This will be the last chapter, followed by an epilogue. I hope it's been enjoyable, and thank you so much for reading and leaving such wonderful reviews. I'm currently working on a modern university era AU, if anyone's interested.
And All Was Well
"Where's Nimueh?" Gaius asks after the whole ordeal. Morgana and Morgause have retired to Morgana's chambers to rest, and Arthur is visiting his father. Merlin is at the old physician's, sitting solemnly.
"She sacrificed herself, Gaius. She sacrificed herself to save us, to save Camelot," Merlin says quietly, watching the old man age a few more years right before his eyes.
"Oh," Gaius's jaw shakes, ever so slightly, and then his face is impassive once more.
"I was wrong about her," Merlin sights, burying his head in his hands, "I should've saved her."
"What's done is done, Merlin. No need to dwell," Gaius pats him on the shoulder and shuffles towards a book. Anything to busy himself.
"I'm sorry," Merlin apologises sadly.
"As am I," Gaius says. That is all he will say on the matter. Nimueh is his past, an old friend who had turned cold and bitter. He wasn't able to save her, despite her lingering humanity. So she saved herself, in death.
"The witch is gone?" Uther's cold eyes are twinkling after Arthur gives him a report, ensuring Camelot's safety from the hell god.
"Yes," Arthur frowns slightly, "she wasn't a witch. She was a High Priestess."
"Oh, magic is magic. It causes evil, Arthur," Uther goes off on one of his anti-sorcery spiels.
"Father!" Arthur shouts, "without magic all of Camelot would be dead! Nimueh died so that our kingdom can live," he shakes his head.
Uther purses his lips.
"I see you still stand by your choice of legalising magic," he says shortly.
"Yes, father," Arthur nods, "Merlin is an excellent help, as are Morgana and Morgause."
"Merlin," Uther frowns, "corrupted Morgana with magic. They will betray you, just wait."
"Enough, father! I can see you are unwell. I will allow you to rest," Arthur says, gliding out of the room, leaving the former, mad king alone.
The ill are miraculously healed, and Arthur gives a speech, honouring Nimueh's bravery and praising the good magic can do if in the right hands. Morgana and Merlin stand behind him, smiling slightly. Yes, they saved Camelot, but lost a mentor of sorts. Despite her wrongdoings, Nimueh was not evil, simply misguided.
Uther watches the speech from his chambers in isolation, not having the energy to argue. He hopes his son has made the right decision, that they will not be betrayed.
The wedding nears closer, though no one seems to be in the mood. The officiator of the ceremony is dead, never to be seen again. Morgause volunteers to perform the ceremony, to bind Merlin and Morgana's magic for eternity. The pair gladly accept and send out invitations with a later date.
Preparations are underway and Gwen busies herself with flowers and ribbons and helping Morgana as best she can. Morgana tells her to relax, to take a long lunch, or to take the evening off early. She was a future Queen, after all, though Morgana couldn't let her know that.
Merlin eagerly awaited his mother's arrival in Camelot, wondering if he shouldn't just pop over to Ealdor and bring her himself.
"Stop being such a girl's petticoat, Merlin, she'll be fine," Arthur grumbles as he tries to write an amendment, Merlin's pacing distracting him.
"There are bandits in the forest! Thieves!" Merlin frowns.
Arthur fights a grin and tosses a parchment at Merlin, "I promise you, Merlin. She's in good hands. Here. Read this."
Merlin stops it from falling with a mere glance and picks it up. He reads it, brow furrowing.
"You want to reinstate the old festivals?" Merlin asks in confusion.
"To show, er, solidarity and acceptance," Arthur scratches the back of his head.
Merlin grins and Arthur matches it with one of his own.
Hunith finally arrives in Camelot, surprise in tow.
"Mother!" Merlin flies out of the castle, Morgana following him, dress in her hands.
"Merlin!" Hunith wraps her arms around her son, kissing the top of his head. Her little boy is a grown man, and she is so incredibly proud. She releases him and hugs Morgana, who wraps her arms around her almost-mother-in-law. "Morgana, dear, being engaged makes you even prettier. I didn't think that possible," she pats the side of her future daughter's face.
"Oh, Hunith, we're so glad you're here," Morgana smiles brightly.
Merlin has already taken Hunith's sparse luggage, and she turns to her son, hand still in Morgana's.
"Wait, I have a surprise," Hunith smiles.
"What is it?" Morgana asks.
"Not what. Who," Hunith says.
From behind the horse comes Lancelot, grinning broadly. Merlin stares at his friend, running up to shake his hand.
"You got the invitation!" Merlin said.
"I ran into your mother on the way, so I decided to accompany her," Lancelot grins.
"Arthur sent you?" Merlin asks.
"Who else?" Lancelot claps Merlin on the back. Merlin grins like an idiot. His mother, fiancée, and closest friend are all here. All that's missing his father. His smile fades, ever so slightly.
He doesn't know his father in this world. For all he knows, he's dead, killed by bandits. He takes a shaky breath and smiles again. He has his mother and his friends and Morgana. Everything will be fine.
Arthur sits in his chambers, writing a speech. A toast to his foster sister and former manservant. It's extremely difficult. What can he say? They both have a dark sense of humour? They enjoying teasing him and snarking at him every chance they get? He smiles slightly and writes something down.
There's a knock on his door, and he answers it. It's Morgana, who is smiling brightly, engagement obviously suiting her.
"Yes?" he asks, putting the quill down.
"It's nearly time for the feast," she snorts at his lack of proper attire.
"Already?" he asks.
"I know you lose track of time when Merlin's not here to remind you, or clothe you, or feed you," Morgana smirks, "but really, Arthur, you're an adult."
Arthur glares at her, "I'm king."
"A king should be able to dress himself," Morgana opens his cupboard and picks out a red top and black trousers, to be paired with his leather jacket.
Arthur frowns, remembering the morning that found him wandering the corridors of the palace in his sleep clothes because Merlin couldn't be bothered to leave Morgana's side.
Morgana tilts her head in concern, "What's wrong."
"Nothing. Just getting used to changes. Me being king. You marrying Merlin of all people," Arthur shakes his head.
Morgana's nostrils flare.
"I love him, Arthur. He's the best man I know. Don't you dare say I deserve someone better, or with status. Don't be another Uther," she glares icily at him.
"He's the best man I know, too," Arthur looks at her with an unreadable expression, "I'm happy for you, just…"
What is he? Confused? Shocked? Merlin always seemed to be uninterested in women, like a naïf child. So Arthur was more shocked when he found out about the affair compared to the magic. He smiled. Merlin is a good man, always helping him, always acting in his best interests, always being there for him, without being asked.
In a way, if feels as if his closest friend is being taken away, by Morgana, no less. He already had to share his friendship with Lancelot once before, and now that he has returned, Merlin seems to be spending all his time with him instead of Arthur. He doesn't want to share his best friend.
"You're jealous," Morgana's eyes narrow, lips quirking into a smirk.
"What? No," Arthur stands, crossing his arms.
"Merlin will always be there for you, married to me or not. You two are destined to build Albion, together, Arthur," she smiles gently and leaves the room, leaving the king to prepare himself for the feast.
The dining hall is filled to the brim with nobles and courtiers. Arthur sits at the centre of the long table, Morgana on one side, Merlin on the other. Hunith sits next to Merlin, Lancelot next to her, and Sir Leon next to him. Gwen, after much convincing, sits at Morgana's side, officially the maid of honour at the wedding.
"Attention," Arthur says, standing, crown glowing on his head, "I would like to propose a toast, to the Lady Morgana and the Priest of the Old Religion, Merlin. May they live long, happy lives," he raises his goblet, "to Merlin and Morgana."
"To Merlin and Morgana," the hall choruses loudly.
Some are still confused by the match, how a Lady and a (former) manservant fell in love and received the king's blessing. Of course, many explained that to themselves that Arthur had always been particularly fond of Merlin, and for good reason, seeing as how he'd saved Arthur and Camelot countless times. They also are unaware of the rather sexual nature of the engaged pair's relationship, but that is for no one to know, anyway. Others still are more confused that the loving ward of Uther and the kind young man both have magic.
Nevertheless, they have, for the most part, accepted the union and are excited about the wedding. It will be small, with only the bride and groom's family and closest friends at the Isle, though the entirety of Camelot is invited to the feast afterwards.
Once the Lady Morgana is wed, perhaps the King can focus on finding himself a bride, for it has been a long time since Camelot has had a Queen.
They drink, they eat, they drink entirely too much. Merlin and Morgana agreed earlier that a feast would be better than a hen party and bachelor party would be. They begin to regret that decision as Arthur decides it is time for dancing and pulls a beet-red Gwen to her feet. Lancelot watches them, jaw set, but says nothing. He and Sir Leon speak about fighting techniques, and he seems to forget that the King is dancing with the girl he loves so much.
Morgana slides over into Arthur's empty seat and takes Merlin's hand in her own.
"Care to get away from the noise?" she purrs into his ear.
"You're trying to sully my reputation, my lady," Merlin replies with a small smile.
"You know me well," she grins and they stand, ready to leave, until Morgana notices the pleading look on Gwen's face. She lets out a sigh and Merlin knows what they have to do.
Merlin interrupts Arthur and Gwen's dance, taking the small woman into his arms, dancing with her, while Morgana dances with her brother.
"Morgana," Arthur grumbles.
"You don't want her to feel uncomfortable, do you?" she snaps at him.
Across the room, Gwen is expressing her thanks.
"He's had a bit too much to drink," Merlin chuckles and Gwen relaxes a little.
"He's just trying to be nice. He's really happy," Gwen says, and Merlin fights the urge to tell her of her impending future as Queen.
"Right," Merlin nods.
The night goes on, and Lancelot and Gwen share a dance, a disgruntled king watching from afar. Gwen laughs lightly and Lancelot's eyes are bright. Merlin returns from the dance he shared with his mother and plops down next to Arthur. Morgana is chatting with Sir Leon and his date for the evening, Lady Elizabeth.
"What's the matter?" Merlin asks the sullen king, "it's my pre-wedding party. Cheer up."
"Nothing's the matter Merlin," he smiles slightly at his friend.
"If you insist," Merlin pops a grape from his plate into his mouth.
"How can you be so relaxed?" Arthur asks suddenly. If he were the one getting married, he'd be terrified.
"I'm marrying the woman I love. I've been in hell, Arthur. Marriage will be easy enough to manage," Merlin says simply.
"Yes, but you're marrying Morgana," Arthur frowns.
Merlin looks offended for a moment, and Arthur backpedals, confiding in Merlin what he could not tell Morgana.
"I'm afraid she'll hurt you, Merlin. When we were there, in the Other World, I saw what she did to you," Arthur's frown deepened.
"She's changed, Arthur. She's sorry, and she was never evil to begin with. She was so alone… if only we hadn't pushed her away…" he trails off, thinking of how much time they had lost, how lucky they are to have another chance.
Arthur claps Merlin on the back, essentially giving his blessing once more. The wedding would be in two days, and everything would be right in Camelot.
The Isle of the Blessed, usually bare and stark and ominous is decorated with roses and wildflowers. Gwen has truly outdone herself. Beautiful red, pink, and white roses decorate the aisle Morgana is supposed to walk down, and Merlin conjured up seats for their family and friends to sit on. Gwen stands next on the other side of Morgause, waiting for her best friend. Lancelot, Merlin's best man, and Merlin stand next to Morgause, who has a sacred book of magic open in front of her.
She smiles softly, happy for her sister, but sad that Nimueh was not there. Gaius and Hunith sit together, beaming with joy.
Merlin is wearing his finest clothes, a deep blue shirt with dark, well-fitting trousers, and freshly shined boots. A black coat tops his outfit.
Arthur walks down the aisle in his kingly wear, Morgana at his side. She's smiling brightly, wearing a flowing silver gown, veil covering her face. They reach Merlin, and Arthur moves off to the side, sitting down next to Gaius and Hunith. Morgana has no family besides him, but she'll now gain Hunith as a mother. He smiles.
Merlin takes Morgana's hand and squeezes it, both of them smiling like fools.
Morgause fought a smile and began reading.
"We are gathered here, on this sacred site, to unite the magic of the Lady Morgana, High Priestess, and Merlin, High Priest, of the Old Religion. In marriage their powers will grow and complement each other, binding them for life, for eternity, even after death. Never shall they be parted, their souls and magic bound together. Does anyone have any objections?" Morgause finished, glaring at anyone who dare threaten her sister's happiness.
"Now, if you'll hand over the rings," Morgause looks to Lancelot, who hands her the rings.
Morgause takes then and sets them on the book. Her eyes glow and the words on the page seemingly seep into the rings, which also glow brightly.
She hands them to Morgana and Merlin, who exchange them, whispering quiet vows.
"I love you, and I will always love you," Merlin whispers, slipping the still glowing ring on Morgana's finger.
"I love you, and I will love you for ever more," Morgana murmurs, slipping a glowing ring onto Merlin's finger.
The glowing rings brighten, nearly blinding them, and fade into the golden bands they are.
Merlin moves the veil away from Morgana's face, and green meets blue.
"You may kiss the bride," Morgause says.
Merlin and Morgana's lips meet gently, and their friends and family burst into applause. The High Priest and Priestess of the Old Religion are finally married.
The whole of Camelot is seemingly at the palace. The banquet hall is bursting at the seams with well-wishers. The wine is flowing and more people are outside on the courtyard, celebrating the union of the Lady of Camelot and the Warlock. Those without magic and with magic alike enjoy each other's company, dancing and singing outside.
Uther watches the festivities from his chambers, still feeling betrayed about the entire ordeal. Morgana had invited him, and like the stubborn man he is, he refused. He truly was happy for them, he just couldn't bring himself to be in a room full of people who hated him.
Merlin and Morgana walked through the courtyard, shaking hands and thanking the people graciously for their congratulations.
Once in the dining hall, the dancing begins before they have a chance to sit. Merlin and Morgana hold each other, gliding around the floor.
"So, we're married," Merlin smiles.
"Took us long enough," Morgana grins up happily, pressing a kiss to his lips.
"Was it worth it? The betrayal, the hurt?" Merlin suddenly turns serious.
Morgana is quiet for a moment, obviously trying to find the right words.
"I'd do it again if in the end, we'd be together," she answers.
Merlin lets out a sigh of relief he didn't know he was holding, and kisses her soundly.
After another spin across the floor, they are seated next to one another, Arthur on their other side.
He rises for a speech.
"Welcome, everyone," he nods at the commoners and courtiers, the sorcerers and those without magic, who are mingling without conflict, "I'd like to say something, about Morgana and Merlin. They belong together."
There is a collective 'aw' from the crowd.
"They are kind, compassionate, fiercely protective of the ones they love, incredibly stubborn, and so incredibly rude to me, what with their twisted humour,that it makes sense they would find companions for life in one another."
Everyone laughs while Morgana and Merlin mockingly glare, looking offended.
"To Merlin and Morgana! They deserve the best in life, and may they be together forever," Arthur finishes.
"To Merlin and Morgana!" the crowd roars, whooping with cheers.
The night goes on, dancing loud, goblets overflowing, and food plentiful. It's just like the feast before, but more rambunctious and far more jovial.
"You should stay, in the palace, there are so many rooms," Morgana speaks to Hunith while Lancelot dances with Gwen and Arthur and Merlin talk on the other side of the table.
"I couldn't, Morgana. Ealdor is my home," Hunith shakes her head.
"Yes, but Merlin is here. Who do you have left there?" Morgana frowns, "Please? At least think about it before you leave next week."
"I will consider it," Hunith agrees. Her daughter in-law was quite the persuasive one.
The feast lasts into the wee hours of the morning, guests not heading home until two, perhaps three, in the morning. Lancelot is staying with Gaius (having refused a place at the palace), so he heads back with the old man, walking Gwen home before retiring to the physician's chambers.
Hunith is staying in the castle, and pecks Merlin and Morgana on the forehead before heading to her room for the time being. Morgause disappears into thin air after wishing the happy couple well and bidding them farewell.
Arthur drags himself up to his chambers, falling asleep without changing into his nightclothes, drool marring the pillow.
Merlin and Morgana retire to their chambers, likely the only ones left awake in the castle. It's like Arthur's coronation all over again.
They shut the door behind them, shedding their clothes quickly, crawling into bed, kissing fervently as if they had never been together before.
Morgana laughs as he kisses her neck, making him smile against her skin.
"We're married," she sighs dreamily.
"We're married," he mumbles, kissing her.
One more chapter left. Thank you for sticking with me through this. Please review.