Note: I know how I said there was going to be the two chapter finale to the story, and maybe a prologue. Well, it's changed again. The finale will now extend to three chapters because the length is absolutely huge.

December

Since Arthur's departure to Mercia at least a good month ago, changes had been going on in Camelot. Firstly, Morgana stuck to her word and moved out. Knowing that she had enough money, Morgana is renting a flat in Camelot. Morgana changed all of her details as well, including her GP and dentist to make sure that Uther couldn't get any information. She had also quit guides to make sure she stayed as far away from Uther as possible. Catrina knew Morgana's new mobile number for her to pass over to Arthur once he got home. She handed the number also over to Gwen, Merlin and her other friends. Meanwhile, Uther was still searching for Morgana's prescence, even if he wanted nothing to do with his daughter. Deep down, Uther still had an ounce of hope that Morgana would eventually see sense and understand - to forgive her father for her actions and that all of this was just a phase one goes through. At scouts he'd ask the likes of Elyan - Uther having an idea that Morgana was living with him, Tom and Gwen of her whereabouts. Elyan truthfully replied that no soul knows where Morgana lives. He knows nothing of Morgana's whereabouts since the day she declared the relationship of father and daughter were over - that of course, was partially a lie. He knew that Morgana was living alone and that on the occasion Gwen would stay at Morgana's, and of course he saw the ebony lass from time to time at college. Uther had even made the effort to phone Morgause to see if she knew anything of Morgana's whereabouts, which she knew nothing. She was furious over why Morgana had left and hung up, her final words being "If you've hurt her in any way, I will kill you."

Merlin and Hunith were continuing to pack. Most of the items that they needn't require were to be sold and those that weren't needed for the next few weeks were to be packed, Arthur's items included. Catrina - when she could, would bring a selection of items of Arthur's to be packed. Catrina did the fantastic job of listening out for news about Arthur, such as his return from Mercia. Gaius kept hold of the letters that were sent for Merlin, Merlin crossing the fields now and again to check for messages.

This particular morning Merlin woke up to find Ealdor covered in a blanket of snow. Thick flakes were coming down as the snow continued on. For the remaints of Novemeber, most of the Ealdor villagers had been snowed in, the snow plough finally reaching the small hamlet yesterday. Merlin made a prediction and thought that it was best if Merlin made an attempt to go to Gaius' house now whilst the snow was steady before it got too deep again. Hunith had covered the path with salt to help themselves cross the path without slipping on the ice. Merlin found his beanie hat and wellies, zipping up his green winter coat and applying gloves as soon as breakfast had been downed. Merlin crunched his way through the snow across the fields, having to climb over the gate - sinced it was wedged with shin-high snow. Knocking on Gaius' door, Merlin could instantly tell that Gaius was creating something again - probably some form of Christmas present for a relative or something.

"Merlin? You know you shouldn't be out in this weather! Do come in." Gaius placed an empty bottle onto his workbench and went to the kitchen to make Merlin some cocoa.

"Why does it smell like apples in here? You discovering how to make cider or apple juice. I don't think apple juice is the right remedy for this time of year."
Gaius popped his head out of the door, Merlin finding two stools so that they could have a chat. Merlin took his gloves off and placed them onto the table as he took the mug, Gaius easing onto the other stool.

"I'm making candles as Christmas presents. Don't tell your mother but I'm making two for her. One is of apple and another is of vanilla. That's why it smells a bit strange in here."

"I see."

"I'll see you have them before you go. Tell her it's a present and not to be opened until Christmas, no matter how old she is. It's the rules."

"I will do. I know today was a rather idiotic idea of coming here, but Ealdor has been snowed in for two days and I had the urge to find out if there was any news. I've run out of credit so I can't phone Catrina."

"Catrina is still with the troll?"

"Sadly, yes." Gaius sighed and continued. "A letter came for you a few days ago, just before the snow came. It's over on my desk." Merlin placed the half-empty cup onto the table and went to the study, noticing the handwriting within an instant, and soon returned with the letter. As Merlin began to read the letter, his facial expressions began to change. His first was of concern, changing to humour, ending with assurance.

"What is it?"

"Well, Arthur's coming home. He's due in a few days, depending on how the snow is up in Camelot and whether it's reached Mercia or not. The wedding is to be for the 15th December at noon. Operation "Blonde Veil Destruction" will begin the moment Arthur returns."

"Operation what?"

"Blonde Veil Destruction. It's the decoy name of basically thrashing Vivan's wedding."

"Now what have I told you about meddling? Meddling only leads to trouble." Merlin tucked the letter away into his pocket to keep it protected. Merlin worked up an argument against Gaius' advice. "Yes, but I have to meddle for Arthur's and my own sake. It's not fair for Arthur to marry someone he doesn't love." As Merlin was describing the idea, Gaius noticed the white gold, diamond studded ring on Merlin's ring finger.

"Where's that come from Merlin? Are you to be married?" Gaius took Merlin's left hand, Merlin having to hold the mug in his right as Gaius studied the ring. Just from a glance you could tell that only the likes of the well-off could afford something quite like it.

"Eventually. Arthur and I are to marry. Probably once we have the money and have settled down. So probably in a few years time."

"For what the rings worth he must love you. Well congratulations."

"He does, and thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, how do you suggest getting married to Arthur when he's to supposedly marry Vivian in 2 weeks time? What's the catch?"

"Simple. Well, it hasn't properly all been planned out but we're to do something with Vivian, and I'm to pose as her."

Arthur arrived back home in Camelot two days later on a blustery Monday morning. Uther had a new job working for some company affiliating with something - not magic thankfully this time around - and so even though Uther was nowhere to be seen during the day, Arthur was still to be tutored privately at home until Christmas. He would supposedly return to college in January, Uther having the knowledge that Merlin would have long left the city by then. Once his tutoring for the day had completed, Uther had not long returned and was soon heading out off to scouts. He was going to cancel the night, but some might show up, and it would keep him at work for a bit, so he was before 6. Knowing that his father had gone, Arthur contacted Merlin and Morgana.

The four sat around the coffeetable in the front room. An A4 notepad with a few pens took up the majority of space on the table, a tray with four mugs using the remainder. Arthur started off the discussion, first asking about Morgana.

"Sister. How are things?"

"Fine. I'm using the money I have to rent a flat out in the middle of Camelot. It's pretty well hidden so Uther can't find me. I'm transporting by a second-hand car and I've changed all forms of communication. How about you? Has your love changed?"

"Of course it hasn't. You have to pretty good to convince them though."

"I don't want to know the details thank you."

"Merlin? Is that a ring you're wearing, and you Arthur?"

Merlin spoke on behalf of the pair. "Yeah. We're engaged to be married at some point."

"Aww my darlings." Morgana rose off the sofa and embraced the grooms-to-be, planting a kiss on their cheeks, Arthur not fond of sibling love. "Eugh, stop it!"

"Now with the plan. The idea is somehow to get Vivian away from this ceremony and have Merlin as the decoy so I don't have to marry her. We need to know which dress Vivian will pick so that Gwen can make a replica of it in Merlin's size. Once the ceremony is over, we'll have the after party and off we go. We'll move to Northern Ireland and have the honeymoon and then well I don't know from there."

"Live our lives together in peace and harmony." Merlin leant in to kiss Arthur, Arthur at this moment practically worshipping Merlin and relieved to have his lover back.

"Boys, now is not the time. I'm to be going shopping with Vivian on Saturday in search for a bridal gown. Me, her mother and Vivian are to go. I'd do the cover and steal the dress myself, but I'm not light on my feet and I'm a rather shit spook. That is why we need Morgana or Merlin to go as well. Now it'd be a little daft for Merlin to go to a bride and prom shop unless he provided the excuse of wife-bride shopping, and then you'd need another decoy bride, which is just too much work. That is why we need Morgana."

Morgana had an idea. "Did you say they sold prom things?"

"Yes."

"Good. I could gather the information myself and pretend to be shopping for prom dresses. Either the likes of Mithian or Freya could come along. I'd pick Gwen but Vivian knows Gwen rather well. The only problem is Vivian also knows me extremely well. If Vivian was to see me she'd soon let Uther know."

"Good point."

"Which means I'm going to need to go undercover."

Merlin clapped his hands in joy. "I'm loving this!"

"Hush a minute. Then as soon as Vivian has picked a dress, I compliment her on her choice and ask her if she wouldn't be offended if I wore the same dress to the prom. Hopefully she'll fall for it and go with the plan. I hire the dress and give it to Gwen. She takes Merlin's measurements and begins to work on the dress, near-enough matching the first one. As soon as she's completed the dress, making sure it fits Merlin without any problems, I'll return the dress to the shop."

"I'll pay you the money Morgana."

"No need brother."

Merlin began to write the ideas down onto the notepad. "And then what?"

"Well, the bride will ride in the car to the church with her maid of honour."

"Have you met the maid of honour?"

"No, but we're due to meet tomorrow so we can work out a decoy later in the week."

"Okay, and the rings and the groom shopping? Who is your best man and who is the ring bearer?"

"Leon is to be my best man. Vivian's cousin is to be the ring bearer."

Catrina went back to the kitchen to make more drinks as the planning continued, Morgana coming up with more ideas. "Okay, so Leon is out of the question to drive Merlin to the church. How about Lancelot? He can now drive, as can Gwaine. Gwaine's dad works for a wedding service. He drives the cars for the celebrations."

"Exactly why I want Gwaine to be involved. From what I know, his family's company is driving Vivian to the church, and Gwaine is very sneaky. It's a family business so he could easily use one to drive and Lancelot the other. We need info from Gwaine first."

"Fine. Merlin I'll do your make-up and stuff. We'll find you a wig and make you all stylish."

"Now I'm not liking the idea."

"Hush hush Merlin. You'll be very pretty."

6th December

Arthur managed to sneak out in the late afternoon and use Catrina's car to drive into Ealdor. Following college and sixth-form, everyone involved was to meet at Merlin's coffee shop for 4:30. The sixth-formers would have finished by three and lectures at Camelot College finished at four. Uther wouldn't arrive home until at least 5:30 so Arthur had an hour to explain the situation to everyone.

Taking the biggest tables available, Merlin made beverages as he and Trisha brought them to the people. Trisha was also to be involved. Placing the last mug down, she departed the table. "I'll be over at the desk if you need me."

Merlin let her into the news. "Actually Trish we could use your help. You're known to make cakes aren't you?"

"Yes. I've been baking for years. Why?"

"We need a wedding cake to be made." Some customers came into the shop. "Okay. Give me the details after." She departed the group and went to serve the customers.

"Okay, first of all this is the basic plan. Vivian, Catrina and Vivian's mother will be going bridal shopping on Saturday. Morgana will go undercover as a customer looking for a dress for her prom. Someone needs to go with her to help her and gain extra information."

"I'll do it. Vivian won't remember me," Mithian announced, sipping on a cup of mocha.

Arthur grinned. "Has Morgana already asked you?"

"Yeah."

"Okie dokie. One sorted. Next, we need someone to provide Morgana with a wig for her to go undercover as whatever her name will be. We also need someone to spy on them and then give Morgana the message to follow them as it will be obvious if Catrina does it."

"No need. We'll install cameras in hidden places which focuses on the driveway. We can also place a tracking device in their car and place another in Morgana's. We'll watch the footage from Morgana's house."

"Percival, we're not actual spies, but I love the idea. How do you know of this stuff?"

"My dad works in security and is good with I.T. My mum - well, her job is confidential. She's all over the place."

"A spy then."

"Sort of. Do you mind Morgana?"

"Not at all."

"Right. Next, we need someone to provide a wig for Morgana - but also one for Merlin if he's to be the decoy. And we need a decoy maid of honour. Freya, the original maid of honour looks quite like you. Could you do the honours?"

"Of course." Gwaine added his support in and asked questions. "I'll provide the wigs."

"Oh god!"

"Also, who's doing the food and who's driving the brides to the place?"

"Your dad isn't?"

"Nope. He's away for the weekend."

"Brilliant. But this is where you come in. Providing that we find out the details to when the car for Vivian will come, Gwaine arrives their a few minutes earlier and they get in. Then drive them somewhere. Not the cathedral - that's where the ceremony takes place, drive them to our church and if they say wrong place - drive the long way around until you get there. By the time you've arrived, the ceremony should be over. We were going to use you Lancelot as our other driver, but instead, how good are you with cameras?"

"I'm all right to say the least."

"Good. Can you shoot the video. That way then Gwaine gets a chance to see this."

"Of course."

"Wait a minute? You're asking me to steal my dad's car?"

"Precisely."

"Easily done."

"Once the dress idea has been sorted, Morgana is going to get the same dress as Vivian. She'll hire it out and bring it home. This is where you Gwen come into it. You'll measure Merlin up and use the dress to create a replica. Hopefully the dress will go down to the feet so we can put any old on Merlin." Merlin gave Arthur a dirty look. "Okay, comfortable and pretty ones." The scowl turned to a grin.

"Anyone got anything else to add?"

"Nope. Good, right we'll go from there. Percival and Gwaine, drive up to Vivian's house early Saturday morning with the camera and make sure you install it before anyone notices you. Then once Catrina has arrived, Catrina, grab the car keys from the kitchen bowl. You have to go past it to get to the loo. Pretend you need to go for a cigarette after and you don't want to fume up the house so go outside. When you're pretending to have a fag, hand the keys over to Percival and he'll install the device into the car. Once it is done, put the keys back and go inside. You two, come back to Morgana and do the same for her's. Merlin, head to Morgana's early and watch the cameras with Morgana. Then Mithian arrives and the pair follow them. Merlin and Percival continues watching. Gwaine, I need you then to come to mine, you, me and Leon with Uther are going groom shopping, and I need your help."

"Following you."

"Good. So we're all set then? May Operation Blonde Veil Destruction begin."