Thank you for reading. Hope that you like the new chapter.

I feel the pace of this part of the story it slower than the previous two, and I want to apologize for that. Also to reassure everyone that there is a lot of action coming up.

Slight spoilers, if the story feels like it's dragging, I have two major battles planned and significant changes to characters and their relationships coming up. That I hope you'll like and find interesting.

For the rest of the day Camelot was a city of two dramatically different halves. Though a section of the city didn't attended the wedding. The majority of the city where the citizens lived was like a ghost town. Made up of empty, silent streets. harsh shadows with patches of harsh light. The other half was crowed, filled with noise and bathed in bright warm light. The celebrations lasted into the night and for a small group into the early morning, just as the sun began to rise again.

The couple at the heart of all of it all seemed glide through the crowed, Smiling and engaging with their guests. From the other king and queens to the carpenters and weavers of the city. They made everyone they meet feel welcome, feel seen. With so many people that was no small feat. As much as they enjoyed interacting with people they would never have the chance to under normal circumstances. They didn't get any time to stop and take in everything. They viewed the day through a small window. Only able to see small parts, one at a time. It gave them a stronger feeling of unity. Taking on the worlds together. The magnitude and significance of the day to everyone but them seemed lost on them. Excitement and adrenaline got them through most of the day. The food and drink invigorated them enough to get through the next few hours. By the time the sun had set and over half of the crowd, mostly those with young children left, they began to lag again. Their joy could only get them so far after that. Eventually they too left. Saying goodnight to the group of people that they truly wanted to spend such a special day with.

The next day they would leave early in the afternoon to stay for a few days in the estate of a lord and lady that attended the wedding and who had a young daughters in the court of Camelot. They could visit with her while the young couple had sometime to themselves before they became the property of their people. The estate was a few miles from the nearest village and had a few acres of land that were many used for farming. There was also a small lake at the edge of the estate. Arthur had brought up the idea that he might like to try his hand at fishing while they were there. Gwen had tried to be supportive, but the idea of Arthur waist deep in a cold lake. Having to stay still and be patient as he waited to get a bite, made her smile and fight back a laugh. He pretended to be hurt but she knew he was only pocking fun. He had no real interest in fishing. The idea of it he could understand, why some people might find it relaxing and even enjoyable, but it was not for him.

None of the court or visiting guests waited for the newlyweds to join them for breakfast in the great hall. The kitchen staff were a little slower in getting the food to the them, but as most arrived in the great hall later than normal no one really noticed. Eventfully the couple did join their guests and had the chance to have more of a real conversation with some of them. The mood in the great hall that morning was one of quite contentment.

Once most of the food had been eaten and started to be cleared away the guests began to leave the table. Some of them starting to ready themselves for their journey home. Gwen too left to finish packing herself. As Arthur left he stopped by Morgana chair a few down from his. Leaning down he loudly whispered that he would like to speak with her before he left. She moved to stand, but he told her to finish her breakfast first. Not feeling very hungry and a little fragile from the day before she shook her head and stood to follow him.

For a brief moment as she followed her brother Morgana felt like she was a child again. Being brought to the kings chambers to be told off for going out riding without telling anyone, fighting with Arthur or speaking back to her teachers. A quick glance to her brother next to her and she knew that was not the case.

Arthur was surprisingly quite. It made Morgana grow a little anxious. He had been chattering none stop since the ceremony the day before. Why had he gone quite all of a sudden. Sensing his sisters nervousness Arthur placed a hand around her shoulder as they stepped into his formal chambers.

"You needn't be nervous." He reassured as he removed his arm and stepped in front of her.

"What is this about." She questioned as they moved into the center of the room. Doing her best to sound confident and a little irritated.

Turning to face her Arthur looked happy deeply happy and comforting, but possibly a little sad. He shouldn't look sad. Not on the day after his wedding. What possible could make him seem even a little sad after that.

"You have to go."

"What-" She said, panic clear in her voice.

Arthur stepped towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders. In what he hoped was a reassuring gesture. A Smile on his face. "Not like that."

Truly irritated now, Morgana tried to step out of his hold, but he held firm.

"You have to go to Avalon." She was about to speak though she didn't know what words would come out, but Arthur cut her off again. "You'll regret it if you don't."

She didn't have anything to say. Nearly everyone close to her had made a similar comment. Encouraging her to make the change. Every time they had it made her feel more sure about the choice that she had made the moment she had been chosen. Maybe from the moment she arrived in Avalon, but had not let herself admit. Not even to herself. Hearing it put so plainly by Arthur made it finally truly hit her. It was his option of what she choose that mattered the most to her. Not that she would inflate his ego by saying that. He was the only blood family she had left, he was the one she had to work with to improve things for people like her. He couldn't think she was abandoning him or Camelot. He had to understand and support her choice. All she could do now that she had that was give a slight nod and step forwards to hug her brother. Wrapping her arms around his chest.

Returning the hug he gave a quick kiss to the top of her head. Looking over her head he saw Gwen standing in the doorway. Looking as conflicted as they all felt. She knew it was the right choice. That as she had said to Merlin so long ago, that it almost felt like another life, some people are just born to be queen. Morgana was one of those people. She Knew it then and knew it now. It was in no way the way she had expected it, but it felt right.

The new queen would miss her oldest friend, now sister, but she knew that she had to take the opportunity that was presented to her. So much good could be done if she did and the kingdoms of Camelot and Avalon worked together. As she entered the room and placed a hand on Morgana's shoulder, altering her to her presence. Gwen realized that in someway or another she had been missing her friend for such a long time. Missing the person she had been, the person that she thought she was. It felt that she was finally getting her back and truly getting to she her as who she really was and be seen by her to. childishly she also realized that she had been hoping that she would have Morgana's help as she took on her new role. Of course to anyone but herself it was clear that Gwen needed no help in fulfilling her role queen. After all as she said herself, some people are just born to be queen. Even if they didn't see it themselves.

Now that the choice had been made, spoken out loud there was no reason to waist anymore time. Dragging it out would just give more time to dwell of sadness and not on the possibilists that lay ahead. So Morgana packed her things and prepared to leave with Arthur and Gwen. There was not much for her to pack. The objects that had once filled her days, jewelry, powders and hair pins now seemed unimportant and unnecessary. Taking the few things she may need and some of her simpler dresses. Leaving her more formally and extragenetic dress, as she would need them when she retuned here. she did plan on returning. Morgana then changed into very simple cream dress with short sleeves. Fastening her green velvet cloak, her warmest one, as though it was spring it was still early in the season. She moved to leave, but stopped. The reality of what she was about to do hit her.

Panic overcame her for a second at the magnitude of the task she was about to take on. Contrary to what some people may thing she had never craved or coveted the thorn or power. It was a means to an end. It gave her the opportunity to make the changes she believed in. If Merlin had been chosen she would have felt frustration that he was, as she felt, once again chosen over her. She wouldn't deny that. It was last that feeling, deep down. She would learn to sallow it as she did much else. In the end she would work with him to do what had to be done for the good of their kind, push him to act if needed. It would just be simpler if she ruled Avalon. Now that was what she was going to do. She couldn't let this moment of hesitation stop her, she had to keep moving forward. Had to be up to the task before her. Arthur and Gwen were up to theirs and she would have to be to.

Taking in a deep breath she turned, picking up one last thing from her vanity table that she slipped into the hidden pocket of her cloak and once again moved for the door without a hesitation this time. Closing the door firmly and swiftly behind her. She didn't allow herself to become sentimental. Now was no the time for looking to the past, but to look to the future that had never seemed to bright and full of hope.

The newly married couple would only travel for a short time with Morgana, but it seemed important to leave at the same time. To have the time it tool to travel they seven or eight miles they shared before parting ways. When Morgana arrived at the stables there where two people waiting waiting for her, saddling their horses, but not the two she had expected.

"What are you doing." She questioned Mordred and Merlin as they turned to face her.

They could of course and most likely be here to see Arthur and Gwen off or herself, but why then were they saddling their own horses and not the royal couples.

Mordred was the first to answer with a smile on his face. "We're going with you."

"How-"

"Mordred is going with you to Avalon." Arthur answered as he and Gwen arrived. "Someone should be with you." He said sounding sweet and caring. "Merlin's going to see his mother. Tell her about all the changes." He didn't look at anyone as he moved to the far end of the stable to retrieve his horse as Gwen did the same.

Morgana now turned to Merlin. While it was clear that he had been told of her choice, it seemed he had also made his without telling her. Like how she had always known her own choice deep down, she knew Merlin's too. He too she was sure knew what they would both deiced. Though she had expected it, she didn't expect to feel hurt by it. However irrational it was she couldn't help but feel that once again Arthur was being put before her. Why she expected any different she didn't know. It always seemed to be that way. That was why this time, the one time she was chosen, and not to be viewed as something evil and wrong, she would make sure she lived up to the belief that was placed in her.

As he had been doing since they returned Merlin avoided even looking in her directions. Morgana wanted to yell at him to look at her and tell her what was going on. Why was he really avoiding her, but also taking the chance to travel with her now. She knew he was not going to see his mother, at least not now. He had been looking towards everyone as Arthur explained why he and Mordred where here. He only looked away from them when Arthur brought up his mother, because what Arthur believed he was going to do was not what he was actually going to do. There would be time for that soon. So she held her tongue. Gave Mordred a warm hug and readied her horse to set off. Despite the cofunction that Merlin's presence brought she was truly grateful for Mordred's. She had not realized how much the idea of being in Avalon, at least to begin with, not knowing anyone properly, had scared her. Having them there made the whole thing less daunting.

Merlin knew that he was rapidly running out of time. Soon he was going to have to speak with Morgana. Defend his choice, when he wasn't even sure that he could. He didn't truly know why he had made the choice he had. Part of it was the ingrained believe that he had to protect Arthur. That his role was by his side being about the golden age of Camelot. That that had to be his priority. They seemed so close now he couldn't risk it slipping away. Another part surprisingly as it was, but Camelot had somehow become his home. The rest of it was his fear that if he left for Avalon with Morgana his feelings for her would only grown stronger and deeper. Nothing could come from it he knew that, so it was best not to let it grow any further. Distance was the best way he felt to do that. Though it did make his heartache at the thought of the life he could have in Avalon with Morgana, he knew it was better than heartbreak.

A steady, constant chatter continued as the group mounted their horses and began their journey. Almost like if silence fell over them they would be forced to face the reality of what was coming. Though it was something to be excited about it, and it was it was also bittersweet. Arthur and Mordred did most of the talking, as they lead the group from the front. Morgana and Gwen rode a little behind them. Talking back and forth, sharing looks of amusement at the snippets of the other conversation going on. Merlin rode behind everyone else. Feel both surrounded and alone at the same time. A few times Gwen tried to pull him into the conversation, but he only said a few words to be polite to his friend and new queen. Morgana feeding off his energy did her best to ignore him. She noticed the worried look that crossed Gwen's face at uncomfortable energy. She had thought, hoped Merlin and Morgana had moved beyond this hostility. Of course she quickly assumed what was really going on. Getting it very near to the truth.

When a little after midday they reached the point were the two groups had to part, a turn off from the main path Arthur, Gwen and Morgana dismounted and hugged each other one more time. It was now that Morgana removed from her pocket the last object she had taken from her chambers. A small rough pouch that she handed to Arthur.

"If you need to reach me, if it's an emergency. throw it into a fire." As she spoke he opened out his left hand and shook out some grey stones. "It casts a bright flash of light to those with magic." The king looked unsure. "It's just for emergencies. I will be back, you haven't seen the last of me." she teased.

Arthur returned the stones to the pouch and pulled the rope tight to close it. "Never that luck." He joked as he swiftly through a arm lightly around Morgana's shoulders. Pulling her close and kissing her forehead before he just as swiftly turned back to mount his horse. Gwen didn't hug her again she simply met her eyes and smiled as they wished each other a safe journey and luck for the future.

Merlin and Mordred wished the couple a safe journey and affirmed they would see them soon. They watched the royal newlyweds carry on down the path for a few seconds before they turned to take the path less traveled. Morgana quickly mounted her horse and guided it forward to over take Merlin, who now lead the depleted group. Blocking his path she stared him down.

"We said we would make our own choices." She said accusingly.

Feeling very much out of place Mordred carefully lead his horse backwards. Morgana caught his eye and gave a nod of thanks. With the affirmation he moved more purposefully around them to carry on down the path. Merlin too could move around her and carry on, but he knew that would just be delaying the inevitable and only add to her anger. So he stayed where he was and finally met her eyes.

"We did."

"Then why are you acting like this."

Taking in a deep breath, frustration began to rise up inside Merlin. Why couldn't she just let it go. When he began to speak to answer her question he found the words flowing.

"Because everyone is moving forward and I'm stuck in place." He bite out.

"That's your choice." She snapped back."

"That doesn't make it easier."

Morgana didn't what to say to that. She couldn't offer sympathy when he was suffering because of his own choice. So she asked. "Then why are you staying stuck."

There it was the question he didn't know fully the answer to and what he did know he couldn't tell her. Could never tell her. A reckless thought crossed his mind as he saw how angry Morgana was. Maybe Lancelot was right, there maybe a possibility that she might return his feelings. Was it really possible after everything that had passed between them that she could feel anything more than comradery towards him, friendship at best. He stomped down that thought quickly it was a dangerous thought.

"I'm not stuck." He finally said, carrying on quickly before Morgana could press him further. "I believe it's where I need to be, where I'm needed." He watched her take in what he said and her anger lessen. "You don't need me." He added hoping that he sounded as casual as he wished to and not pleading.

Fortunately Morgana accepted his answer and the tone he wanted it to come across in. Replying in kind. "Never."

A laugh escaped his closed mouth as he tried to hold back a smile.

"I'm sorry I've kept my distance. I know your doing the right thing, that you will be a great queen." As he spoke he moved his horse forward a little. "Your place is in Avalon and mine in Camelot."

"How can you say that. How can you feel more at home in a place were our kind where persecuted, hunted and killed-"

"It's not like that. I feel inspired, awed by Avalon and all the knowledge it holds."

"Then why." Morgana pressed once again.

It took him a second to find an answer or what he hoped would has as an answer. "I...I've always done everything I can to fit in. Not draw attention to myself. I know I should-"

"If your not ready to be honest about who you are, then your not ready. I'm not going to force you. I just...I feel sorry for you."

Merlin did everything he could to keep his face neutral. To not show how touched he was by her sympathy. He should dwell on it, but it did show that in some way she did care. Before anymore could be said Mordred called out to them. He had given them as much time as he could but they really had to carry on. Taking this as an end to the conversation Morgana excepted his answer as an end to it. Satisfied that she understood what was going on. Once her head turned away from him Merlin let out a sigh of relief.

The rest of their journey passed calmly. To Merlin's surprise and pleasure he and Mordred were able to carry on a polite, even possibly friendly conversation. He had been worried that he and the young knight would never be able to be more than civil towards each other. He was relived.

Eventually the lake with the isle of Avalon lay before them. It was hard not to feel the excitement radiating off Morgana was they dismounted their horses and unfastened the packs. Making their way to the shore the walked a little while till they came to the small boat that would take them the last stretch to their destination. It only took the three of them a few minutes to have the boat on the water. Morgana took her place at the head of the boat, directing their way. Merlin and Mordred rowing. It was not long before the shimmer isle before them came into view.

Morgana turned around to see the look on Mordred's face as he first saw the safe haven for their kind. It did not disappoint.

Hope that you liked the newest chapter. That another coronation, type celebration coming up isn't to off putting. I don't plan on it taking up nearly as much time as the Arthur, Gwen wedding. It will also act as a sort of end to this part of the story before moving onto the next part.

As no one has made any comments about it I hadn't realized that the links to the dresses on my profile don't work. They work for me when I edit the profile, but not once its been updated. I've tried it as a link and plain text and neither works when posted. I've very sorry about that. If anyone knows how to post working links on my profile could you let me know. Thank you.

As always any comments, feedback or ideas that you have are very welcome and greatly encouraged.