Chapter 11
A Winter Wedding Part Two
The day of Merlin and Mithian's wedding duly arrived and Camelot was caught in the grip of the excitement, of bringing two great Kingdoms together. All along the lower town, bunting had been fixed on every wall, stall and anything else which would hold it. Everyone seemed to be happy, with crowds of people wishing to share their feelings of elation. It had seemed like a long time since Camelot was united with such optimism brimming through the air.
For Merlin and Mithian the nerves had started to show, though they had both attempted to keep them hidden. It felt as if everyone wanted to share in their general happiness wherever they went. Every time either of them showed their face, they were swamped with good wishes and little presents, from rich or poor alike. In the end it had become quite overwhelming.
The afternoon before Merlin had taken Mithian somewhere quiet, to make sure she was coping with all the attention sufficiently. They had spent a couple of hours rummaging through the forest and Merlin had showed her his favourite place. With the sun shining on them they had laid together under the old Oak tree, where Merlin had spent many a day deep in thought and contemplation.
It had calmed the pair of them down somewhat. They had opened up to each other honestly and by the end of the afternoon, both felt in a much better place. In the meantime, guests had begun to arrive in Camelot. Mithian had been reunited with her father and brother Nyall, finding both in fine fettle and looking forward to the wedding. As more dignitaries arrived, Gwen and Arthur took over, allowing Mithian to spend some time with her family. A big banquet had been ordered that night, with everyone reminiscing about the past and toasting the future.
Merlin awoke the next day in a panic, thinking he'd overslept. But one look outside told him it was not as late, as he'd first thought. He breathed a sigh of relief; this was not the day to be staying true to his usual timekeeping! He threw on some clothes deciding to see his mother, she had been getting stressed about finishing his new garment. He hoped she had calmed down; he wasn't used to seeing her in this way. He knocked on her door, waiting for her voice to answer until he entered the room.
"Merlin!" she smiled, "How are you feeling this wonderful day?"
"I feel as if I'm in a bit of a dream," he admitted, "More to the point, how are you? I was worried about you yesterday,"
"Oh, don't you worry," she laughed, "I was getting frustrated with myself. I can't do things like I used to be able to. It is something I forget sometimes."
"Maybe taking up Gwen's offer of help might have been the wiser thing to do?" Merlin suggested, smiling.
"In hindsight yes, but even Gwen is inundated with things to do right now. It's not everyday my son gets to marry a Princess after all,"
He smiled, "I suppose not. Who'd have thought I would have this calling,"
"All of a sudden, the days of hardship in Ealdor, feel a lifetime away. I was thinking that only last night," Hunith admitted.
"Yes, all in all we haven't done to, badly have we?" he asked gazing out of the huge window.
"I think your father would be so proud of you, my son. I wish he could be with us."
"So do I." Merlin replied, taking her hand. "He'd be pretty proud of you too,"
She smiled, through her tears. "Now, don't get me in a state, it's hard enough to keep the emotions back as it is,"
"We should never be afraid to talk about him or miss him, mother. I have the feeling he will be up there looking down on us, enjoying ourselves,"
"I think you are right," Hunith said, blowing her nose.
"Is there anything else I can do?" he asked.
"No, I'm sure you have things to do, go on. I will see you later. Thanks for dropping by,"
Merlin hugged her, "I appreciate all your help these past few months,"
"Go on my boy, before I well over once again!"
As the door closed, Merlin felt a little more relaxed. He still worried for his mother even though she was now in Camelot. He knew she was happy, but at times like these it hurt him to see how much she still missed his father. For all the power he possessed he could not give her the thing she wanted the most. He sighed as he made his way to Arthur's chambers. Everywhere around people were buzzing about him, making the last-minute arrangements for the day ahead. He fretted about how much food had been made and whether it would all be wasted. It seemed as if the whole of the Kingdom was heading their way. So much for the quiet wedding, he had been hoping for he thought to himself.
He ran down the corridor, suddenly eager to be with Arthur and away from the hustle. As he was about to turn the corner, a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Emrys, what an exciting day lies ahead!"
"Mervyn!" Merlin exclaimed, grabbing hold of the Druid's hand. "It is good to see you,"
"You too," the Druid replied, slapping him on the back. "How are the nerves on this fine day?"
"Oh, you know, not too bad. I just never realised so many people were invited!"
"You are an important man in this Kingdom now," Mervyn pointed out.
For the first time, Merlin noticed the book in the Druid's other hand.
Mervyn smiled, "I am guessing you are wondering what this is?" he asked, a hint of laughter in his voice.
"I am intrigued, yes."
"We had moved camp and I came across some old books of my father's. One of them I believe, could be of real importance to you," he handed the book over to Merlin.
"A book on Dragon spells!" he breathed, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.
"I am not promising that you will find the actual spell you need for Aithusa. But there are so really ancient ones in there." Mervyn explained.
"How is Aithusa?" Merlin asked, aware he'd not had the chance to check up on the young dragon.
"He's moving around a little bit. He has not gone too far, but every now and then likes to explore the boundaries of the forest,"
"Thank you, for keeping an eye on him. Once I come back from the break, I intend to visit him once more,"
"Rest assured we will continue to monitor him in the meantime. I feel I have held you up long enough," the Druid smiled, shaking his hand.
"I am just glad you made it and thanks once again for the book."
Mervyn bowed to him, then walked away down the corridor to accompany the other Druids who had been waiting for him. Merlin tucked the book under his arm, running to Arthur's door and knocking loudly.
"Come in!"
Merlin eased the door open, a smile on his face. "You are up then?"
"Long before you, I would suggest," Arthur replied, a twinkle in his eye.
"Oh, I can't believe that," Merlin grinned, putting the book down.
"Anything interesting?" Arthur asked, eyeing the book.
"It was given to me by Mervyn, it is a book on Dragon spells. According to him some very ancient ones. I am hoping they will help me with Aithusa," he replied, sitting down.
Arthur poured him a drink. "That would be useful for you. One of the Knight's patrols saw him the other week,"
"Yes, he has been exploring the area, according to Mervyn. I'd like to assure you he won't harm anyone,"
Arthur nodded. "I believe you. Cheers," they touched glasses. "So, are the nerves under control?"
"Oh, you know." Merlin sighed. "Once in a while they kick in and I wonder what I'm doing."
"You are not still having doubts?" Arthur asked, "I thought you were over that!"
"No, not doubts," Merlin assured him. "I suppose its just about how big it's all become,"
"You are one of the most important figures in Albion, Merlin. It comes with the territory. You need to get used to it."
"Yes, Mervyn made the same point, only minutes ago," Merlin admitted, throwing his drink back. "I still find it hard to accept though. Oh, now I am starting to fret again!"
Arthur decided to take control. He reached for a bottle on top of his cupboard and started to pour it into two glasses.
"Drink!" Arthur said, giving his friend a stern look.
"You want to get me drunk as well as nervous!" Merlin cried out, eyeing the liquid with suspicion.
"Not even you Merlin, can get drunk on half a glass of this vintage. It was a present from King Luther, after one of my first successful quests, before even you came along." Arthur explained. "I always swore to keep it for a special occasion, like this one."
Merlin looked at Arthur for a second, feeling touched by the gesture. "You sure?"
The King nodded, "Go on,"
Merlin swirled it around the glass before knocking it back in one. Arthur watched as his friend's eyes briefly shut for a second. "Better?"
"Thank you. That was a good year," Merlin smiled, leaning back in the chair.
"It was a quest I learnt a lot from, about both my qualities as a man and a leader,"
"What happened?"
"The borders of King Luther's territory were being invaded by a group of bandits. He was an old friend of my father's; he had fought with him before my father had won Camelot's crown. My father had always said that Luther was a great warrior and a good man."
"Was the reality true?"
"Not at all. He was a pretty dreadful ruler in truth. Half of the villages were full of squalor and the people we came across, told a different story. I learnt in that quest much about how the people's views can vary from what a ruler sees. Where King Luther saw a problem, other people thought differently. The bandits where actually attempting to help the villagers, albeit in a misguided way. I remember this young woman almost begging me, not to stop them. She feared things will go back to normal and they'd become forgotten again."
"What did you do?"
"I had no choice other than to follow my orders. We rounded them up and handed them over to King Luther as requested. I then attempted to explain the villager's isolation. He wasn't interested in taking the advice of a naïve youth like me. As I sat there, with my men at the dinner they laid in our honour, part of me wanted to refuse the food being thrown our way. All I could think about was the woman and her fear, of what the future would hold for them."
"That must have been hard?" Merlin replied,
"It taught me few valued lessons of how being a King didn't mean that you had all the right answers,"
"I would say you have learnt well from the past," Merlin said, circling his glass with his finger.
"What about you?"
"Me? I am not a King,"
"No, but you must have had hard lessons to learn along the way,"
"Yes, that is certainly true. There was many a time, when I wished I could have acted differently or revealed my true self. Not least with your sister. If I had been honest and showed her magic was nothing to fear, would she have chosen a different path?"
"That is a question which has no easy answer Merlin, I'm sure we could all have done something different, Morgana included. In the end, we make our own choices and live by them"
"Is there a point to this conversation?" Merlin suddenly asked, as if waking up from a trance.
"Nothing really other than to remind you, that you don't have to cope with problems on your own anymore. Once you and Mithian say your vows, you will have someone beside you to help you through the maze. I'm not pretending it gets any easier, but when I married Guinevere life changed in so many unexpected ways. To be able to speak to someone and say things you cannot say to anyone else, was such a blessed relief."
"You and Gwen were always a good team," Merlin nodded,
"Just as you and Mithian will be as well. You need to embrace this Merlin and allow yourself to be supported and also challenged sometimes too."
"You are right, of course, I will try and remember your advice. I promise."
"Good, now I suppose I had better get ready, as should you," Arthur asked,
"Oh yes, of course. Thanks for the pep talk, I probably needed it,"
Arthur laughed, "Enjoy this day,"
"I will,"
Arthur watched the door close, certain he had at least guided Merlin through any mist of uncertainty his friend may have had. He knew the challenges they all faced, but he was sure that the marriage of Merlin and Mithian would benefit both of them, as well as aid the Kingdom in its journey for the future.
Mithian made the final touches to her veil. She was aware, she was probably ahead of schedule. But her nerves continued to claw away inside her mind. Her maid, had gone downstairs to collect her bouquet. She decided to sit down and contemplate what lay ahead of her. In her mind, she knew she'd made the right choice. She couldn't wait for her marriage to Merlin to happen. When she'd first arrived in Camelot, it had felt months away but then the time had vanished in what felt like days. Suddenly, the day was here and it felt as if it had taken her by surprise. She wondered if Merlin was feeling something similar. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, slowly getting up.
"Oh my, but don't you look every inch the bride,"
"Father, thank you." She smiled, holding out her hands to him.
"You look wonderful. I wanted to give you something," King Rodor smiled.
"What is it?" she asked, watching her father take something out of a box.
"This belonged to your mother. One of her last wishes was for you wear this at your own wedding,"
Mithian looked at the beautiful golden necklace, with the stunning ruby, sparkling away. She stared at it, in wonder. Her father nodded for her to take it from him.
"Let me fasten it."
Mithian lifted the veil, so her father could put it around her neck. She felt the coldness of it, as it touched her skin. She could feel tears not too far away, as she thought about the mother, she'd lost years ago. How she wished she could be here now.
"It's so beautiful father," she smiled, picking it up to take another look at it.
"It was given to her, by her own mother. It's been handed down many generations. Perhaps, you will give it to your own daughter?" he smiled.
"One thing at a time father, let's get the wedding over first,"
"Yes of course. It's so good to see you happy now. I was fearing I'd permanently ruined your life after the episode with King Martin."
"Father, please. That is over now, I can assure you I don't waste a single thought on that horrible man anymore. You thought you were doing your best for me. I have never held any grudges."
"For that, I am grateful. As you say, we need to look forward. We are all entering an important stage, if Albion is to be reunited. We will all have to play our part in that, not least your brother Nyall,"
"He will be fine. You are right though there will be many changes up ahead. I can't wait to play my part, whatever it involves,"
"You will do us proud, off that I am sure."
They hugged each other for a moment, only parting as there was a knock on the door. They looked at one another.
"Are you ready?" King Rodor said.
"I am ready. Let's go."
Mithian opened the door, her maid presented her with a bouquet of freshly picked roses, the sweet smell descended down the corridor. She took her father's arm and they slowly began their procession down the steps. Mithian tried not to notice the endless lines of people awaiting her, concentrating on not having any mishap with her ivory dress. Once they'd reached the safety of the entrance of the Hall, she allowed herself a look around.
She spotted Mordred, standing aloof as always. She smiled at him, feeling relieved as he gave her one back. He looked very dapper in his newly made red garment. Mithian had insisted that he'd be involved, as she had taken to the lonely young boy. They made their way over to the entrance of the Great Hall, as they stood outside the bugles loudly proclaimed them.
Sitting amongst the crowd, Gwen nudged Arthur. "Are you sure Merlin is okay, when he looked around before there was hardly any colour on his face. I hope he is all right."
"Guinevere he'll be fine. He has Gaius looking after him now. It was a great idea to suggest Gaius be at his side today. He's been the nearest thing to a father that Merlin's known,"
"It just seemed right somehow," Gwen admitted.
"Isn't Gaius looking dapper?" a voice whispered behind them.
"He looks very distinguished Alice," Arthur smiled, "Maybe you two will be next?"
Alice laughed, "Perhaps I'll suggest it to him!"
"Why not?" Gwen asked, excitement in her eyes at the idea of another happy day. "You can wait forever, if you leave it to a man!"
Arthur grinned sardonically at her comment. "I didn't make you wait that long,"
Gwen, Alice and Hunith laughed.
At the front of the Hall, Merlin twitched.
"Are you okay?" Gaius asked him, looking concerned.
"All of a sudden I'm feeling as I am itching everywhere!"
Gaius grinned, "It's just nerves Merlin. Try and relax, Mithan will be here any second now,"
Merlin allowed himself a quick look behind him, as he watched his soon to be wife soaring down the red carpet towards them. He was suddenly aware of his heart beat, feeling sure everyone else could hear it too. He took a deep breath, catching his mother's eyes as she sat in the second row with Alice.
Suddenly the clear scent of roses caught Merlin's nostrils and out of nowhere, he began to relax. By the time he'd taken a breath, Mithian was standing next to him, smiling at him.
He watched as she threw her veil back over her face, once again swept away by her beauty and grace. Any doubts that tweaked around his head had now vanished, as he now longed for them to be officially wed.
"You look beautiful," he whispered to her.
"You don't look bad yourself, Hunith has been busy,"
Merlin blushed, as he pulled his red jacket down, once again. Then Geoffrey of Monmouth stepped forward, and straight away there was a hush in the Hall.
"My Lords, Ladies and distinguished guests, we are gathered here today, to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting, the union of Merlin Emrys of Ealdor and Princess Mithian of Nemeth. Is it your wish Merlin, to take this lady to be your wife?"
"Yes, it is."
"Is it your wish Mithian to take this man?"
"Yes, it is,"
"Do any say nay? Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite. We will now commence with the vows,"
As the ceremony continued, Merlin concentrated carefully, determined that there would be no slip-ups or mistakes from him. He had dreaded giving Arthur or any of the Knights a chance to laugh by him saying something wrong. He wanted to give Mithian a perfect day in every way. He listened carefully, to Geoffrey's promptings, making sure to take time to answer where required. He could see she was as nervous as he'd been. But both of them made it through the ceremony with no mishaps to report. Eventually, Geoffrey came to the end of the event.
"By the powers invested in me, I announce you man and wife." He turned to Merlin, "You may kiss her now.
Merlin took her in his arms and they enjoyed a long kiss, which was finally broken up by the applause. Realising this was the sign to escort her down the corridor he gave her his arm. They took their time to take in the smiles of their many guests. Arthur had a big smile on his face as he applauded, Gwen was wiping tears from her eyes, as was his mother. Lancelot winked as Merlin made his way down the Hall, while the rest of the Knights cheered. King Rodor and Nyall, greeted both with waves.
"You were wonderful," Merlin murmured, making sure he continued to greet their guests as they walked.
"As were you, I've never been so nervous. What about you?"
"I had some moments," Merlin grinned, "But my friends soon sorted me out!"
"I am glad about that! Is it true that Arthur is opening up this old room, for the dinner?"
"Yes, so Gwen says. The first time its been opened in a number of years. I haven't even seen it myself yet,"
"Intriguing!"
By this stage they had left the Hall, a servant came forward inviting them to follow him. They went along a corridor, that Mithian had never been down before. This side of the castle had rarely been seen by outsiders. She took in every detail, every picture, statue as they followed him. Eventually he stopped, waiting for the two guards to open up the two big doors. Merlin and Mithian gasped. The room was big and square with huge windows with the afternoon sun throwing light into every part of it.
There were tables all set up for the guests, the servant took Merlin and Mithian to the big long one which dominated the room. Already the delicious smell of food came flowing down the corridor, as the other guests made their way in. Before long they were being hugged from their friends and families. Within a few minutes they took their seats around the table.
Merlin and Mithian were invited to sit down half way down the table. Hunith was on Merlin's other side. Arthur, Gwen, Gaius and Alice sat opposite them. King Rodor and Nyall sat down next to Mithian, with the Knights taking up the rest of the seats. Mithian noticed that Lancelot had taken Mordred under his wing, inviting the boy to sit down next to him.
"Well, my sister. You managed to get through that with no mistake," Nyall grinned,
"I am sure you were waiting to pounce if I had," she smiled back.
"Even Merlin managed to get through with no mishap!" Gwaine laughed.
"Now that did surprise me!" Arthur agreed.
There was general laughter
"I don't think I have ever concentrated as hard on anything before!" Merlin admitted, blushing slightly.
Mithian touched his hand, "You were perfect, I was just as nervous,"
King Rodor smiled, "I think you both were fine, it went without a hitch."
"That sounds like a very good toast," Arthur nodded lifted his glass.
Everyone followed his example.
"To Merlin and Mithian, welcome officially to the Camelot family!"
"Thank you, my Lord," Mithian replied, taking a sip.
There was general talking before the banquet arrived. The guests all took an inward breath as they viewed the wonderful smelling food which was put down on the table. Merlin gulped as he took in the biggest slice of Ham he had ever seen.
"A special recipe," the maid curtsied at him.
"It smells delicious," he assured her, "Please give our thanks to everyone who has worked so hard,"
"Of course, thank you."
Before long, everyone had a full plate and for the first time there was relative silence as everyone devoured the food. As Merlin looked around the table, it appeared as if everyone was making the most of their feast of plenty. Even he had to admit, Audrey had done them proud much to his amazement. He noted his wife was thoroughly enjoying her dinner and for the first time he completely relaxed.
"That was gorgeous. I insist I have to meet the cook and get that recipe," Mithian said, putting her knife and fold down.
"Yes, hard to believe this was the work of Audrey!" Arthur muttered,
"Arthur!" Gwen commented, lowering her eyes to him.
"I was merely complimenting our star Cook on her wonderful work, my dear,"
Merlin and Arthur exchanged glances and smirk.
"I seem to be getting this idea, that Audrey has legendary status at the kitchens of Camelot?" Nyall asked, raising his eyebrows in a mocking glance.
Merlin and Arthur sniggered quietly.
"Audrey spoils them both in truth," Gwen commented, "not that you'd know it!"
Merlin could contain himself no longer. "Please, no more mockery, I think that's enough,"
Gwen made a face at Merlin, making Mithian smile.
"I insist I have to meet her, she sounds like an intriguing person," Mithian said.
"I will take you to meet her maybe then you can learn some of her recipes since your new husband admires her work so much!"
Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Oh, bliss. I cannot wait for that," he admitted.
"She sometimes lets me collect the herbs," a little voice said quietly.
Everyone turned to look at Mordred, they had been the first words he had muttered at the wedding.
"I remember seeing you coming from the forest on my first day here," Mithian. "I love herbs maybe you can show me where the best ones grow?"
"I would like that," Mordred replied, shyly.
"That's a date then,"
Merlin smiled at his wife warmly. He had been worried that Mordred had withdrawn again, but realised it was just shyness that was preventing him from talking. He hoped that Mithian would be able to help him bring the boy out of himself. He already noted that Mordred seemed calm in her company which had to be a good start.
As the plates were taken away Merlin could see the musicians had entered the room. This was the part of the evening which had left him the most nervous, the dancing. He had never had any timing in his life as Arthur would remind him most days! Now he had to somehow dance with his wife while keeping his balance and avoid stamping on her fragile foot. He had confessed to Mithian that he was not the best dancer around, she had assured him she wasn't either. He wasn't sure he believed her though. As if reading his mind, she bent over him.
"Don't worry, we'll only dance slowly. Hopefully no one will notice our lack of panache!"
"I don't believe for one minute, that you can't dance," he replied, a glint in his eye.
"Looks like you are about to find out!"
Arthur had stood up.
"After that lovely dinner, I bid Merlin and Mithian to open the dancing. I know Merlin has been looking forward to this part of the evening, all week!" Arthur said, a hint of mischief in his eye.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "Great!" he muttered. "Now everyone knows,"
"We'll be fine," Mithian smiled. "Thank you, my lord. I am looking forward to you joining us afterwards. Merlin tells me you have great timing,"
Merlin looked across at Mithian, noticing Arthur's face with a perplexed look on it.
"Oh yes," Merlin agreed, "Gwen is always complimenting Arthur on his timing,"
Mithian led Merlin away, before he began to snigger out loud.
"That was a genius line", he murmured, "I'm not sure Gwen will thank you though!"
"Yes, she was telling how she ended up with her foot in a bowl the last time Arthur waltzed her around the floor,"
Merlin and Mithian waited for the musicians to begin and before long were dancing around the floor surrounded by their friends and family. He had to admit, once he'd got over his self-consciousness, he began to enjoy himself. As he had suspected there was little wrong with his wife's dancing. He was happy to let her take the lead, as he concentrated on getting his footwork as perfect as possible. Presently people joined them on the floor, Merlin laughed as he saw Arthur attempting to take Gwen for a spin. He noticed she was in control of proceeding's there despite Arthur's eagerness.
As the evening progressed Merlin lost all sight of time. He had met the musician's playing in the lower town one afternoon. He had been impressed with their music and timing as the crowds had gathered around them. They had never performed in front of royalty before, but Merlin was adamant that they should perform at the night's entertainment. He realised that he needed to find a more permanent arrangement for them.
"They're very good," Mithian smiled, looking over at them.
"They are, aren't they?" Merlin agreed, "I was just thinking if I could arrange for them to perform here more often,"
"That would be a lovely idea. Arthur's enjoying himself, not so sure about Gwen though,"
"She had control of him before, but his enthusiasm has got the better of him now," Merlin grinned. "I hope you have had a good time today,"
"It's not been too bad, although I am waiting for a finale," Mithian smiled, raising her eyebrow.
"Of course, that goes without saying,"
A touch on his shoulder made him turn around.
"I hope you two are having a good time?" King Rodor smiled, "I fear though my body is aching for a bit of recreation. I hope you will excuse me for the night,"
"Of course, I hope you have enjoyed your day and thanks once again for everything and not least allowing me to marry your daughter,"
"You will make a very happy couple, I can see that,"
Mithian hugged her father, "Thank you for everything. Do you want me to accompany you?"
"No, I'm sure Nyall will see to that. Enjoy the rest of your evening my dear. Merlin," the King nodded.
"Have a good night,"
"Well, he looked as though he enjoyed himself," Merlin smiled.
"Yes, he did. I was worried it may have taken a lot out of him, but he seems to have done well," she replied, watching him leave the room, waving at Nyall.
By this time a number of people had made their excuses. In the end only the immediate Camelot gang were still awake. Merlin led Mithian over to the table.
"Well, you two enjoyed yourselves," Gwaine grinned, pulling a seat back for Mithian to sit down on.
"I am relieved about that, otherwise I'd have never heard the last of it," Arthur pipped up.
"I hope everyone enjoyed themselves," Mithian grinned, "Everything was perfect,"
"The day certainly went well," Gwen smiled, raising her glass.
"Or it did until the last waltz where Arthur almost crashed into the musicians!" Merlin pointed out.
"I told him he was going too fast," Gwen said, looking crestfallen for a minute.
"But my perfect manoeuvre rescued us in the end," Arthur grinned.
"Say nothing of the band, I don't think I have ever seen musicians look more terrified!" Percival said, making everyone snigger.
"Yes. I should have warned them they were taking their lives in their hands," Merlin grimaced.
"They were very good, we should have them back," Gwen said,
"I was thinking the exact same thing myself," Merlin agreed.
"You can officially invite them. We need a band to play at the next meeting," Arthur said, pouring them all another drink.
"Seriously, Mithian and I would like to thank you all for making this such a special day," Merlin said raising his glass. "To Camelot and hopefully the beginning of the uniting of Albion,"
Arthur nodded, "Indeed, let us hope our new family member will bring us luck upon this tricky road,"
"I am sure between us we can make this happen. I will certainly play my part," Mithian assured them.
After an hour of laughter people began to drift away, leaving only Merlin, Mithian, Arthur and Gwen around the table.
"I hope it was as good as you expected?" Gwen asked, giving her friend a hug.
"Thank you, it was even better than I expected, thanks to both of you for all your hard work,"
"It's our pleasure, I'm only glad that everything went without a hitch. Looking at my wife I think we had best make our excuses and let the newly-weds have some space," Arthur nodded,
"Thanks again, to both of you. I know it's been hard work on top of all the usual responsibilities. I think both of us will remember this day for a long time to come," Merlin said,
"Nothing less than what you deserve my friend," Arthur replied, slapping Merlin on the shoulder as he walked past.
Gwen hugged Merlin, "At long last, you have got someone special. There was a time when I wondered if you ever would,"
"Blame your husband for that and all the work he gives me!" Merlin laughed.
"See you both in the morning before you leave,"
"We'll look forward to it," Mithian smiled, waving as they left the room.
Suddenly Merlin and Mithian were alone, in the airy room. All of a sudden it seemed enormous and the silence seem to seep every bit of space between them. Merlin was aware of an intimacy which hadn't been there before. He swallowed as Mithian walked over to him and put her arms around his shoulders.
"So, Mr Court Sorcerer what plan do you have now?" she asked, a twinkle in her eyes.
"I suppose we had better go to our quarters and see what materialises," Merlin smiled, giving her a lingering kiss, as they moved towards the door together. As Merlin led her upstairs, he was aware of the night stars shining ever so brightly. It reminded him of nights in Ealdor in the other life he'd once lived. How far he had come since then, how enriched his life was now. He was determined to live it to the full, from now on. His new wife deserved nothing less, he was suddenly restless to take her away and give her some peace, as he knew once they were back in Camelot, life would once more become very busy. As he pushed open the door and gently closed it, he knew his life had reached a new plateau; one he was eager to commit to with every part of himself.
The End.
Note: First off in these strange times we are living in, I hope everyone is well and fighting fit. I must admit I had never intended for this story to take so long. I'm afraid life and a bit of illness caught up with me and delayed everything. I hope this will be worth the wait. Although this is the end of The Winter Wedding, I have got more plans for The Albion Years. I had always intended it to be about a number of the characters, and this will continue. I have tried to make this as light-hearted as I can, as there will be less happy stories following. You cannot have the light without some dark I'm afraid! Thank you for everyone who has continued to read this, now that I am back on track hopefully everything will work a little quicker. In the mean-time stay safe everyone. 😊
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