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The finest wines and the richest ale swirled, and it seemed the festivities would never end. The future seemed bright; still there was some doubt in the heart of the old sorcerer. He stood, silently, not wishing to gather much attention. He would rather they strain to hear him.

"Artorius, I give to you today, a gift," he began softly, though the strength in his voice still present.

Silence quickly fell over the spectators. A slight fear present but they clustered regardless, trying to get closer to the bearded man.

"We stand at the beginning of a new era. An era not that of Rome, nor Woad, but of a united Briton. Of long sought after peace, of fair rule, of freedom. To ensure this new land's survival, I give to you something you lost many years ago. I return her now, with hope she will bring you luck and perhaps save you from dangers the Goddess wishes to protect you from. I return to you Morgaine."

He stepped back, revealing her. And only moments of silence followed.

In years to come, what people would remember most of that day was when they first set eyes upon Morgaine le Fey. A look of reverie would sweep their face, and they would recall how it seemed nature herself had crafted a woman. Her skin lightly tanned and exuding a slight glow. Her hair was thick and a rich brown, describable only by reference to the deep forests which covered the land. It curled in perfect ringlets across her breasts. And her eyes, even those in the distance would describe as greener than pastures of Isle itself. And piercing, like they saw into the soul of every villager that day. Perhaps her features individually were not beautiful, and even at first glance she was not beautiful like their newly crowned queen but she was poised. And she was mysterious. She was not a warrior, nor a worker, though she did not look arrogant or brass. Still, her stance was that of power and self assurance. She stood before them as a contradiction in every form.

There was simply something about her which would be indescribable, even years later.

Arthur stepped forward, his eyes filled with tears and she gave a half smile. She looked still so young before him while he felt he had aged lifetimes in their separation.

They hugged, with some hesitancy. They had not seen each other in years, and they were very different people today than they were then.

"For 10 years, your sister shall bless this kingdom Arthur. Then she shall return to her sisters in Avalon. But these 10 years you will have her gift of sight and she shall protect you from the evils which remain. May you and your children be blessed Arthur."

Merlin took his leave. The land had found its leader and an uneasy but steadfast truce had been made between his people and the foreign settlers. The mortal world no longer needed his guidance. The rest of his days would be devoted to the perseverance of the Goddess.

And with that the festivities did end for no one wanted to forget the words the wizard had just spoken. It would a story their children and their children after them would need to know.

Arthur took Morgaine's hand and led her towards the knights and his new wife. Like they were his family, she was their family now as well.

She hesitated, if only for a moment, unsure of whether she was ready for challenges she would face in the coming ten years. She saw flashes of what was to come. The Goddess wished to show her what she would be asked to sacrafice. She would not be the same woman at the end of this journey. She could not comprehend this change for her life was the Goddess. That would never change. And yet the Goddess questioned her devotion.

It seemed absurd. She was only faithful to the Goddess, no amount of time or distance could change that fact. Her life was bound to only the Goddess.

Her eyes scanned the horizon where the distant sun was finally setting. A man stood at the top of the hill, his arm in a sling, the sun burning his outline in the ever darkening skyline. Simply from the way he stood she could tell he had been through much, his shoulders sagged slightly as though they had too much to bear.

Their eyes met for a moment and Morgaine knew in an instant it was the man Merlin had spoke of. He was saved from the edge of death. It was the desire of the Goddess he survive the battle, even if his life was supposed to end during the fight to save Briton.

He was trusted like a brother by Arthur, a man Arthur could make no decision without. Yes, Camelot could not survive without him by the King's side. And the survival of Camelot meant the survival of the Goddess, that much Merlin had told her.

So much hung in the balance, so easily it could all be lost.

She looked back to the woods where she could see the retreating figures of Merlin and the Woads. A deep sadness slowly filling her, she had never imagined she'd be separated from them, from the Goddess, this way.

But this was her path now and she would have to walk it for as long as the Goddess demanded.