Thank you so much for reading. Hope that you enjoy the newest chapter. I am sorry that it took a little longer to update again. Honestly, I think from now on it will be one chapter every two weeks as the normal schedule. That of course means that it will probably take twice as long to finish the story (which I will do.) Which I am sorry about, but I don't want to rush to get the chapters out and have them not be any good.

A pair of pale eyes widen in shock as Caelia spook. They turned to meet another pair of pale eyes. What they saw when they meet those eyes shocked them further. They did not see a shared feeling of surprise.

"You look Surprised." They said, shock now clear in their eyes and tone.

"And you're not."

In response they shook their head. Before either of them could say anything, else Caelia took control of the situation again. Saying that such an important decision needed time to think it all over. fully. That it was important for them to return to Camelot. To see what they would be leaving behind if they chose to live here. After all they had a wedding to attend as well. In the back of Merlin's mind was the feeling that Caelia was trying to get rid of them. It concerned him a little, but he also understood it too. It was not just his and Morgana's lives that were about to change dramatically. Caelia would be leaving behind her home of countless centuries. It was understandable that she wanted to take the time herself to appreciate it and the people she cared about, before she moved on. Like she said there was still a lot to talk over whatever was decided, but there was still a time for all of that.

Before either of them could really process all that had happened, all they had learned in such a short space of time, Merlin and Morgana found themselves on the small boat again sailing back through the mist this time heading away from Avalon and towards a possible new future. They didn't talk. There was so much to say and yet nothing to say at the same time. The silence continued as they reached the shoreline. Merlin jumped out of the boat when the water was only as high as his calf. A firm hand of the side of the boat as he guided it onto the shore. when it was secure, he offered his hand to Morgana. Taking it, she stood up and jumped over the side of the boat. The hem of her dress skimming the water.

It was not a long walk to the small valley near a stream that flowed from the Water that surrounded the isle of Avalon, where they had left their horses. When they arrived the horses where nowhere to be seen. Walking up the stream a little they soon found them. Once up in the saddles they took of back to Camelot. Having lost a sense of time on the isle of Avalon it took them a little while to be able to tell what time of day it was. Midday had just passed. Even if they kept up a good pace, they only just would make it back to Camelot late in the evening. They should stop and rest for the night, arrive back in the city in the late morning. But they didn't, neither of them even suggested the idea. They just kept on pushing their horses further forward. Stopping only a handful of times to let the horses rest and drink some water and to stench their legs and eat and drink a little themselves.

The sun had almost fully set by the last time they stopped to rest for the last time. In the distance Merlin thought he could just about see the lights of the city. He was most likely seeing what he wanted to see but the idea of seeing their destination in sight moved him forward to finish the last stretch. Morgana was not as spurred on as Merlin to finish the journey, but she made no protest and got back in the saddle.

When they finally did reach the city, the streets were empty and only a few lights in windows welcomed them back. Not wanting to wake the sleeping citizens they dismounted and led the horses back to the stables at a slow pace. Once the horses were settled back into the stables they slipped back into the castle. Without discussing it they made their way to Merlin and Gaius's rooms.

Opening the door, they were meet with a dimly light room. A single candle on the large table in the center of the room gave the only light. Which Gaius was using to read over a large and dusty book about herbs he had forgotten about until it caught his attention two days ago. The warmth of the light was reflected in the old man's face as he watched Merlin and Morgana entre the room.

"We were beginning to fear that you would not make it back in time for the wedding." He said as he walked around the table to meet them. Pulling Merlin into a hug that the younger man automatically returned. Without a pause he them pulled Morgana into a hug, that she only hesitated for a brief second before she returned.

Over Morgana's head Merlin stated in confusion. "We've only been gone six days the wedding isn't for another week."

Gaius turned to Merlin, a look of confusion now on his face. "The Wedding is in four days; you've been ten days."

Merlin looked to Morgana, questing if he had gotten the days wrong. She looked back at him seeming to be just as unsure as he was.

"Time must flow differently in Avalon." Gaius offer as an explanation.

They nodded. It made the most sense.

"Kind of putts the claims of living for centuries into doubt." Morgana said as a smile spread across her face. Merlin let out a laugh.

Gaius was about to ask all the questions he had about what had happened at the source of magic, what they had learned, but he didn't get the chance. The door was suddenly pushed open with slightly more force than was necessary.

As well as not bothering to knock Arthur also did not bother to greet Gaius. As soon as he began walking through the door, he began a stream of words about a pain in his neck that was bothering him. He had downplayed the pain, but as it went on for a few days Gwen had all but forced him to speak to Giaus about it. He had dragged his feet, but as his soon to be wife gave him the nearest, she could for such a warm natured person her version of a cold shoulder over dinner that night. So, he had given in and come to see Giaus.

Part of the reason that he had dragged his feet about talking to Gaius was because he had not hurt his neck the way that he had said to Gwen. That while helping build the stands and stalls that would support his and Gwen's wedding in just a few days' time. He in fact felt that he had hurt it due to having to sit through so many meeting with the other kings and lords of Albine over the last few days. As they arrived for the wedding. To keep himself awake he had strained his neck to look out of the nearest window. He had also given in and come to see Gaius to see if he had heard any news from Merlin or Morgana.

Upon seeing them standing before them in the warm candlelight he stopped talking mid-stream, smiled brightly and opened his arms wide to pull his sister into a hug. One that she did not hesitate this time to fully return.

"I made a promise." She said quietly. The relief clear on his face and in the tension that left his body as she hugged him.

"Never doubted you." Arthur said as he pulled back. His voice only going up ever so slightly at the end. Belying the truth of his words.

To the surprise of everyone else in the room the king then took a step forward and hugged Merlin. Only for a second until he pulled back. Patting him on the shoulders as he did so.

"Sorry we were longer than planned." Morgana apologized.

Arthur shook his head, but it was clear that he was relieved that they had returned in time for the wedding. He had put it off, but he knew that if they didn't return in the next few days, he would have to bring up the topic with Gwen and they would have to decide how they moved forward. He had not been looking forward to that.

"It seems time flows differently in Avalon."

As Morgana spoke. Arthur's eyes widened a little. Like he was remembering for the first time where it was, she had been.

Feeling a powerful need to break the silence that fell after Morgana's explanation for their long absence. Merlin added. "I didn't even realize how long it had been till Morgana returned To Ealdor."

Arthur looked at Merlin as he spoke, but then turned away from him slightly. Not feel any need or desire to enquire anymore about Merlin's visit to his hometown. Merlin visible relaxed as the attention that he had put on himself lifted.

Morgana shoot Merlin a "what are you doing." look quickly so Arthur didn't notice. She didn't understand why he was acting so jumpy and guilty. It was not like he had never lied to Arthur's face before. Surly by now he knew the best way to lie was to keep it as simple as possible. Adding to many unnecessary details always gave you away. Luckily Arthur didn't notice her look or give what Merlin said any further thought. He had been acting strangely since Caelia had made her choice. She had expected him to have a lot to say, but he stayed silent. So did she though there was a lot to say.

"What did you find." Arthur asked as his sister.

Morgana thought over his question. Trying to find the right words to answer. "More and less than I expected." Arthur looked confused. She understood why. It was not really an answer. It was the best she could do right now. "There's time for all of that later." She saw Arthur about to protest so carried on talking. "I'm tired. We can talk it all over tomorrow."

"It is getting late sire." Gaius said in as weary a voice as he could manage.

Reluctantly Arthur gave a slight nod. Placing a hand lightly on Morgana's shoulder he guided her towards the door. Saying his goodbyes as he did. Just at the door Morgana looked back at Merlin and Gaius and said goodnight. When the siblings had left and the door was closed behind them, Merlin let out a deep breath and all but collapsed onto the bench behind him.

"Is something wrong." Gaius asked as he sat down next to Merlin. Looking at him with worry in his eyes.

"You could say that." He answered with a laugh. "I think I'm in deep trouble."

Gaius looked a little more worried at Merlin's strange response. "Merlin, what is going on."

Taking in a deep breath Merlin told Gaius of the reason that he and Morgana had been called to Avalon. What had been asked of them. It was hard to tell what the older man was thinking, feeling about what he was just told. He was doing his best to keep a neutral face as not to put his feelings onto to Merlin. Cloud his thinking. When Gaius meet Merlin's eyes, he could see them searching his for any kind of input, his thoughts on what he should do next. But he knew that this was a decision that Merlin had to make for himself. While he wanted to help him, he knew that he couldn't. Not with this.

"What do I do." Merlin asked after giving Gaius sometime to process what he had just told him.

With an apologetic, but firm look on his face Gaius played a hand on Merlin's shoulder. "I can't tell you that."

"Gaius-"

"You have to make this choice yourself."

Merlin groaned in frustration as he shrugged of Gaius's comforting hand on his shoulder and pulled himself to his feet. Rationally Merlin knew that he was not angry or irritated with Gaius he was angry and frustrated with himself. After how frustrated he had grown about having others take control of his life. His Promise to himself, his vow with Morgana to make their own choice for themselves from now on. After all of that talk, what was the first thing he did when he was confronted with a choice that was hard to make. He asked someone, while older and wiser than himself, he still asked someone else to make this life changing decision for him.

"Merlin-"

The younger man began to pace back and forth. "I know, I know your right. I just-"

Gaius stood placing his hands on Merlin's shoulders to stop him from pacing back and forth. "Stop and breath." Merlin did as he was instructed. After a while when Gaius felt the younger man had calmed down, he tried again to speak. "It is a hard choice that you have to make. But you have to make it yourself and I believe that you will make the right one."

"What if I don't."

Gaius smiled warmly. "Nothing in this life is set in stone. There is nothing that cannot be undone." Seeing Merlin about to argue Gaius quickly added. "Somethings are easier to undone than others." he had to admit. "But it is not impossible." Seeing that Merlin still did not seem convince, he further added. "Do you ever think that you and Morgana would be allies, let alone friends again."

To the older man's surprise Merlin flinched a little at the mention of Morgana's name. Taking a step backwards he slipped from Gaius's firm hold. He wondered if something had happened on the trip that had caused their already tentative friendship and trust to be broken once again. Gaius hoped that was not the case. It had been a source of great relief and pleasure to see the troubled young women, with a good heart find her way back to them, her family. For her to use her power, knowledge and determination as their ally and not as their enemy. He didn't think that his old heart could taking seeing the pain and suffering of those he carried about if that trust was broken once again. He was also sure that they would not be able to repair the damage if it was shattered again.

"I think I'll try and get some rest." Merlin said as he moved to leave.

"I'm sorry I can't be of more help."

For a moment Merlin stopped and turned back to face Gaius. He saw a chink in the armor. A weakness. One that he could exploit. If he pushed hard enough. Gaius felt guilty, he could easy play on that, but he wouldn't. He knew Gaius had his reasons for reaming tight lipped about his options. That he was right, that he had to make this choice himself. So, he nodded realizing that he would get no further advice about the choice that lay before him Merlin gave up trying. With a tight smile Merlin went to his room with his own bed get some rest. Gaius didn't offer any resistance, being rather tired himself.

Arthur was easily guided by Morgana into unloading all of the planes for the upcoming wedding. She did not have to try very hard to get him to start talking on the subject. She found herself being drawn into what he was walking about. She was genuinely interested, and it was nice to take her mind off of the decision before her. To think about the wider world and not just herself. It became clear to her that Arthur had not been dissuade from wanting to know more about what had happened, but he was giving her some time to collect her thoughts. He also clearly wanted to update her on the preparations. It brought a warm smile to her face to see her normally dispassionate brother showing such unfiltered excitement. Noticing the unfamiliar look on his sister's face Arthur gave her a questioning look.

"It's nice to see you so excited." She answered.

Not knowing how to the comment, that could be taken as a compliment Arthur looked more closely at Morgana. It was part to pinpoint. To specify what it was that had changed about her. Why, now looking closely at her, even in the dim light of the castle corridors she seemed different. She seemed clearer, was the closest he could come to describing it. Like a cloud had been surrounding her and now it was gone, and he could see her clearly for the first time, maybe ever.

"You seem happy." He finally said.

Morgana stopped walking and took a minute to think over what Arthur said. The word, she could only just remember it. What it meant. She understood it in relation to others, but not herself. Thinking about it while not the right word, the right feeling that best described, encompassed how she felt right now, it was close enough. so, she nodded and changed the subject.

"How is Mordred settling in." She tried to sound as calm as she could, but Arthur saw through it.

"Very well. Gwaine had taken him under his wing." Morgana smiled. "Though I don't know that he's the best influence on an impressible young mind."

Morgana held back a laugh not wanting to wake the sleeping castle. "There are worse role models."

Arthur smiled but chose not to push the subject of Gwaine anymore. He never knew where his sister and the brave knight stood with each other. It seemed to be best not to ask to many questions. From what he could understand they cared a great deal for each other but were not able to or willing to but a label on it. There was still more that he wanted to talk to Morgana about in regard to Mordred. So, he brough the conversation back to Morgana's question.

"He's ready to be sworn in a true knight of Camelot."

Morgana stopped again and turned to Arthur. "He's only been here...He's still-"

"Morgana." Arthur said gently "He is ready. I won't-"

"I know." Morgana snapped back. Not wanting to hear it.

"We wanted to do it before the wedding. So, he could be your escort."

"Escort."

"For the wedding."

"Yes, but-"

"I know Gwaine is technically still your champion, but I thought-"

"No..."

Seeing her discomfort Arthur took pity on her. Even though he wanted to question her on the matter. "We wanted to wait for you to return. We were starting to get worried."

"Sorry."

He shook his head and they started to walk on again. "Your here now. We can talk about it all tomorrow." He said as a question.

"Yes, I promise."

They were now at the place where they parted ways. Arthur carried on down the corridor and Morgana went up other set of stairs. With one last hug they parted. When Morgana reached the corridor her chambers where on the door nearest her burst open and flash of lavender flow towards her. A surprisingly strong pair of arms wrapped around her neck pulling her forward.

"I thought I heard you." Gwen said into her neck.

Morgana returned the hug and felt herself feeling a little closer to being able to describe herself as happy. "I hope I didn't wake you." They pulled apart. "You have a wedding to get ready for."

Gwen tutted; she was getting a little tired of being told to take it easy. Of everybody acting like planning a wedding was an all-consuming task. True it did take up a lot of her time. What took up more of her time was all the reading she was doing into the running of the kingdom. Learning the names of all the landowners, where their territories lay. What produce came from what farm and many other previously unknown facts, that she could not say she felt any smarted or better informed about the kingdom for knowing.

The future queen had given up on her reading two days ago. instead, she had spent her time helping the owner of the small stall that she had bought the fabric for her wedding dress from set up in an actual store. In doing this she discovered, what she felt a little embarrassed she hadn't understood earlier. That she didn't need to know everything written in the documents, Arthur himself she was sure paid little attention to the paperwork that passed before him. What she already knew was more important. She knew the city, the people. Understood the lives of the people that lived here. What they carried about, worried about, what mattered to them. That was what was important, what mattered. She could give a voice to the people of the kingdom in a way that they had never had before. That was what she needed to focus on. Not being the idea of a perfect queen that looked pretty and just waved at her people.

Gwen led Morgana into her chambers where she showed her future sister-in-law her wedding dress. which Morgana complemented her on. While Gwen like Arthur had a lot of questions for Morgana, she could tell that the witch didn't want to talk about that right now. As everyone said there was time for all of that tomorrow. They spoke for a like while about the wedding until Gwen yawned for the second time causing Morgana to yawn as well. Saying goodnight, Morgana left for her own room and to try and get some rest.

Hope you liked it. I hope the plotting of this chapter worked out alright. I just felt that maybe we had spent too much time in Avalon and the plot needed to move forward. So, I kind of jumped ahead. I kind of liked using this to drag the mystery out a little more. I am still getting used to the fact that not every little detail, thing has to be explained and written down. Sorry that I've continued to drag out who had been asked to rule Avalon. I did plan to reveal it in this chapter, but why I got to it didn't feel like there was enough time to address so I will do that in the next chapter. Hope it's not to annoying.

The next few chapters are going to deal with the wedding and the other characters. If there is anything you would like to see happen, character interactions or anything please let me know.

As always, any feedback, comments or ideas for the story. Things that you would like to see in the story. Are very welcome.