The Falcon and the Raven – Interlude

Merlin was happy.

No. "Happy" didn't cover it. He was exquisitely happy. Deliriously happy. Happier than he'd ever been in his entire life.

He stood at the head of the throne room, dressed richly in midnight blue studded with tiny, star-like jewels and edged in Camelot red. And walking toward him through a crowd that seemed to include half the kingdom, was Branwen.

His eyes took in the peachy flowers in her hands and echoed in her braided hair, and her pale green gown. He marveled at how perfectly the colors suited her.

She was breathtaking. 'You look amazing.'

She smiled at him and it was all he could do to let her continue her sedate pace and not magic her instantly to his side. 'Could I persuade you to go just a little faster?'

Her eyes twinkled and her smile went a shade of cheeky. 'No. I'm enjoying this. You'll just have to be patient.'

He groaned silently at her. 'I don't think I can.'

She only grinned wider, but he thought she may have increased her pace just a little.

Still, it was Merlin's opinion that it took her far too long to finish her walk and drop a respectful curtsy to Arthur and Guinevere, waiting just behind him.

He offered his hand as she rose and she took it, turning to him.

He heard Arthur begin to speak, something about the gathering and a happy occasion, but his voice faded to a distant drone as Merlin drank in the sight of his bride.

His bride. He still couldn't quite believe it. Destiny had allowed him, at long last, to find love. A love that, rather than distracting him from protecting Arthur, could help him. Support him. Encourage him.

He couldn't stop staring at her. Standing there, waiting to be his, she'd never looked more beautiful.

Very subtly, she quirked an eyebrow at him. 'Are you paying attention?'

'Only to you.'

'Well, I should hope so. Just don't leave Arthur hanging.'

His focus snapped to the king just in time to hear, "… so swear?"

"I so swear," he answered smoothly.

She shook her head minutely. 'What would you do without me?'

'Well, I apparently wouldn't make it through my own wedding, for starters.'

Her grin turned smirkish. 'For a number of reasons.'

He considered that a moment. 'Good point.'

Any further contemplation was interrupted by the sound of three beautiful words, words he'd been waiting so long to hear, falling from her lips.

"I so swear."

Then Gaius was at his elbow, offering the rings. Merlin took the smaller and slid it onto Branwen's finger, then watched as she pushed his ring into place. They grinned at each other until Gwaine's voice floated over the crowd.

"So kiss her already!"

The laughter in the room escalated to whistles and catcalls as Merlin applied himself wholeheartedly to the task. It was only when Arthur cleared his throat that he reluctantly pulled away, smiling at the flush on Branwen's cheeks.

They turned to face the crowd as Arthur intoned, "It is my great honor to present the High Sorcerer of Camelot, Merlin, and his wife, Branwen."

Halfway through the pronouncement, Merlin felt his bride squeeze his hand and heard her murmur quietly. There was a collective gasp as the flowers in her hair and hands turned themselves crimson and her gown flowed from soft green to star-studded midnight, perfectly matched to her new husband.

The throne room erupted in cheers.

Merlin grinned at her. 'Show off.'

'Of course,' she answered, completely unapologetic. 'Bride's prerogative.'

'I didn't say I didn't like it.'

They made their way back through the crowd, pausing next to Hunith. Branwen pulled a blue and crimson rose from her bouquet and presented it to her. Beaming through her tears, Hunith hugged them both before sending them off toward the banquet hall.

They were out the doors and halfway down the corridor before Merlin pulled Branwen into an alcove, unable to resist the chance to steal kisses while he had the chance.

"Any more surprises?" he asked.

She pulled back and caught her bottom lip in her teeth before letting her eyes wander down his body in a way that made his blood pound. "Oh, you've no idea." Her voice was husky with unspoken promises. "But you'll have to wait."

He swallowed. "How long is this banquet supposed to last?" He couldn't quite help the hitch in his voice.

She grinned, wrinkling her nose. "So impatient." She kissed him again. "I very much approve. But for now, we're going to go enjoy our wedding feast, of which we get only one, and what comes after will be worth the wait." She pulled him down to kiss a line up his jaw before whispering in his ear, "I promise."

He groaned, but let her draw him back out into the corridor. "I'm holding you to that."

After that, it was a whirlwind of dancing and feasting and well-wishing and Merlin hardly had a chance to be with Branwen at all, what with so many lavishing attention on her and, to a lesser extent, him.

They did manage to frequently catch each other's eyes, however, and each time, Branwen gave him a look so full of secrets and knowing that it took all of Merlin's willpower to not simply spirit them both away.

Finally, though, Branwen came to him and entwined her fingers with his, sending a pointed look toward Gwen. The queen smiled and nodded, then leaned over to whisper in Arthur's ear. The king sent a smirk Merlin's way and stood, quieting the crowd.

"It has come to my attention that our happy couple is still here, when I'm sure they must be eager to move on to… other things."

Gwen gave his arm an exasperated backhand as the hall erupted in cheers and whistles.

Arthur raised his hands, quieting them again. "Before they go, I'd like to offer a final, brief toast." He raised his goblet to the bride and groom. "To Merlin and Branwen. May your life together be long and happy."

Merlin felt his magic react… oddly… to Arthur's words, but had no time to wonder about it before the king addressed him again, smiling.

"Get. Out."

Merlin laughed and sketched a mocking bow. "As my lord commands."

The resulting laughter and catcalls were abruptly silenced as he found himself in his chambers, Branwen in his arms. He realized that he had no idea which of their magics had brought them there, but decided he didn't care as his wife drew him down into a hungry kiss.

His last coherent thought was that, for the first time, the two sides of the coin felt perfectly balanced.

A/N: The Falcon and the Raven 2 is coming…