Thank you very much for reading. I hope that you like the new chapter. I also really hope that the story hasn't been too boring lately. I know there's been a lot of talking, but there will be more action coming up. This had been setting the groundwork for that. So, I hope it'll be worth it.

It was not long after the sun had risen into the sky that the king and future queen of Camelot meet with the king's sister and their most trusted friend to talk over what had been learned from Morgana's visit to Avalon. That she was not the only one that had visited the isle was of course not known to the king or future queen. Merlin however was still present for the conversation as he was, though Arthur would never admit it, especially not to Merlin himself, the person closest to him that he knew would always be honest with him. That offered him advice and support like a brother. Arthur never said anything to confirm this, he didn't feel that he had too. After all these years it went without saying. At least he hoped that it did.

A formal atmosphere came over the king's chambers as he sat at his desk, Gwen standing on his right and Morgana sitting across the table form him. Merlin stood a little apart from the group to the left of Arthur and the right of Morgana, just in front of the unlit fireplace.

Morgana was the first to truly speak after they all greeted each other. After all she was the only one that could tell the news. "I was called to Avalon because Caelia the ruler of Avalon and the protector of the source of magic has chosen to move on."

"Move on." Arthur asked.

Morgana could find no better way to explain it, not fully understanding it herself so she just nodded and repeated herself. She then paused as she thought over what she had to say next. It was the part that she had been both dreaded telling Arthur and Gwen, but also couldn't wait to share with them.

"She asked me to take over. To rule Avalon."

There it was the fact that Merlin and Morgana hadn't said aloud since Caelia had made her choice two days ago. It had stood like a large chasm between, appearing just when they seemed to be finding a way to be around each other after years of distance. Morgana didn't understand why Merlin had shut himself off from any attempt she made to talk to him about the issue or anything else. She had believed that he was not greatly, truly interested in ruling Avalon. She had to almost beg him to just go with her in the first place. Things had changed since they got there, but she didn't think that much. It could not be jealousy that affected him, but she couldn't understand what it was. Surely, he wasn't going to miss her. There could be only one reason that made sense and it angered her.

She couldn't focus on that now, she had to make sure that she explained herself clearly. Arthur and Gwen had to understand. That if she did leave, she didn't know herself yet what she was going to do. She had thought that being back here would have helped her make the right choice, but she was even more confused than she had been before. To her great surprise she found that if she did choose to leave it was not for lake of belonging here. Not anymore. Whatever happened she had to make sure that Arthur and Gwen knew that. That they were her family and they had made this place feel like a home to her for the first time in her life.

Merlin forced himself not to look at Morgana after she spoke. He had been avoiding making any eye contact or any kind of interaction with her. Afrid that he would give himself away. Betray that he knew what she was going to say before she said it. He had to look at her in shook now, but if he over acted, he would give himself away just as easily. It was a delicate balancing act that he had to play perfectly. When he met her eye, he couldn't look away. For maybe the first time in all the years that he had known her, he saw Morgana look nervous. His body twitched wanting to move, to say or do something but Arthur beat him to it.

"And what was your answer." His words could have sounded harsh, but Morgana could tell that he was doing his best to keep a neutral tone. Didn't want to give away what he was thinking, how he was feeling. Morgana hoped that whatever he felt it was not betrayal. That was the last thing she wanted him to feel.

"I haven't given it yet." Morgana rushed out.

Seeing the tension in Arthur relax Gwen placed a supportive hand on his shoulder as she gave Morgana a warm smile. Trying not to make her feel guilty.

"When do you, do you have to give-"

"I don't know. Caelia was vague."

"So, you have time." Merlin but in before anyone could say anything further. Earning a brief smile form Morgana, that did not make his heart skip a beat.

"Yes, I have time." Morgana said as she stood up and walked towards the table that separated her and her brother and his future wife. "I thought I knew what my answer would be, before she asked. But I didn't not then in Avalon and certainly not here now." Arthur relaxed further as he leaned back in his chair. "What you are building here." She looked around at Merlin, including him too. "I believe in that; I want to be a part of..." To her surprise Her voice wobbled.

Before she was able to get another word out Gwen was around the table and by her side, pulling her into a warm embrace. Arthur not far behind. Placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You are a part of it." He confidently sated, before added in a quitter voice. "Wherever you are."

Merlin wasn't sure what he should do now. He felt both a part of what was going on and on the outside of it. He caught Gwen's eye, and she gave him a look that let him know exactly where he stood, and it was not where he literally stood right then.

Growing uncomfortable with her show of vulnerability and openness Morgana gently shrugged off the embrace and placed a smile on her face. "We have more pressing things to talk about." She said putting a pause on the conversation.

Arthur nodded as he placed his arm around Gwen's shoulder pulling her to his side further. "That we do."

The conversation then flowed more easily as Morgana and Merlin were updated on the plans for the wedding. The guests that had already arrived, those that were still to come and those that had declined the invitation. Only a handful of people fell into that category. Doing so reluctantly due to issues that required their attention or illness, not due to anything against the wedding itself or Camelot. It seemed none of the other king's or lords of Albine had anything against a king marrying a former maid and blacksmiths daughter. That she was the sister of a knight of Camelot may have something to do with that, but Arthur didn't think anyone really carried as much as he feared they would.

The one absence from the wedding that would be hard to ignore was the father of the king and groom. Uther would not be attending the wedding. He had written his son a long letter. Telling him how proud he was of him and the new direction that he was taking the kingdom in. He didn't make any comment about Arthur's changing of the law regarding magic. Arthur took that as a victory in a way. That his father had moved on from his anger and distrust to find some kind of peace in his later years. The former king did write about his future daughter in law. He told Arthur that she was a fine woman of great loyalty and kindness. She would make a fine queen for the new age of Camelot. More importantly she would be a good wife for Arthur. Someone that he could always trust to stay by his side and support him. Uther would not attend the wedding as he didn't want to cast a shadow over the joyous proceedings. That fact that now that he had stopped living in the past and allowed himself to live in the moment the years had caught up with the old king. The journey from his estate to the city of Camelot was not a long one. It could be done in a day if he left early enough in the morning and was comfortable arriving after nigh had fallen. He just didn't want to face it.

Two days before Merlin and Morgana returned Arthur had sent his response to his father's latter. He expressed his disappointment that his father would not be with him on such a momentous day in his life, but he understood. He understood all the reasons Uther gave for not coming and the ones that he did not. Though it made him sad he knew that it was not done out of any maliciousness on his father's part. He also felt deep down a little relieved and just glad that they were on good terms. He saw that same relief in Gwen's eyes when he told her, and he saw it again now when he told Morgana. He was glad they were all on the same page.

When all the news, that they could share had been they parted ways to go about their tasks for the day. Merlin was the first to leave saying he had promised to help Gaius clean and declutter their rooms. Morgana didn't believe him. She was sure he was avoiding her. Looking at Arthur and Gwen she saw that they didn't quit believe him either but didn't press the issue.

Arthur moved to leave next. There was to be an informal meeting with some of the visiting lords and kings and queens that he and Gwen as hosts had to attended. No matter how tedious it may be. Stopping as they stepped out of his chambers and spoke to Morgana.

"They should be at the training grounds; He'll be pleased to see you've returned." It was not clear to Morgana who Arthur was talking about.

Gwen moved to follow Arthur down the corridor, but she stopped and turned, pulling Morgana into another hug. As she pulled back, she met Morgana's eyes.

"You will make a great queen."

At first Morgana was speechless. Quickly though her reply was clear. "So will you."

Having the good manners to blush a little at such a flattering statement Gwen shock her head a little not fully believing her but wanting to. "I'll try to be."

She moved to leave, feeling uncomfortable with the praise. Morgana reached out and took hold of Gwen's arm. "You don't have to try Gwen." She said with such certainty that Gwen could not help but begin to believe it herself. After all Morgana had seen visions of the future.

Once left alone in the corridor Morgana turned her attention back to what Arthur had said. More specifically who he was talking about. With a racing heart she moved towards the nearest window, which fortunately had a view of the training grounds. Before she reached the window fully, she could make out the tops of the tents and bunting that had been erected for the wedding celebrations. This left little ground on the training grounds for actual training. Most of the knights she was sure would welcome this break in their schedule. Some she was sure would be greatly distressed by the disruption to the schedule. Leon most likely and Mordred, purely as she felt sure he would want to close the gap in skill and knowledge between him and the other knights as quickly as possible.

Letting out the breath she had been holding Morgana looked down at the wedding set up and the small space of land to the side that remained of the training ground. Where Elyan and Mordred were practicing their swordplay. They parried and thrust at each other attacking and blocking at a steady pace, but with no force behind their moves. This was about building mussel memory. That they hoped to rely on in the future. When they had to trust in it, in their instincts to save their lives when they had no time to think about their next move.

Having nothing else to occupy her time Morgana made her way out of the castle. Holding back as she drew closer to the training knights. She didn't want to interrupt their training. She knew how important this was to Mordred. Most likely she was overestimating her own importance, but she never wanted to give Mordred the idea that she disapproved or was unhappy with the choice he had made. She worried interrupting his training may give that impression. Stooping in the shadow of a large red tent that in a few days' time would be filled with joyous people, she began to doubt herself.

"The wandering princess returns."

A warm voice called out from behind her, drawing her attention and that of the young knight and knight in training. It was a voice she knew well and was pleased to hear such warmth in that it brought a smile to her face as she turned to face him. Despite him giving her presence away.

"I was told there was a wedding I shouldn't miss." She said feigning dubiousness. "But I haven't seen any sign." Morgana opened her arms in a wide gesture at the wedding accoutrement around them.

"It's a subtle affair." Gwaine agreed. "I'm glad you made it back." He added in a lower voice.

Morgana glad of the distraction, glanced over at the Mordred and Elyan walking towards them. Having heard Gwaine greeting her. "I wouldn't miss it." Mordred was now by her side pulling her into a hug. "I hear it is not the only momentous event taking place. Camelot is to have a new knight I believe." She kept a hand on the young man's shoulder so she could look him in the eye and let him know how happy she was for him.

"There is still a long way to go-"

"He's feeling modest." Gwaine cut in. "Mordred is the finest tracker in Camelot." Slapping the blushing man's back.

"I'm not surprised." Morgana agreed. Mordred had grown up knowing how to track and catch his own food. Not just form himself but for others as well.

Eylan also stepped in to complement his newest friend on how quickly he had taken to the sword. Mordred blushed further and wished that he could remember the words that may make the ground below him open up and swallow him. Sensing his discomfort Gwaine quickly informed them that lunch was about to be served for the knights in the kitchen. Eylan didn't have to be told twice. Mordred looked in two minds. He was hungry and knew form past experience that if he did not get there early enough then there would be no food left, but he also wanted to talk to Morgana. He could tell that she had a lot to tell him. As if reading his mind, his confusion the older knight reassured his youngest brother that he would save some food for him.

As the two knights moved to return to the castle, Morgana met Gwaine's eyes. Smiling she mouthed a thank you. To which he mouthed one word in return.

When they were alone Morgana took in fully how Mordred had changed in just the short time he had been here. He was at least two inches taller, and his shoulders were broader. His eyes that had always seemed too large for his face. Now they were in proportion as his cheek, now rosy, no longer looked shrunken as he was getting three good meals a day to fuel him for his training and duties. There was also a brightness to his eyes as well that she didn't think she had seen before. It had worried her how he would feel once the novelty wore off and the work of being a knight began. But he seemed to be thriving. She was sure that he missed Kara, but he seemed to be able to focus on making the live he wanted here. There was no doubt that he hoped to find Kara once he felt more settled here. Hoped she would change her mind once she saw the life he had built here. Morgana hoped too that that would be the case. He deserved that and much more.

"You've grown."

"I've been taller than you for a while now." Mordred clarified in a teasing tone.

Morgana nodded. "I'm glad to see you happy."

"Are you."

Morgana was taken aback by his direct question. "I think so." She eventually settled on.

"Good."

They had begun to walk slowly around the brightly colored tents. Morgana was waiting for Mordred to ask her about Avalon, about what it was like. What they had learned. Mordred seemed uninterested, hesitant to bring up the subject. So, she would have to do it, but she too felt hesitant to do so. The only thing to do was be direct.

"We were asked to go, you as well because one of us would be chosen to rule Avalon."

Mordred stopped walking. He knew what was coming. "They asked you." Morgana nodded. "What did you say."

"Nothing. I have time. A wedding and a new knight celebration-"

"What will you say." He pressed cutting her off. Wanting, needing an answer.

"I don't know." Mordred looked at her unconvinced. "I thought I would, but I don't."

Mordred took in a deep breath. "You don't have to stay for me."

"What."

"You don't have to protect me, look out for me."

"I know."

"I can do so myself."

"And you have brothers to have your back now." Morgana began to walk on again, Mordred fallowed. "I would be lying if I said that your presence here doesn't make it more appealing, but it will not determine my choice."

Mordred nodded but didn't seem overly convinced. "What of Gwaine, dose he affect your decision."

"No." Morgana answered, but felt she had to explain. "He is one of the bravest men I have ever known, and I am glad he will be your brother. I care about him. I always will, but it never would work. Expectations we didn't want to live up. There is no ill will I wish him the best and will always be his friend and I hope he feels the same."

"He does." Mordred said as he placed a hand on Morgana's shoulder. Feeling a like guilty for bring the subject up when he was sure she didn't want to talk about it, but he needed to know where things stood.

Morgana had hoped that they would avoid this subject but understood how it came up. Mordred had grown close to the older knight. He was the one that took the most interest in his training and helped him find his footing. As he had brought up a tentative subject Morgana felt she could do the same. It was a risk, he may clam up and not want to talk, but she had to try.

"I know your happy here and I am glad, but what of Kara." While she had never met the young women, she felt she could tell all that she needed to know by how much Mordred cared for her.

"I haven't given up." He said with great conviction.

Hesitantly Morgana spoke. "Sometimes you have no choice-"

"No, I know I can't force her to live her, I won't. I still believe that there is a chance, that it's not over." He did his best to keep his voice even, from growing in pitch.

Anything she said may cause him pain, so she treaded carefully. "I hope that your right. I truly do."

"I hope you will know that kind of love someday." He said and then regrated it.

Morgana offered a tight smile without showing any teeth.

"What of Merlin. I can't imagine him leaving Camelot." Mordred said, hoping to change the subject.

"Neither can I." Morgana said coming that realization for the first time. "I don't know what he'll do."

They walked on in silence for a while enjoying the peace after a busy couple of days and the warm spring weather. Without planning it they were heading towards the palace.

"Did you find Morgause." He eventually asked as they reached the castle.

"No." Morgana said in almost a whisper. "She's not there, but I know what happened to her. That I was able to kill the person that took her from me."

He could her in her voice the sadness she fought back and the conviction she had that she had found her own form of justice to the situation. So, he left it at that, didn't pry further. Her head still spinning a little from all that had talked about Morgana encouraged Mordred to go and get his lunch. there was no telling how much longer Gwaine could keep his food for him. Feeling a little bad about leaving her Mordred hesitated, but Morgana waved of his concern and parted ways with him to return to her chambers. She had much to think over.

I hope that you liked the new chapter and the choice of who was asked to rule Avalon and that it wasn't so easy to tell who it would be.

This part of the story will have a more linear feel as opposed to the more episodic feel of the two previous parts. There are two main events that this part is built around. Hope that change isn't off putting. The wedding is coming up and that is a large part of the first main event. I am looking forward to writing it, but I would love your input as someone who was pretty neutral on the Arthur/Gwen relationship on what you would like to see in the wedding.

Alos which characters or relationships that you would like to see more of.

As this is the last part I would also love to know if there are any parts of the story that you feel haven't been revolved or addressed properly before the story ends.

As always, any comments, feedback or ideas are very welcome. They mean such a lot and I love to hear from you.