had already started to make their mark. It hung off the trees and bushes, as the carriage made its way along the road which was still being cleared. She smiled at the workers who were still clearing the passage ahead, they cheered her as she went by. She waved an elegant hand at them, knowing the news about her intended marriage to the Court Sorcerer, had by now begun to spread far and wide.

"Looks like we have an official escort, my lady," Johan said, pointing his finger towards three red cloaked Knights cantering along the road.

She looked out, seeing the familiar figure of Sir Leon, who drew his horse alongside.

"Princess Mithian, may I officially welcome you to Camelot. I have orders to escort you into the court yard," Leon smiled.

"Thank you, Sir Leon," Mithian returned the smile, "It is so good to see you once again,"

"The pleasure is all mine, as you will find out the whole Kingdom is very excited about your intended marriage to Merlin," The Knight, assured her.

"That is good to hear, how is everyone? Well I hope?"

"You will be able to see for yourself, soon enough. Everything seems to be relatively calm,"

"That is reassuring to know. I had feared the news may cause some problems," Mithian admitted.

"I can assure you we have had no recent sightings of King Martin's army. It seems everything has settled down once again," Leon said,

"Well, let's hope it stays that way then," Mithian said, feeling a rush of excitement as the carriage made its way into Camelot's court yard.

Up ahead she could see Arthur and Gwen standing on the steps waiting for them, she chuckled to herself as she noticed her nervous husband to be beside them. She noticed him fidgeting with his newly made jacket. She knew she was going to have to settle him into his new position. They approached the steps and she could see Merlin's face turn to a big smile.

Arthur and Gwen made their way down the steps, everyone looking happy and relaxed. Leon help Mithian out of the carriage and she walked over to where they were.

"Princess Mithian may we officially welcome you to Camelot. I hope your journey was without problem," Arthur said, taking her hand.

"It was a lovely journey Sire. I am so pleased to be here at last. Thank you for the welcome,"

Gwen had by this time forgotten all about convention and put her arms around Mithian in welcome.

"It's so good to have with us at long last," Gwen smiled, then looked back at Merlin. "I will leave you to Merlin here,"

"Thank you, Gwen. I will see you both later on," Mithian smiled, watching them leave.

"Well, hello there, Court Sorcerer," Mithian said, "It is good to see you again,"

Merlin smiled before running down the steps and hugging her tightly. "You look as beautiful as the last time I saw you," he smiled, "Let's go inside, I am sure you are ready for some refreshment?"

"That would be lovely." Mithian said, taking hold of his hand.

"In fact, I will show you to your apartment and we can have something up there," Merlin smiled.

Mithian enjoyed looking out of the windows and seeing the lower town looking wintery, soon the seasonal celebration would be in full swing, her first Christmas in Camelot.

"Camelot always looks so wonderful this time of year," she remarked, bringing Merlin to a stop on the steps.

"Yes, I love the way the snow drifts down all the roofs. Sometimes after a mad day, I sit by the window in my apartment and just watch it falling onto the ground. Your apartment overlooks the gardens. You will love the views," Merlin promised her.

They reluctantly pulled themselves away from the window and continued to climb up the steps. Mithian suddenly felt quite weary, allowing Merlin to pull her up behind him. It felt as if the steps were never ending. Eventually they reached the top, Merlin looked back at her.

"There is not too far to go now," he said, "My mother's apartment is just down the corridor from you,"

"How is she?" Mithian asked, "She has always been so lovely too me,"

"She is full of beans at the moment, looking forward to the wedding. I am almost sure at this very moment she is making my wedding garment. Between her and Gwen I am going to need new cupboards soon!"

Mithian laughed, "I had better get my own sewing kit out then,"

"Oh no, I will need a new apartment," Merlin replied, rolling his eyes.

They were walking down another corridor and Mithian could see a room at the very end, she instinctively knew it was her apartment, and suddenly she grew excited.

"Here we are," Merlin said, getting a key out of his pocket. "I asked George to close the windows and light the fire it should be really comfortable,"

He opened the door and stood back inviting Mithian into her new home. She noticed her bags were already by the side of the big long table. She gasped as she took in the size and how light the room was. It had windows on three sides, each giving a different view of the gardens below. She went from one to the other, gasping in surprise and excitement.

"Merlin, this is beautiful. I have been treated,"

"Of course," Merlin insisted, "It was important to give you the best possible view,"

"Let's have a drink," she went over to the table where a bottle stood and poured it into two glasses. Before long they were sat on the comfortable chairs by the main window, talked excitedly of the days ahead.

"I am afraid there will be a big dinner tonight. Everyone is attending, best to get it over with,"

"You make it sound like a chore," Mithian laughed,

"I thought after all day travelling you would like a quiet night in," Merlin pointed out.

"I am used to things like this. It will be lovely to see everyone," she assured him.

"It will be in a couple of hours. I will suggest an early end to the evening?"

"Let's see how it goes," Mithian said, walking over to the window and looking out. "You were right, these gardens are beautiful even this time of year,"

"Gwen's pride and joy, you will have to visit the memorial gardens that Arthur recently arranged,"

"Yes, I remember Gwen telling me about it in her last letter. It's good to see Arthur making gestures like these. I hope it manages to bring everyone together,"

"It was certainly a good start, let us see where it leads," Merlin replied. "I will leave you now to settle in. I will knock on the door when dinner is ready,"

"I must admit, I could do with a sleep for a couple of hours. I will see you later," she smiled, as Merlin kissed her goodbye.

When he had gone, she unpacked everything from her bags, pouring herself another drink as she did so. She spent a good few minutes enjoying her drink, before she felt her eye lids threatening to close. She decided to give in to her tiredness, pushed aside the white sheet and slipped into the bed. Within minutes of her head hitting the pillow, she was fast asleep.

A couple of hours later, she awoke to a tap on the door, she quickly jumped out of bed, smoothing the sheet down. She opened the door expecting to find Merlin but instead it was Gwen standing there. They hugged one another both happy to see the other one at last.

"I hope I didn't disturb you?" Gwen said, "I know Merlin said you were going to sleep, but I didn't want you over-sleeping on your first night,"

"I am grateful that you knocked. It would not have been the best start to my time at Camelot," Mithian laughed. "Will you have a quick drink with me?"

"Why not?" Gwen grinned, taking the glass offered to her. "To you and your new life in Camelot!"

"I will drink to that," they touched glasses. "So, tell me any gossip I should know about?"

Gwen thought for a second. "Well, Gwaine has been seen with a young lady. You can imagine how everyone took to that news!"

"That's interesting, it would be lovely for all the Knights to find some happiness," Mithian said, "Do you know anything about her?"

"She is said to be blonde and very pretty. I have to say Gwaine is not saying much at all," Gwen laughed, "Much to everyone's annoyance.

"How are things with the young boy Mordred?" Mithian asked curiously.

"He seems to have settled down somewhat. He spends a lot of time with Gaius and Alice, they seem happy to bring him along. He has started attending the village school. He is still quite shy though,"

"I would like to meet him. We had quite a few young children when the School first opened in Nemeth. They were always the hardest to get through too. But in most cases after a bit of time and patience there was usually a breakthrough of sorts," Mithian explained.

"I went on a walk with him the other week, once again his inner sense saved us from an absolute drowning. I was amazed how quickly he manged to sense the change in the forest. He comes alive there." Gwen said, "I am sure you two will get along really well."

Mithian smiled. "What of Arthur? Are there any problems on the horizon?"

"Most of his days are taken up with meetings. He meets Merlin every day and they talk through various problems and ideas. He also has a meeting with the Lords which I sometimes attend as well. I have started to organise some of my own meetings, especially with Christmas coming and we need to speak more about the wedding as well,"

"Ah yes, I had almost forgotten about that!" Mithian admitted with a frown. "I have to thank you for all the work you have undertaken so far. Maybe we should meet up tomorrow and discuss it more?"

"That's a good idea, I would suggest early afternoon. Give yourself some settling in time. Hunith always go for an early morning walk in the gardens. It might be a nice way of spending some time with her?" Gwen suggested.

"That's useful to know I will mention it to her tonight,"

Gwen smiled, "This has been lovely I will leave you to get ready. I hope you and Merlin enjoy the dinner tonight. I will see you later,"

"Thanks for dropping in." Mithian hugged her,

Finding herself alone once more, Mithian decided to have a quick soak before dressing up for dinner. She found the luxury soap her brother had given her, from one of his trips. It wasn't long before she was relaxing in hot water, lathering herself in the lavender scented soap. Lavender had always been one of her favourite flowers, something she had shared with her mother. She suddenly thought of Nemeth once again, sad to be parted from her father and brother, but also knowing before long they would all be together once again. It made her feel almost giddy to realise by the end of the month she would be a married woman. Not for the first time, she wondered how she and Merlin would adapt to marriage? Would it be easy? Would they need to get to know one another more? At times, there were so many questions, she feared she would never find the answers to everything she required.

In the end, she decided to take it one day at a time. Gwen was right, she needed some settling in time and a meeting with Hunith, would be a good way to start she thought. As she looked through the window, she noticed how much darker it was and panicked thinking she'd spent too much time relaxing. She was soon out of the bath and fitting herself into one of her evening dresses. She breathed in, as she did the zip up checking herself in the mirror as she did so. After brushing her hair and putting it up, she felt happy and waited for Merlin to knock on the door.

It was seven o'clock when everyone met in the grand hall for dinner. Merlin sat between his mother and wife to be. Arthur and Gwen sat across the table alongside Gaius and Alice with the Knights dotted all around. The only person missing was Gilli, who had gone home, visiting his sick mother. The feeling was one of happiness and laughter as the food was delivered course after course. Half way through Arthur had got to his feet and commanded a toast be made.

"I would like to officially welcome Princess Mithian into the Camelot family. By the end of the month she will be wife to Merlin here. I invite everyone to raise a glass to the happy couple and toast their future together. To Merlin and Mithian,"

"To Merlin and Mithian!" the table said, together.

Merlin and Mithian went red as the pair of them smiled shyly at one another and they laughed as the Knights, started friendly banter at them.

"Come on Merlin, about time you practiced your public speaking!" Gwaine urged him.

Arthur smiled, "I think he actually has a point Merlin,"

Merlin looked at Mithian, who nodded her agreement. He took a deep breath and pushed his chair back, deciding to just speak from the heart.

"First of all, thank you for all being here and welcoming Mithian to Camelot. I can only hope my wife to be is as happy here, as I have been. When I think of how far this Kingdom has already come, it feels me with excitement as well as expectation, as to how much further we can go. Without doubt, this place has become my home, in a way I never expected. I can honestly say that everyone around this table has come to mean an awful lot to me. I take this opportunity to thank you all for your friendship, loyalty and support. I am sure that in the years to come Mithian will come to love this place and its people, as much as I do. Thank you everyone,"

There was a round of applause and as Merlin sat down, Mithian leaned over and kissed him.

"Can I too have a quick word?" Mithian asked, looking at Arthur.

"Be my guest," Arthur smiled.

"I would like to thank you all for this lovely welcome, I already feel like I am part of this family. I look forward to helping you all in your journey to bringing this Kingdom together. As you know we have had our own experiences in Nemeth and I would like to say I would only be too happy to give any assistance if needed." She smiled down at Merlin. "It goes without saying I am looking forward to becoming Merlin's wife and thanks to everyone for their support of our wedding. I really feel as if a new part of my life is opening up and I cannot wait to embrace it. Thank you, once again."

There was more applause, Mithian took advantage of suggesting to Hunith that they met the next morning. The older woman looked happy at the idea and nodded in agreement. The rest of the evening continued in a blur until at the very end when everyone exchanged stories of past adventures and quests. Mithian loved hearing from the Knights as they talked about their past misdemeanours and also about the bantering of Merlin and Arthur.

"Have you told Mithian about the story of you getting lost in the woods yet?" Gwaine called out.

"That never happened," Merlin said, with a sly grin.

"Go on, tell me," Mithian begged me.

Merlin dithered too late to stop Arthur from telling the story himself.

"It was one of Merlin's first encounters with drink I believe." Arthur grinned, as Merlin's head shot up, as if going to deny the claim. "Gaius here, sent him out to search for some herbs for his rounds the next day. Three hours later he still hadn't returned, another hour and Gaius appealed for some help, to begin searching for him. On a busy afternoon, I had to send some of my best Knights out to look for him! They eventually found him lying under a tree"

"I had just taken a nap!" Merlin insisted, looking offended as everyone sniggered.

Mithian laughed. "Well I have a secret of my own!"

People murmured with interest. "I too, got lost in the forest and had to have people searching for me. It seems we have that in common,"

"I have to confess something similar happened to me," Lancelot grinned, "when I was a young boy. I went missing for two nights, sleeping in a cave with my best friend. I got a big hiding when they did find me though."

"I wasn't good at finding my patients when I lived in the country either," Alice mused, "They would always give me directions turn at the second oak tree. Then I would forget in what direction they had told me to walk."

"Well, I was told that even Arthur once got lost on his way back from a quest," Gwen said, looking at her husband with mischief in his eye.

"I did not, was this you?" Arthur asked, looking at Merlin indignantly.

"It was nothing to do with me! Though I seem to recall me having to rescue us a couple of times from you taking the wrong direction, say nothing of the time when we had to rely on your horse!" Merlin pointed out.

"That was ages ago," Arthur said, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

Gaius eventually took control of the conversation. "I would say we have all had moments like that, I know I certainly have. I must say though, since Mordred has come into our lives that has rarely happened since."

"No," Merlin agreed. "Mordred's senses of direction are unique. I am keen for you to meet him,"

"So am I," Mithian replied, "He sounds a really interesting young man,"

"I think if Merlin and Mithian decide to go into the forest, Mordred will need to go with them. Otherwise we would spend all our time searching for them." Percival suggested.

The table laughed, including Merlin and Mithian everyone happy to go with the flow. Eventually the last course was brought in. Mithian eyed the luxury truffles put in front of her, wondering if she could fit them in. But temptation got the better of her and she was soon enjoying the taste of them along with everyone else.

There was a brief bit of serious conversation as Arthur mentioned what needed to be done the next day. Mithian politely listened, though found herself struggling to keep concentrating. Gwen caught her eyes across the table, with a sympathetic look. The moment Arthur had finished, Mithian decided to make her excuses, but Gwen spoke first.

"I think Mithian is struggling, you have done well to stay awake after such a long journey," Gwen smiled.

"Thank you, you are right I had hoped to stay up a little longer, but maybe an early night is a better idea," Mithian agreed.

"Of course, I am sure Merlin will accompany you upstairs," Arthur replied, looking at his friend.

"Yes, of course I will," Merlin said, finishing off his last truffle as he did so.

"Don't rush on my account," Mithian said, watching him. "Thank you everyone for my welcome it's been a lovely start to my time at Camelot. I will see you tomorrow for our walk Hunith,"

Hunith caught her hand, "I will look forward to it. Sleep well,"

"Thanks, good night everyone."

Merlin held open the door for Mithian and as they walked for the stair case, Mithian took an opportunity to look around. She had stayed in Camelot now on a number of occasions and loved so many aspects of the castle and the grounds. As they began walking up the stairs she looked briefly at the picture on the wall. It was a hawk slanting its wings as if starting an attack.

"You like that picture," Merlin remarked, "Every time you pass it, you seem to admire it,"

"I used to fly Falcons when I was growing up. We had a young man who would look after them, he presented me with my first Falcon when I was 13 and taught me all about them,"

"Owls are my thing," Merlin smiled back, "Very intelligent birds, not unlike me!"

Mithian laughed, "Of course, Court Sorcerer!"

They were by now at her door, she looked at him questioningly inviting him in but he declined.

"I think you need an early night. Besides which, my mother likes to be out early. Have a good sleep," Merlin said, bending his head towards her. She put her arms around his neck as they kissed.

"You too have a good night, I will see you tomorrow," Mithian smiled as he loped down the stairs.

By now she could barely stay awake and quickly got herself ready for bed. The moment she hung her clothes up, pouring herself a glass of water, she climbed into bed. She tried to remember the whole day from the moment she'd left Nemeth. But within seconds she had succumbed to her bodies longing for sleep.

Next Day

Mithian had slept for a healthy eight hours and felt so much more refreshed on waking up. Hunith had as Merlin promised knocked early. She had agreed to meet her downstairs, as she hurriedly put her jacket and boots on, she wondered what they would talk about. She had always found Hunith interesting to talk to. She knew Merlin's mother was an astute woman, a tough one too as she had managed to bring up her son, single-handedly. She had longed to find out more about Hunith's past including her family. She wondered how to ask the question without appearing to be rude. Mithian had missed having a mother of her own, her father had always done his best, but he lacked the feminine touch. She wondered if she and Hunith could one day become that close, as she walked downstairs, she decided to go more slowly, knowing there would be plenty of time to get to know her. She smiled, as Hunith got up and greeted her.

"I do hope I didn't knock too early!" Hunith smiled,

"No, I can assure you I was ready to wake up. I had a really deep sleep,"

"I'm not surprise, you were travelling for much of yesterday," Hunith pointed out, "why don't we go out into the gardens?"

"That's a lovely idea," Mithian said, following the older woman outside. The sun was out, but low in the clouds. There was a chill, the snow crunching under their feet. Mithian enjoyed the views and the brief silence, before a natural chat between them began.

"Merlin tells me, you are making a garment for the wedding," Mithian said,

"Since I've come to Camelot, I find I have some time to do some serious sewing. I never did much in Ealdor once Merlin left, as there was only me. I would occasionally do the odd garment for some of the children there. But it's a useful skill to have and its amazing how you easily get back into it,"

"That is what I missed when I was young," Mithian admitted, "I fear I was more of a tom-boy, although my father soon had me learning to be more of a lady!"

Hunith laughed, "It must have been difficult for you with no mother,"

"I suffered less when I was young. I didn't know any different," Mithian answered, only just realising the truth of her words. "I find it's more of a struggle now,"

"Well, you now have Gwen and me. I will be only too pleased to help you anyway I can,"

"Thank you." Mithian replied, touched. "I am having a catch-up with Gwen this afternoon about the wedding. You are welcome to join us,"

"I have agreed to help Alice with Mordred this afternoon. But I will be available the rest of the time, I am sure that you and Gwen have some catching up to do anyway."

"Yes, that is true. She told me some gossip on arrival which intrigued me,"

"Oh?" Hunith replied, "Let's walk over towards the memorial,"

Mithian followed Hunith through the gardens towards the lower town. "About a certain young lady seeing Gwaine?"

"Oh yes, the mystery woman in his life. No one has actually seen her yet, but he seems very keen on her. But he is keeping things close to his chest,"

"I can't say I blame him. Oh wow, this memorial is amazing," Mithian breathed.

"Yes, the idea came from Arthur and it all happened really quickly. It was a shame you were not already here. I will always remember that afternoon when Merlin gave a blessing. So many people attended, there always seems to be someone leaving flowers somewhere,"

"It's so important to have a place where people can come together and grieve," Mithian said, her eyes staring at the flowers lying around everywhere. "I imagine it's a place that gives you some comfort?"

"I think about Balinor all the time. He was only in Merlin's life very briefly, I so wish they could have been together more," Hunith admitted,

Mithian looked at her with sympathy and put out her arm. Hunith took it and after a few more minutes they walked back towards the castle.

"How are you feeling about the wedding?"

"I am very excited obviously. But I must admit to being nervous too, I have so many questions and very few answers!" Mithian admitted.

Hunith laughed, "I advise you to take everything slowly, day by day. Just make the most of it, I know you and Merlin will make a fine couple,"

"Thank you, you've done an amazing job on him," Mithian smiled.

"A lot of thanks have to go to Gaius as well. He took Merlin on when I was struggling with his magical issues. Without him, I fear what would have become of him in Ealdor."

"It can't have been easy when he was young either," Mithian suggested.

"He was always such a considerate son even when he was very young. But the moment his magical powers started to increase, I knew I would have to do something drastic,"

"That must have been so hard?" Mithian frowned, trying to put herself in Hunith's shoes.

"Yes and no. No matter how much I knew I would miss him, I knew it was the best thing for him. You will understand when you have your own children. You will do anything for them and go to any lengths to protect them,"

Mithian smiled, trying to imagine herself with a child. As if sensing her unease, Hunith took her hand.

"You will make a wonderful mother, there is nothing to be afraid about. You only have to look at how Gwen has blossomed since the young Prince was born,"

"I am looking forward to meeting him," Mithian admitted.

"He is a real handful, already showing some signs of his father's personality. But there is a lot of Gwen in him as well, I think he will make a fine King one day," Hunith said,

Mithian laughed, "So much has happened, since my last stay at Camelot,"

Hunith nodded, "Life passes by so quickly, it doesn't stay still for a moment. Back in Ealdor time seemed to go so slowly. But here everything is so different. It takes some getting used to,"

"The heart of the Kingdom, as my father used to describe Camelot,"

"I'm so looking forward to meet King Rodor once more." Hunith said. "You must be looking forward to having your family with you once again,"

"Yes, of course. So many changes are happening now before long my brother will be King of Nemeth. My father wants to step down and let Niall take over, so he can guide him through it,"

"I feel sure if your brother is anything like you, he will take it in his stride." Hunith said, gently touching Mithian on the hand. "Let's go in before the it starts to rain,"

Mithian had been so caught up in their conversation she hadn't noticed the dark clouds over them. She allowed Hunith to lead her back towards the castle, her mind suddenly on the future and what lay ahead of them all. There would be so many events which would affect the whole Kingdom, who knew what could happen? She realised all she could do, was give everything to the life she was moving into. She and Merlin would soon be married and she now couldn't wait for the moment to begin. She was determined to grab every opportunity offered and make the most of it.

The next few days drifted by and before she knew it, she was welcoming her brother and father to Camelot. They had both looked well and her father had confirmed the news that he would step down and allow Niall to take over from him. The news was greeted by Arthur with surprise, but he had also offered any help and assistance that Nemeth required. Mithian knew one of the first events she and Merlin would face, would be watching her brother command the throne of her old Kingdom. Once again it reminded her of Hunith's words, that life never stands still and you had to grasp hold of it, before it was gone. She and Merlin were both left breathless by how quickly things around them were changing. But as each of them looked forward to what lay ahead of them, they were both struck by how much life had already moved on, without their own experience actually happening.

As the night arrived a large new moon shone over Camelot, which was according to beliefs meant to represent new beginnings were on the horizon. It seemed to be an appropriate way to embrace the next step in the Kingdom's direction. As Camelot waited for the big day to arrive, it felt as if the gods themselves had just granted their acceptance for the next phase.

To be continued.

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