Chapter 15 [Next Morning]

[Merlin and Mithian's Bedchamber]

Merlin considered Wardrobe's offerings. Unlike on most days, Serendipity did not guide his hand toward the first garment that caught his eye. On the contrary, Indecision kept his eyes bouncing back and forth between certain things. Rodor and Arthur finalized their treaty. He and Mithian watched the two kings codify Arthur's land grant. Arthur confirmed his attendance at the next month's summit. Discussions about Merlin's tavern idea focused on the north and south roads over the Severn.

Arthur listened. Maybe this can work! Merlin picked out his emerald robes. Emerald for Nemeth. King Rodor will appreciate this robe. He stepped behind Changing Screen to dress.

Father will appreciate anything you wear, Merlin. Mithian sat up in bed. She rubbed her eyes. Yesterday was a great day for Nemeth.

For Nemeth, Camelot and the rest of Britannia. His hands smoothed Wrinkles from robes. Habit wanted old brown coat, blue top and neckerchief. Transition, however, demanded formal wear. "I still cannot believe it. Arthur accepted my magic! He accepted it! It is just so…so…weird!" Disbelief numbed his thinking.

"It is strange, Merlin. Whatever the reason, King Arthur is willing to listen. Let us not question the blessing. I think your influence played a part, my Prince." She pulled on her robe. "King Arthur knows you used magic around him and the knights. He can ask Sir Gawain. Your tavern plan has his attention. You held your own against him. Several times, King Arthur tried to draw you into your old role. You kept your resolve and acted as a Prince. I am very proud of you." She walked over to her wardrobe. "I believe my lavender gown will serve today." She took said dress behind her own Changing Screen.

"Oh you do? And what if the rouge one would serve the kingdom better?" Merlin snarked.

Snort escaped her lips. "You believe so, my Prince?" She swapped night gown for lavender gown. She came out from behind the screen. "Can you secure the back please? I do not know where Jocelyn is this morning."

"It will be all right. We can eat with King Rodor." His hands secured the dress' back. "I could brush your hair too. I used to do so for Gwen…Queen Guinevere…once in a while."

Appreciation sparkled in her eyes. "Well, my Prince, you do have your surprises! Of course, you still have a few rough edges too." Smirk spread across her face. "Let's see how you do with my hair."

He set to work. His finger slid through her smooth chocolate locks.

Even if he was the Prince, he loved serving his Princess….

[Upper Town Plaza—Outside of Nemeth's Citadel—A Turn of the Hourglass Later]

Arthur stepped out of Citadel's front entry. He'd enjoyed Rodor's hospitality. Productivity insured that Alliance's foundation would rest on solid footing. Unlike Uther, he understood Rodor's thinking in many regards. Rolled Parchment Copy bore Treaty's terms. Now, Hope pressed for Merlin's ideas to blossom…

Merlin…

Arthur shook his head. During Merlin's time in Camelot, Growth and Transformation turned him from Country Bumpkin to Loyal Castellan, Servant Extraordinaire (although Arthur would never admit to that) and Confidant (except when it came to holes in his belt). He'd taken Merlin's knack for detail and efficiency for granted. He'd come to admire Merlin's bravery on the battlefield. He could've pinned it all on Merlin's magic. It would've been easy to do so…

…except the magic was a tool not the tail wagging the dog so to speak…

He actually is wise? Eyebrow arched. Frown contorted Arthur's face. The tripping over the chamber pots was an act. Unbelievable! Why did I not knight him? He could have been a great councilor or my High Chancellor. At least, he is blossoming under Rodor's and Mithian's tutelage. That's saying something. He descended the stairs. Much to his surprise, the courtiers were not out front.

Gawain waited with Arthur's horse. "Hey! Look who I found!" Mischief's smirk spread across his face. "Seems to be kind of lonely with you, Arthur." He led the horse over toward his former liege.

"I imagine he would be." Arthur accepted the reins from Gawain. "Thank you. I'm glad you accepted my apology, Gawain. As I said last night, Princess Josiane, Boeve and you are welcome in Camelot any time. It's good to see that Nemeth agrees with you." He extended his hand.

Gawain shook the offered hand. "It's not bad. Guy's got plenty of food, chance to serve and a tavern nearby. What else does he need?" Shrug emphasized his point. Grin spread across his face. "Seriously, thanks for pardoning Josie. I didn't want to have to fight you over that." Seriousness' pall came over his face.

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I'd win again."

"Oh yeah. You just keep telling yourself that, Princess." Gawain nodded that particular notion off. "Let's just leave it at that toast from last night."

"That sounds good to me. I might not have to tell the lady. Merlin and Princess Mithian were telling me about Britomart. She sounds really good for you." Arthur inspected his horse and saddle. Surprise prompted a nod.

Snort came from Gawain. "Brit's kind of grows on you. She means well. She just gets under your skin. Nag, nag, nag. She wants to come home after a fight instead of going to the tavern. She wants a home instead of adventure. She…"

"She sounds like what you need. Gwen would agree, I'm sure." Arthur released a deep breath. His heart tugged him back toward Camelot. He tucked the treaty into his saddle bag. Desire warmed him for a few heartbeats.

"Hope she's doing great. We really didn't have much of a chance to say good bye at Hampton." Gawain raised his eyebrows toward Arthur. "She's coming next month, right? We'd like to see her."

"We'll both be here. She'd like to see everyone. Besides, we have to hear everyone's opinion on these matters." Arthur looked around. "Speaking of seeing everyone, where's Percival?"

"Percy's with Blanche." Gawain rolled his eyes at that thought. "They'll be here for Solstice." He pointed toward the stairs. "They're waiting." He managed a bow in that direction.

Arthur somehow kept a straight face. He knew how hard Protocol could be for Gawain. He rubbed the other knight's shoulder. "As I said, Britomart's good for you. I suggested to King Rodor and Princess Mithian that he could do the marriage over Solstice as well. Everyone will be here." Smirk now appeared on his face as well.

"Sure, Your Worship. Hit a guy when he's down." Gawain made a face at that notion. Still, his heart skipped a beat at it as well. Change was coming whether he liked it or not.

"Marriage is not all bad. You'll learn that." Arthur coughed at those words too. He could almost feel the teasing interjection brewing in Merlin's head over it. He walked back over toward his hosts. "King Rodor, thank you for the hospitality and your help. I trust that our treaty marks a new beginning." He extended his hand.

"As do I, King Arthur." Rodor shook the outstretched hand. "I am glad for you in so many ways. Given your change in mindset, it is Nemeth's pleasure to stand beside you. Thank you for resolving that old feud. I hope you continue down a fruitful path. Until next month then. Best regards to Queen Guinevere and your subjects."

"Thank you." Arthur offered the Royal Nod. He turned to Mithian. "Best wishes, Princess. It's good to see you with someone at last. Best wishes." He raised her hand. His lips pressed Respect's stamp upon her bare knuckles. "Watch out for Prince Merlin."

Mithian relaxed. As with Merlin, Hope wanted the best but she'd steeled herself for Potential Relapse's barbs. "I will as we do our subjects, King Arthur. Prince Merlin, as you know, has a great deal to offer and more potential still. I know he will do our kingdoms proud. I am glad that you want to stand together with us. My best to Queen Guinevere. Please tell her we await her with a full welcome." Smile and twinkle in her eyes added yet more to her words.

"I will." Arthur nodded to her. He walked over to Merlin next. "And Prince Merlin…you know the robes actually suit you." He inspected his former chamberlain. "How I wish I had seen this side of you more often in Camelot." He resisted the urge to go on and on. (He didn't want to seem like a girl, you know.) "Pay attention to what King Rodor and Princess Mithian say and do. Follow their lead. They're good role models. I am looking forward to hearing more of this tavern idea of yours. Take care of Gaius, your mother and Princess Mithian. Watch out for King Rodor. As I told him, I hope our treaty and the last couple of days marks a new beginning for us."

"So do I, Sire." Merlin offered the Royal Nod to Arthur. He glanced to Rodor and received a nod back in return. "Hug?" Grin and Mischief lit up his face.

Arthur recognized his old manservant in that heartbeat. Somehow, he didn't roll his eyes. Restraint held back old barbs. "Aye." He embraced Merlin for Brotherhood's sake. Although he'd never admit it to anyone else, he felt a part of himself missing at that point. He missed Gwen. He didn't miss George.

Mithian leaned close to Rodor. Mist and Relief's Dew wet her eyes. Through their shared link, she felt Friendship's continued rebirth between Camelot's King and her Prince. "This is a blessing."

"Aye, Daughter." Rodor patted her hand. Diplomacy benefitted from such exchanges. Still, for Merlin, he knew Inner Peace would accompany the gesture. For both King and Prince, Transition shifted them still further toward future roles. Alliance grew from Brotherhood's bond. "As I said, may his new thinking progress in this fashion."

Meantime, Arthur leaned close to Merlin. While said hug had its purpose, it ran overly long. "Merlin, come on. You're acting like a girl."

Off to the side, Mithian somehow kept a straight face. She cleared her throat.

Cough covered Merlin's laugh. "Okay." He released Arthur from said embrace and took a step back. Prince's role took over once again. "Have a good trip back. All the best to Queen Guinevere."

Merlin nodded. "Thank you, Prince Merlin." Recognition took in Merlin's shift from Friend to Royal. Lessons, it seemed, had taken root already. "Perhaps you might see me to the border?"

"We have arranged for your escort." Rodor pointed toward the arch at Plaza's far end.

Tintagel's best knight rode into view. Formation held their ranks closely together. Accolon and Morgana remained in their center. Just in front of Citadel's stairs and not far from Arthur's horse, the knights allowed their rulers to ride ahead.

"King Accolon!" Arthur greeted. Enthusiasm hustled him toward his brother-in-arms and fellow ruler. "This is a surprise! I expected that priestess. Nimue?"

"Aye. She was supposed to be here. The goddess requested that Queen Morgana and I serve that role for today. Besides, we wanted to offer our congratulations on the treaty between Camelot and Nemeth." Accolon clasped hands with Arthur. "Perhaps you might extend that to Tintagel as well?"

"I would but there are…concerns. Forgive me, King Accolon." Arthur let his eyes drift toward Morgana. Then, he looked at Accolon once more. His throat cleared.

Morgana kept her expression neutral. She dismounted from her horse. She shook her head ever so much at Merlin and Mithian. Resentment and Consternation frothed under the surface. "Tintagel and Camelot are at peace, Dear Brother. Such attitudes do not help that." Royal Nod conveyed Respect's Protocol. "You do realize that I stepped down from Camelot's throne in your favor? King Accolon and the triple goddess required that measure from me. I did so and I am glad. I share rule with my King. We rule a fairly tolerant kingdom. I know people do not trust me. I have to earn that back because of my previous outlook. I am trying to do so. I have my throne and what I desire in Tintagel. I do not desire Camelot's throne. That is for Gwen and you. For all of our subjects, I request that you accept our offer." She shot Arthur Purpose's look.

Merlin somehow didn't facepalm. Mask of State covered over Grimace. Morgana, I am sorry. I thought….

It is all right, Merlin. Arthur's being Arthur. I will not give him an opportunity to ruin the moment. I deserve some of it at least. Morgana acknowledged his gesture with a nod.

Accolon dismounted. He set his jaw. "King Arthur, do you remember what we spoke of in Paris?"

Arthur nodded. "Aye. I do. You know what my concerns are about." Admittedly, he wasn't prepared to face Morgana on that particular day. Rather, Soul Searching and Introspection were to be the next month's fodder. Memoria recalled Good Times and Bad Times from their past. He wanted the old Morgana back…the person prior to her disappearance and fall into the sorcerers' clutches.

Accolon shook his head. "Then, your memory is short. Queen Morgana took my proposal. She agreed to the goddess' terms. She no longer wants to conquer Camelot. She and I are healing the divides in our own realm. We are bringing our fathers' followers to the peace table. We are making one kingdom for everyone. In some ways, we follow your example. In others, you should follow ours. You should look to our host, King Rodor. Perhaps Queen Elena and the Amazons would serve as another example? We will see them here on the next moon." He offered Royal Nod to Rodor.

"You made that promise?" Surprise jarred Arthur. He remembered Nimue's and the goddess' presences from their encounter. While Skepticism remained, he knew that Morgana would hold such vows dear.

"Aye. I did." Morgana glowered at Arthur. "I am what King Accolon and I are saying I am. I want peace. I want unity. I am not asking for instant forgiveness! I am not asking for myself! I ask for King Accolon and our subjects! Surely that must mean something!"

Rodor stepped forward. "King Arthur, I would ask you to consider Queen Morgana's efforts in that regard. Do you think I would deal with Tintagel if I did not trust King Accolon or Queen Morgana? I do trust them. Perhaps, you should consider the changes she attempts to make in that regard?"

Arthur ground his teeth. He could see Rodor's faith in Morgana. Alliance needed Tintagel for its survival. "King Accolon, I know you are a man of your word. Nemeth, Tintagel and Camelot need each other. While I do not follow your goddess, I know that Morgana and you do. A promise made to her holds weight for you both. If you are still willing, I would reconsider my answer. This has been a week for apologies for me. I would offer one to you both."

"King Accolon, as a favor to me, will you?" Rodor looked to both men and Queen Morgana. Hope hung in the balance for Fledgling Peace. Purpose set itself in his eyes.

Arthur, Morgana, please! Merlin gnashed his teeth.

You are fortunate, Merlin. I am in the mood to work with Rodor, Mithian and you. Morgana strode over to Accolon's side. "I am in the mood to accept King Arthur's apology. King Rodor is correct."

Accolon turned to his wife. He touched foreheads with her. "Your mercy and service to our people and the goddess inspires me, Morgana. Very well. I would have peace between Camelot, Nemeth and Tintagel. Perhaps, we can renegotiate the treaty to include all three of our kingdoms?"

"Aye. King Rodor?" Morgana looked to their host.

"Aye. I believe we can manage that. Everyone, follow us back inside. Lord Blumenwald will revise the documents. Then, we can sign them." Rodor led everyone back toward the throne chamber.

And just like that, Disaster averted…