This chapter will cover a month and will skip ahead two weeks and then skip two weeks again. Also, this is the next to last chapter for this story. But don't worry, I have two more books to write about Camelot and all their families.

When the celebrations died down, Lancelot climbed up onto a large tree stump and yelled, "QUITE! QUITE ALL OF YOU!"

Lancelot waited for a few minutes as the large populace grew quite.

When he was sure that all the people were silent, Lancelot started, "I was told that in Pict weddings, the man who stood with the groom must say a few things to bless the marriage. I won't say a lot because I know Arthur and Cordelia need to leave soon, so…I've known Arthur since I was newly into adolescence. He a year older than I. He's always been a justly man, and I'm honored to be called his best friend. So, on this day, Arthur, I tell you this "Be happy, live a life full of love, and as always, when you need to yell at something come find me!'"

Arthur raised his goblet in salute as the pair was guided to a chariot painted dark blue and decorated in gold dragons. On the chariot door was a sword, Excalibur, and the words 'Truth is found in lies, as life is found in death.' Since they both found the truth of their lives in all the lies that had been told to them, and even in the midst of death, they found life and reasons to live, Arthur and Cordelia had picked it to be their family motto.

Arthur looked out to his people and said, "We'll be back in two weeks! Until then, Lancelot and Emogen are King and Queen in our stead!"

The people cheered as the chariot rolled through Kameland's city gate with fifty armed soldiers, picked by Tristran and Lancelot themselves, to guard the new King and Queen of Briton.

When the King, his Queen, and their guards were out of sight, Lancelot looked at the hundreds of people under his protection and said, "We still have a lot to do before King Arthur and Queen Cordelia return home. I also know that this is the first time we've had any reason to celebrate in a long time, so I'll make you a deal. I want three hundred people to continue working on the first floor of Camelot and building the city homes and stores. I'll need one hundred of you to continue cooking for those partying and working. In four hours, the four hundred of you working will switch out with four hundred new people and go party. By four o'clock tomorrow morning, I want everyone in bed for a few hours sleep. Then we'll start again. Those who worked the last shift will party and those who partied last will work. We'll switch off every four hours until ten tonight. This will continue for a week. Next week though, we'll need to get serious and build-understand?"

Lancelot still could not believe that one thousand people were under his command and every single one of them agreed with him. He turned to look at his lover, Emogen; she was smiling proudly at him by his side. He grinned at her and with a flourish, kissed her soundly right in front of everyone. The Knights and Ladies cheered, and the people laughed and cheered too. Merlin, Merkin, and Duncan smiled. They had made the correct choice. These people would lead their new Kingdom into a bright and glorious future.

When they broke apart, Galahad and Gawain, along with Seamus and Dean, were standing by his side each holding a pile of parchment. He groaned. That was the list of every person in Kameland. There were over one thousand people, including the soldiers he sent off with Arthur and Cordelia, and now he needed to separate them into their party or work groups.

Emogen smiled and said, "Well, how about this, the people listed on Seamus and Galahad's parchments go and work, those on Dean and Gawain's can continue to party? While they are doing that, the girls and I will help out with cooking, readying the sick rooms, and bring water to those thirsty. You guy will go and help build the city."

Galahad, Gawain, Dean, and Seamus bowed to her slightly and said, "Yes, my Lady."

Very quickly, the large group of people was split into groups and the day went by rather well -not smoothly- but peacefully. There were a few disagreements, but those came from a few drunken men who didn't like the fact that they had to stop partying and go back to work lifting heavy stone blocks.

When his four-hour rotation was complete, Lancelot stumbled into his and Emogen's house, for it was a house, and sighed. Being King Protectorate, was a hard job and he was dead tired. He stumbled over to their bed, and smiled. Emogen was already there and waiting for him.

As she sat up, she held the light cotton blanket to her chest, and asked teasingly, "Rough time, my savior?"

Lancelot groaned and said as he sat down on the feather bed and pulled off his boots, "I've never felt this tired…no wait, I did once before when training started when I was a boy newly in the Roman army."

Emogen placed herself behind him and asked huskily as she kneaded his back and shoulders, "Poor, baby, but are you to tired to be with me this night?"

He groaned as her warm breath washed over him.

He turned around, gathered her in his arms, and as he placed himself between her legs, said equally huskily, "I think I have energy enough for you, my maiden."

TWO WEEKS LATER….

Today was the day Arthur and Cordelia would come home. The construction for Camelot and Kameland was tiring work, and Lancelot and Emogen were grateful to hand control back over to their lieges.

The entire court, Lord Lancelot Shieldguard of the House of Lyon (Lion), Knight Commander and King Protectorate of Briton and Knight of the Round Table, Lady Emogen Serenity of the House of Wisdom and Justice, soon to join the House of Lyon, Lady Ambassador of Peace, Lord Tristran Sentinel of the House of Palðer (Panther), Head of Intelligence and Knight of the Round Table, Lady Ula Healing of the House of Herbs soon to join the House of Palðer, Lady of Medicine, Lord Gawain Axelord of the House of Wolfe (Wolf), Master of War, and Knight of the Round Table, Lady Alma Peaceful of the House of Fauna soon to join the House of Wolfe, Lady of Medicine, Lord Seamus Swordking of the House of Orlege (War), Master of War and newly joined Knight of the Round Table, Lord Dean Arrowhead of the House of Flan (Arrow), Master of War and newly joined Knight of the Round Table, Lord Galahad Weaponsguild of the House of Wolfe, Arms Master and Knight of the Round Table, Lady Enys Tranquil of the House of Vegetal soon to join the House of Wolfe, Lady of Medicine, Lord Dagonet Monies of the House of Hors (Horse), Head of Finance and Knight of the Round Table, Lady Fulucina, adopted into the House of Beran (Bear) soon to join the House of Hors, and finally, Lord Bors Governor of the House of Beran (Bear), Governor of Kameland City-Proper of Camelot and Knight of the Round Table, and Lady Vanora Deore of the House of Deore (Beloved) soon to join the House of Beran were there to welcome their King and Queen back from their wedding trip.

Along side with them was Alecto, son of Dagonet and Fulucina, heir to the House of Hors, Bors and Vanora's children with Gilly, heir to the House of Beran, and Duke Merlin Magilos (Celtic word for advisor) of the Briton Isles, Duke Merkin Wisdom of the Briton Isles, and Duke Duncan Just of the Briton Isles.

As the chariot came to a halt beside Arthur's court, Lancelot called, "Welcome back King Arthur! Queen Cordelia! Your kingdom awaits!"

When the doors opened, Arthur, as he helped Cordelia out of the chariot said, "Hail Lord Lancelot! Your welcome home party is most appreciated! And Camelot is coming along nicely under your leadership."

Lancelot smiled wryly at his best friend and said happily, "I most humbly give control of the Kingdom back to you my Lord-liege."

Arthur nodded and said, "I accept."

Lancelot rolled his eyes and said, "Well, now that the formalities are out of the way, I don't envy your workload Arthur. If it wasn't for all the paperwork, it might have been fun, but those parchments never seemed to dwindle-only increase in number!"

Cordelia giggled and said, "It's a hard job, but someone must do it."

Emogen squealed and said, "Cousin! Welcome home! How was your trip! You must tell us everything!"

As the Ladies of her court gathered around her, Cordelia blushed and said, "Very well, but let us go and find a safe place to talk. I do not want to be overheard by everyone in the kingdom."

When the men were alone, Arthur ordered, "Report."

Lancelot waved Arthur before him and said, "The prisons, and storage cells are complete as you know, the first floor is finished and the second floor has just been started, and we are on eight hour rotations with an hour for rest and lunch. The first rotation is for working on Camelot, the second is for working in the city-proper to build the stores and homes, and the last rotation is for sleep. Kameland city-proper is a quarter done with Bors and Dagonet's Governor's House and Financing House nearly completed. There are five smithies here scattered across the city, ten bakeries, five clothes-makers, four meat shops, ten farms in the making, and nearly one hundred and fifty homes being built right now. Galahad, your turn to report."

When the youngest Knight had his King's attention, he reported, "The training hall, has been opened recently and we have so far fifty new recruits and most of them are Picts. Their training is coming along nicely. I expect the numbers to grow when the city is near completion and more people can devote more time to training. And yes, it is open to both men and women because, as the Picts have proven to us, women can fight just as well as men can in some situations. Gawain, Dean, and Seamus are next."

Dean and Seamus turned to Gawain and smiled. The blond lion-like Knight rolled his eyes at his subordinates. They didn't want to say anything until they got to know Arthur better, and until then, he was going to be doing most of the talking."

"My King, the Army is still in the early stages. We have round the clock guards on the Wall and every other one of them is armed with either a sword and shield or a bow and arrow. When the city reaches completion, our numbers are expected to swell."

Arthur nodded and said, "It looks like you all have done a marvelous job while I was away. Dagonet, what are your plans for our economy?"

The large, gentle giant looked at his new King and said, "We are using silver and gold nuggets mined from a cave about a days ride from here, melted down Roman coins, and bronze nuts mined from caves as well. I have ordered the smithy to create coins and inscribe on every last one of them your and Queen Cordelia's profile along with the words liberty and justice."

"This is good. When will the first coins be available to be used?"

"Sometime in the next two days." Was Dagonet's answer.

As they arrived at Arthur's home, he turned to his best friend and said teasingly, "Isn't there something you wanted to ask me, my friend?"

Lancelot stared at his King for a full minute before he blushed slightly, bowed, and asked respectfully, "My King, I, Lord Lancelot Shieldguard of the House of Lyon, ask for Lady Emogen Serenity of the Houses of Wisdom and Justice's hand in marriage. May I have your consent to ask her?"

Arthur smiled largely and said, "I do my friend. Go, go and ask your lover to become your wife."

Lancelot grinned broadly and sprinted off.

Arthur turned to an unknown man and asked, "Do you know how to write?"

The man bowed and said in surprise, "Yes, I do my King. How can I be of service to you?"

Arthur nodded to the man and said, "You shall become my personal scribe and I shall need you to write up a wedding agreement between Lady Emogen and Lord Lancelot. It shall need Emogen and Lancelot's signature, mine, Merlin's, and Lord Duncan's. Is this understood?"

The scribe bowed again and said, "It is, My King. Let me go get my supplies and I shall join you in your home. You will need to tell me what to write. I'm afraid formal writing and formal speech are alien to me."

Arthur nodded and let the man go.

Arthur turned back to his court and said, "Go back to your duties. I shall be here going over all the paperwork that Lancelot has finished and try to decrease the stack that is on my desk no doubt."

The Knight smiled in sympathy at him and did as they were told.

Lancelot ran straight to his and Emogen's house and barged in. He blinked stupidly at the group of women on his and Emogen's bed, before his brain caught up to his eyes.

"Oh! I didn't know you all would come here. Pardon my intrusion, My Queen. But I need to get something from my chest. If Lady Alma would be so kind as to move...?"

The red-hared healer blushed softly and moved.

Ula snorted and said with crossed arms, "What's this all about Lance? You're definitely not one for formality."

Lancelot grinned at the dirty-blond hared healer and said as he pulled out a small box, "Ah, but I am speaking in this tone because I have just been to see the King in a formal audience. Might I have a bit of Lady Emogen's time? I shall return her in a few minutes, I promise Ladies."

Queen Cordelia eyed the box and smiled. She turned towards her husband's second-n-command and said, "You have leave to take her, My Lord Lancelot."

Lancelot bowed and gently pulled his lover out of their house and into a small-secluded glen just inside the forest.

"Lancelot, what is this all about?" asked the curly black-hared, green eyed Lady of Peace.

Lancelot grinned at her, lowered himself to his knee, and said formally, "Lady Emogen Serenity of the House of Wisdom and Justice, I, Lord Lancelot Shieldguard of the House of Lyon, have just asked our King, King Arthur Pendragon, for your hand in marriage. He had consented to this and I am here to ask you now, Emogen, my maiden, will you be my wife?"

Emogen's expressive emerald green eyes welled up with tears. As tears of joy fell down her cheeks, she smiled at him, lunged into his arms, and shouted out to the Goddess herself, "YES!"

Lancelot laughed and held her tightly as they kissed underneath the stars. When they pulled apart, Lancelot opened the small box he had in his hand, and revealed a beautiful silver ring with flowers cut into the silver metal. In the center of the silver flowers, lied three beautiful emeralds. They twinkled happily up at her. She smiled and hugged her lover, now fiancée, tightly and said, "I can't wait to wed you my savior and truly be yours in the Goddess and Green-Man's eyes."

Lancelot wiped away her joyful tears, and said in a chocked up voice, "My maiden, you have given back to me my greatest wish, to have a family. Before you came into my life, I was planning on going back to Sarmatia and live alone because I didn't think I deserved to have happiness for all the lives I have taken. But with you, you my beautiful maiden, you have brought life and light into my life again. You are my family and with you I know I am deserving of children."

Emogen kissed him fully once more, and said as she jumped to her feet, "Come! We must tell the others and the Kingdom!"

And that was two weeks ago! Emogen thought happily as she stared at herself in the mirror. She was dressed up in a gorgeous emerald green cotton dress that molded to her upper chest and swelled to the ground at her hips. Her sleeves were long and belled at her wrists. Her chest was emphasized by the low swooping neckline. The trimming of her dress was silver and the silver material against her pale skin glittered wonderfully and made her look like a Goddess of the Stars. Her curly black hair was let loose and fell to her waist in a 'V' shape. The locks of hair by her ears were pulled up into tiny Silver Star clips that had been made especially for this day by a smithy friend of hers. She loved them.

She was amazed that she felt so calm. If anything, she thought that she'd be even crazier than Cordelia had been, but she was certain of her relationship with Lancelot, and knew she had nothing to fear.

Cordelia looked at her cousin and smiled proudly.

"Emmy, you look beautiful! Lancelot will be knocked breathless by you!"

Emogen smiled at her as Vanora, Fulucina, Ula, Alma, and Enys gathered their gifts and got into their Maiden-Helper gowns.

When they were all dressed, Enys asked, "Are you ready to go?"

Emogen took a deep breath and nodded her head to Alma, Enys, and Ula, who nodded back, picked up their own gowns so as to not trip over them: soft yellow, light blue, and lavender respectfully, and ran to Duncan.

"She is ready." Said Ula as Alma passed her and went straight into the Circle of Stones and whispered the same thing in Merlin's ear. Of course she made sure to hide herself behind the trees and the rocks. No man, not even Merlin, was to see her gown before she presented herself as a Maiden-helper.

Merlin nodded, raised his hands, and said, "Harken to me! The celebrations will commence in a few short minutes!"

Arthur, who stood at Lancelot's right this time, in full dress armor with his golden crown shining brightly on his brow, leaned forward, and said softly, "It is time."

Lancelot took a deep breath and nodded. A few tiny beads of sweat had already gathered on his brow that showed his nervousness. Arthur chuckled and said, "And you told me not to be nervous."

Lancelot glared shortly at his friend and King, and then nodded as Merlin placed five colored ribbons on the rock alter in front of him, but to the left of Lancelot.

There was a moment of silence, and then sweet enchanting music was heard. The people of Camelot looked for the music and saw a parade of women playing lutes, singing softly and lightly, and throwing all kinds of flower petals on the ground before them. In the center of the line, was a line of beautiful women. The first was Ula. Second were Fulucina and Vanora who were dressed alike. Then came Alma and Enys. The next was Cordelia. Finally, there was Emogen and her father, Duncan.

The Knights, who had been lined up just behind Lancelot, stood straighter as their lovers marched up to Merlin and handed him different things. Ula had a basket of warm bread. Fulucina and Vanora had a booklet of parchment and a map of Camelot. Alma and Enys had a book of adventures and a scroll (the rules of the Goddess) and a bouquet of roses. Lastly, Cordelia had a necklace made of pure silver with an emerald gem in the shape of a heart and engraved on the front in silver were twin swords crossed over each other.

When these items were presented to Merlin, he took them with a bow and the girls turned to face their partners on the opposite side of the ceremonial alter.

Lancelot was one again spellbound by Emogen. She was beautiful in her emerald wedding dress!

When she reached his side, he unconsciously offered her his hand. When she placed her hand in his, Merlin raised his hands and there was immediate silence.

"These two have come together in pure unification. To bless this event, we ask the Goddess to send five maidens in her stead to bless the five levels of the relationship: the physical and material, the intellectual and the mental, the power and the passion, the spiritual and the philosophical, and the emotional and the love. Bride, let thy Maiden-helpers fly!"

Emogen bowed her head and said in a soft voice, "Hand-Maiden of the Earth, present thy blessed gift from thy Goddess."

Ula stepped forth, picked up her basket of bread and said clearly, "I, Ula, Hand-Maiden of the Earth, representative of the Goddess in this union, offer to thy couple this bread as representation of the physical and material needs that thy bond will need."

As she placed it in between the two, Merlin picked up the green ribbon, tied it around Lancelot and Emogen's wrists, and said, "Thy first bond is created."

Emogen stated, "Hand-Maidens of the Air, present thy blessed gifts from thy Goddess."

Fulucina and Vanora stepped out of the line of maidens, picked up the booklet of parchment and a map of Camelot, and said clearly, "We, Fulucina and Vanora, Hand-Maidens of the Air, representative of the Goddess in this union, offer to thy couple this booklet of parchment full of curious sayings and thoughts and this map as representation of the intellectual and mental needs that thy bond will need."

They placed them side-by-side in front of the breadbasket and at the same time, Merlin tied the yellow ribbon around their wrists and said, "Thy second bond is created."

Emogen continued, "Hand-Maiden of the Fire, present thy blessed gift from thy Goddess."

Enys stepped forward, picked up the bouquet of roses, placed them in the basket with the bread and said clearly, "I, Enys, Hand-Maiden of the Fire, representative of the Goddess in this union, offer to thy couple this bouquet of roses as representation of the power and passionate needs that thy bond will need."

With that done, Merlin tied a red ribbon around their wrists and said, "Thy third bond is created."

Emogen said again, "Hand-Maiden of the Spirit, present thy blessed gift from thy Goddess."

Alma picked up the book of adventures and a scroll (the rules of the Goddess) and said as she placed it leaning up against the booklet, "I, Alma, Hand-Maiden of the Spirit, representative of the Goddess in this union, offer to thy couple this book of adventures and scroll as representation of the spiritual and philosophical needs that thy bond will need."

Merlin nodded seriously as he tied the white ribbon about their wrists and said with a small smile, "Thy fourth bond is created."

Emogen said in ending, "Hand-Maiden of the water, present thy blessed gift from thy Goddess."

Cordelia smiled at them both, picked up the beautiful necklace, placed it in the middle of the two rings which sat innocently on the alter, and said, "I, Cordelia, Hand-Maiden of the Water, representative of the Goddess in this union, offer to thy couple this necklace as representation of the love and emotional needs that thy bond will need."

When Cordelia, dressed in her dark blue gown, stepped back into line, just beside and slightly behind Emogen, Merlin raised his hands and started, "We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Emogen Serenity and Lancelot Shieldguard. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this."

Merlin took a deep breath and continued, "Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing. Emogen, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?"

Emogen nodded and said truthfully, "Yes, it is true." "With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?" continued Merlin with a tiny smile.

Duncan stood up from his place on the front row of people and said proudly, "She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings." Merlin added, "Please join thy other hand with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say. Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember...Like a stone should your love be firm, Like a star should your love be constant, Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, Let the strength of your wills bind you together, Let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for thy Goddess and God is with you always."

Merlin took another deep breath and said, "Lancelot, I have not the right to bind thee to Emogen, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.

Lancelot took a deep breath and said strongly, "It is my wish."

Merlin nodded and continued, "Emogen, if it be your wish for Lancelot to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger."

Emogen, with slightly shaking fingers, placed the smooth silver marriage ring on Lancelot's left ring finger.

Merlin nodded and stated, "Emogen I have not the right to bind thee to Lancelot only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand."

Emogen nodded and said proudly, "It is my wish."

Proudly, Merlin said to Lancelot, "Lancelot, if it be your wish for Emogen to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger." Lancelot did as he was told with a large cocky grin he was well known for.

Merlin chuckled softly and said, "Lancelot, repeat after me: I, Lancelot Shieldguard, in the name of the spirit of the Lady Goddess and her consort, that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, Emogen Serenity, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself."
Merlin turned to Emogen and said, "Repeat after me, I, Emogen Serenity, in the name of the spirit of the Lady Goddess and her consort, that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, Lancelot Shieldguard, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself."
Merlin picked up the golden chalice, which was littered with rubies, sapphire, emeralds, and diamonds, and handed it to Lancelot, and said, "May you drink your fill from the cup of love."

Lancelot holds the chalice to Emogen while she sips. Then Emogen takes the chalice and holds it to Lancelot while he sips. They hand the chalice back to Merlin who placed it back on the alter stone. Next Merlin bends down, picks up a small loaf of bread, and gave it to Lancelot. He broke a tiny piece off and offered it to Emogen. With a smile, she delicately ate the offering and repeated the gesture for him. With a smile, he takes the offered bread.

Merlin beams at them, raised his arms into the air once more, and said loudly, "By the power vested in me by the Goddess and her consort, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you!"

Lancelot and Emogen smiled at one another in relief and kissed one another before all their friends and family. The people started to cheer.

Lancelot and Emogen lowed themselves to their knees and bowed their heads. Arthur and Cordelia left their places beside their friends and disappeared behind the large rock behind Merlin. They reappeared moments later with two beautiful silver crowns.

The Knights saluted the two by raising their swords in a ceremonial arc and the Ladies tossed flower petals into the air as Arthur said as he raised the silver crown high into the air, "By thy light, thy courage, thy wit, and thy king, I, Arthur Pendragon, King of Briton, place thou crown of silver upon thy head, my Lord."

Cordelia added as she raised a delicate silver crown in the air; it looked like silver vines with tiny stars dancing amongst them, "By thy light, thy courage, thy wit, and thy queen, I, Cordelia Dragonheart of the House of Pendragon, place thou crown of silver upon thy head, my Lady."

Together they placed the crowns upon Lancelot and Emogen's brows, and stepped back.

Merlin raised his hands once more and said powerfully, "Do you swear to protect thee people, be fair and just, and always be willing to lend thy ear to one lower than thee?"

Both nodded and, "We do."

Merlin smiled and said, "Then, let the celebrations being!"