The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.

Mark Twain

Chapter 20: Merlin

Balinor and the Druids felt that the ancient ruler deserved to have a send-off that befitted a king so they set up a grand funeral pyre on the front of the castle. The villagers and druids all presided to send off the man who allowed them a place to stay and call home. Kilgharrah and all the wyverns were in the sky as they looked down at the former king's funeral pyre in their own show of respect. When the funeral was over, Balinor and Kilgharrah spent the remainder of that day on the castle tower. There was a strong long platform there that Kilgharrah was able to fit on and the two of them stayed there staring out into the distance of this desolate land.

"This is only the beginning," said Balinor out of nowhere.

"Yes," agreed Kilgharrah. "It is."

It was a few weeks since that eventful day, coming into the Perilous Lands and dodging the wyverns and meeting with the Fisher King. The crown that had been worn by the Fisher King was now proudly on Balinor's head and its weight was settling in on him. Everyone was starting. Balinor oversaw how everyone was settling in. The Fisher King's castle was slowly beginning to show signs of life again. Everyone was going throughout the castle to work on where there had work to be done. That was a job that would be difficult even if they had triple the people on it if it wasn't for the magic they possessed. The castle had a grand library that was mostly enveloped by cobwebs. Once they had been cleared out they found that the library had an exquisite collection. There was even a section devoted to magic with tomes and shelves of magical artifacts. Balinor, Abel and the other magic users among them were happy to have some concrete guidance to access. The books helped them find some spells that were handy in cleaning and repairing the castle.

Richard had explored the castle and had mapped everything for Balinor like the armory, stockrooms, and the treasury. When he found it, he saw that it was full of a great degree of gold, jewels and other precious items. The presence of riches as well as many of the other things still left in the castle like the library's tomes, a few tapestries and even furniture was spread throughout the castle a little faded but still of use surprised him and a good many others. They wondered why it hadn't been pilfered in all these centuries but Balinor immediately guessed that with the wyverns and other things out there that grave robbers wouldn't have been able to make off with them. Balinor saw that the treasury could be useful in getting them food and supplies that they would need outside these lands. Some of the villagers volunteered to go off and get some for them. With Kilgharrah watching over them, they were sure to be more safe leaving and returning then they were before.

Things weren't just changing for the people here but for the land as well. Within one week after the passing of the Fisher King they noticed grass starting to grow around the area of the castle. When the villagers came back with the supplies they reported that they saw some of the tree husks by the area of the Keeper and his bridge start to grow leaves and shrubs. The land was starting to repair itself now that it wasn't draining itself to sustain the Fisher King and had a new healthy and strong king. Kilgharrah guessed that the land was using its magic and strength to take care of itself again and would become fully lush and fertile again with time. It gave all of them hope and inspiration to see to that day.

Hunith was helping Balinor with cleaning a room that they planned in keeping food supplies in when a sharp pain stuck Hunith.

"Balinor," she said through clenched teeth.

Balinor dropped the broom he was holding and ran to her. "Hunith, are you okay?"

"No, I…I think it's coming. I think the baby's coming!"

Balinor had his breath taken away with all of this. He immediately called for help in taking Hunith to their room and helping her through the delivery.

The return of Gorlois in Camelot was met with high emotions. Much of those emotions were those of excitement and joy to see such a loved and respected. Yet there were a pair who were feeling discomfort and guilt with his presence. It had been over three weeks since Uther and Vivienne let their lust and passion take hold over the two of them and betray Gorlois in the worst way. Her stomach plummeted when Gorlois went to her and gave her a hug and gentle kiss to her forehead like he did whenever he returned after a trip.

"It's good to see you again Vivienne," he said as he separated from her. He had a new small scar at his cheek that was still healing but it didn't hinder the look of happiness on his face.

"I missed you." That wasn't a lie. Vivienne really had missed Gorlois though she wasn't sure that seeing him now was a good or bad thing. "So has Morgause. She has been calling out for daddy now and there for the last few days."

"What? And I missed it," he said sucking his teeth in disappointment. He would've loved to have been around for hearing his daughter's first words especially when they were for him.

"Don't worry. I'm sure she'll say it to you once she sees you again."

She followed him as they went off to the nursery where they found their baby girl playing with wooden toy blocks. She looked up at them as they walked in and little Morgause's face lit up instantly and warmed them both instantly.

"Dadda," she cried out as Gorlois bent down to pick her up into his arms.

Vivienne stood off to the side watching her husband and their daughter laugh and play together now that he was back from the battlefield. Vivienne let herself be lost in the love of their family. They wouldn't have long since both had to attend an assembly of Uther's knights to report on the status of the front lines but right now the war, the laws and the surrounding politics, they didn't matter. Right now this moment was perfect.

Vivienne stood off with the other courtiers and nobles as they listened to her husband and the other knights and officers as they gave their reports and news about the war to Uther who sat in his throne at the front of the throne room. It might have been her imagination but she could've sworn that in between the exchanges, she caught Uther sparing her a look before looking forward again. She kept getting more uncomfortable every time he did that. Although she was still able to listen to the news.

"Our lines at the border between Camelot and Essetir are holding sire," reported Gorlois. "However, our numbers there are gradually dropping and we don't have the ability to replace them fast enough. Cenred losses at that position have been quite minimal thanks to the aid of his new magical recruits. Some of them your knights have recognized as being on your list of magical targets."

"How exactly is Cenred finding so many of them for his army?"

Another knight stepped forward. "I have the answer to that sire. We managed to capture an enemy officer who managed to give us some information about Cenred's dealings. It seems that he the support of a woman, a sorceress. One who has great influence among other sorcerers and it is through her that Cenred was able to find the sorcerers he has and will find more over time."

"A sorceress?" Uther asks. "Whom?"

"Some woman named The High Priestess Nimueh."

That name didn't have much meaning to anyone in the throne room save for Uther, Gaius and Vivienne. Gaius tried to catch Uther's eyes as he tensed and tightened his grip on his throne's armrests. Vivienne's adam's apple bobbed nervously as the image of that woman flashed through her memory.

"Nimueh? Are you sure that was the name?" he asked trying not to sound too eager for the answer.

"Yes sire, that was the name the man gave us," he said a little confusion expressed in his tone.

"Did this man happen to have anything to say about Balinor, the Dragonlord?"

The knight shook his head. "No sire. I asked but he had nothing to say about that man."

In between business with the war, Uther still looked out for any news relating to that man and his dragon. He was still set to defeat the dragonlord for escaping from his clutches with the dragon in such a way that made him and his kingdom look foolish. Not to mention what he did to one of his kingdom's most profound knights. He had to wonder what he was up to after these past months. It irked him that he was being so quiet especially during a war going on.

"Very well." He then stood up to address all of his knights and subjects. "It doesn't matter who Cenred brings to his side. Camelot will conquer any and every enemy that crosses its path. This kingdom is the mightiest on this great isle and no one will conquer us."

Cheers erupted from the audience while Gorlois and the knights saluted to their King.

A small banquet was held in the castle but Vivienne wasn't feeling much in the mood for festivities. Most of it had to do with being unable to stay in the same room with both Gorlois and Uther while they were being happy and joyous. Vivienne didn't understand how Uther could pretend with Gorlois like that. It was as if it didn't bother him at all that he had slept with his friend and most trusted supporter's wife while he had been off fighting for him. So Vivienne made some excuse about wanting to walk off the food and get fresh air. She just couldn't slap on a smile and pretend to be happy with such a secret being kept from her husband. She found herself on the same terrace that Uther had stumbled onto her all those nights ago. Even though it still had that memory tied to it, the view still had the effect of calming her. Though, for some reason, the view wasn't doing that for her tonight. As she looked out, she felt something stirring in the air that had her on edge. It didn't feel bad or anything like that but it still kept her from feeling as calm as she wanted. Something was happening out there; something magical and it was powerful. She didn't know what it was she was feeling or understand what it was exactly but Vivienne could feel that it was going to change everything. Whether it was for the best or the worst was beyond her. She didn't know how long she stayed out there until she had some unexpected company.

"Why are you out here when there is a big banquet to welcome back and boost morale for Camelot's men?"

Vivienne turned and tensed when she looked upon the sight of Nimueh. "You," she gasped out.

Nimueh smiled savagely at her. "It has been a long time Vivienne."

Vivienne glared back at her. "Yes, since the time you told the High Priestess that I was turning my back on the circle."

"Well accepting the proposal of that lord and leaving the circle to go off with him to Cornwall is turning you back on the circle. The dignity and honor of the priestesses was at stake with your tryst."

Vivienne really wanted to give Nimueh a good smack. That time still was hard for her to think about. "Like you really cared about the circle. You told the order about me and Gorlois so that I would be evicted leaving the way for you to become a full-fledged member. I did care about the circle and was trying to find some way to be both the Lady of Cornwall and a Priestess of the Isle of the Blessed. You were jealous that I was chosen over you and you found your way to get in and move me out at the same time."

Nimueh let out an angry snort. "Jealous? Of you? You overestimate yourself."

Vivienne smirked at her reaction. "You don't fool me Nimueh. It's sad to think that the only way that you could've become a priestess was if I left to be a noblewoman. And I hear that you are now calling yourself the High Priestess; again only because of process of elimination. You didn't earn any of it on your own."

Nimueh's cheeks were now getting red as Vivienne's words hit her more than she cared to admit. Vivienne could see it as well and was smirking at how she was able to get under her skin. Oh, but Nimueh saved her best remarks for last. "You care about the circle? You really demonstrate your loyalty by being here in Camelot to show support for the beast that slew our brothers and sisters," she growled. "Not only are you a deserter but you are a full on traitor and coward."

Vivienne's smirk fell. "You know nothing."

"Oh don't I?" she said getting gleeful. "You are a traitor and a coward not only to the circle but even to the husband that you left for. You never told Gorlois about your past position as a Priestess of the Isle."

"So he wouldn't feel any guilt for me being forced to leave it. He would've blamed himself for had happened and I didn't want him to because it wasn't."

"Yes, because you care for Gorlois," she said mockingly. "That is why you are having trysts with Uther? You betrayed him just like the circle. Bad enough that you are bedding your husband's friend but the tyrant that would see his wife burned on a pyre should it be revealed that she is a witch or even his little girl with such a strong chance of inheriting her legacy."

Vivienne breath hitched. "How the hell do you know about that? There is no one who-" she stopped right there before her shocked face went into a scowl. "Of course. You never had any respect for anyone or anything that wasn't valuable to you so I shouldn't be surprised that you scry in on private matters with no moral restraint."

The smirk on Nimueh's face only made Vivienne feel more disgusted with Nimueh and her antics.

"You may not believe me but I'm actually inspired by your actions. To bed Uther and come out of it with him betraying one of his most profound allies and impregnating his magical wife. The damage it will do to him is beyond what I can hope."

Vivienne was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Nimueh snorted. "You mean to tell me that you haven't sensed it. You are carrying a child, one who has a strong mystical presence and you can't feel it?" She saw that the shock on Vivienne was genuine. "You really don't," she breathed out. "How did you ever pass me over for being a priestess?"

"I…" Vivienne closed her eyes and focused on herself. Surely enough she felt that Nimueh was telling the truth about the presence of a child; a magical child. She was carrying Uther's child.

"Well," Nimueh continued. "This makes things more interesting. I can sense things are getting more interesting within Camelot than I ever could've hoped. It would be in your best interest to join with me to see that it all turns out in our favor."

She had her glare back. "Never. I would never join forces with you if you were last hope in this world."

"Vivienne, you and I are the only priestesses left in this land. With me, I can help you protect your children. We can rebuild the circle together."

"With you as its head I suppose, well again I say forget it," she snapped back.

Nimueh growled at her. "You won't get another chance to change your mind." She disappeared in a small gust of wind.

Vivienne was left there breathing hard as she went over everything that happened in her head before she took off to rejoin her husband.

The time Vivienne spent back with Gorlois was as wonderful as ever but it didn't fill her with comfort or happiness as before. Instead she only felt fear and shame while Gorlois fell asleep beside her. It didn't help that she practically forced her husband for this so that she would be able to hide the truth of her soon to be revealed pregnancy. She was carrying a child that didn't belong to her husband, the man who was beside her but belonged to another. Not only that but she suspected that Nimueh was right. Her child would be gifted with an inane mystical ability as were the rest of her family such as herself. In her case she had her empathic ability which were one of the more tamer abilities that could be inherited. As for Morgause, it seemed that perhaps she had inherited her empathy as well. She seemed to know who was in the mood to be around as she had seen the girl be silent around anyone who was unpleasant and was unafraid to laugh or cry in front of anyone that seemed to be in good graces at that moment. She remembered her mother saying that she was the same way herself as a young child too which further reinforced her theory that Morgause was empathic. It was one that was easy to hide and pass off as nothing and she hoped that her child would inherit a similar nonchalant gift or it could spell trouble in the future for her, her child and the situation between her, Uther and Gorlois.

Balinor couldn't find it in himself to fall asleep. He was in front of the chamber doors pacing in the hallway with no end in sight. He could hear the faint cries of Hunith from behind the door as the druid women were in there to help her through getting ready for delivering the baby. Richard and Abel were in the hall next to him, slumped against the walls, both sound asleep. They had been there for hours waiting alongside Balinor until they couldn't anymore. The sun was already beginning to rise in the distance and a few rays of light were already making their way through a nearby window. Richard's snores were soft while Abel's head was swaying slightly where he sat against the wall. Balinor watched the two of them with a small smile. He appreciated that they were here for him up until they couldn't anymore. It meant a lot to him that they were doing what they could to support and be there for him through this. A year ago, Balinor was resigned to be living his life alone as everyone he knew and cared for was gone. Now he has a new family that is moments away from having a new member. He just wanted to know how much longer he had to wait.

Not long it seemed as Hunith's voice came thundering out the door as she started screaming at the height of her voice. It was so loud that it shook Richard and Abel awake.

"What?" Richard slurred.

"Is someone getting tortured?" Abel said as he rubbed his eyes.

Balinor laughed. "No."

But then Hunith's wails turned into curses as she cursed Balinor for doing this to her.

Balinor cringed. "Umm…though Hunith might disagree."

The next few moments were filled more screaming and frenzied voices from Hunith's nursemaids. The noise drew in some more of the curious people who started to wait with Balinor out in the hall. Suddenly Hunith's cries ceased only to be replaced by softer cries, ones from a newborn child. Everyone waited on baited breath as they listened to them that were let out when the door opened and one of the druid girls tending to Hunith came out.

"Lord Balinor," she said timidly.

"Yes?" he said stepping forward a little nervously.

The girl looked to him for a moment before she broke into a smile. "Congratulations. You and the Lady Hunith have a beautiful baby boy."

Everyone there started to cheer and congratulate Balinor on his good fortune. Richard gave him great pats on the back followed by a manly hug while Abel excitedly shook his hand with a small laugh. Balinor smiled through the praise until Richard and Abel put their hands to his back and shoved him towards the room. The druid girl showed him in. He saw three other druid women in the room surrounding the bed where he saw Hunith gazing down into a bundle in her arms.

"Be gentle with Lady Hunith my lord," said the eldest of the druids in the room.

"I will and thank you. All of you."

They bowed their heads and left the small family of three alone.

Hunith looked up at her husband with blurred eyes. "Balinor," she said softly. "Come closer and look at your son."

The light from the morning sun poured into the room and made Hunith glow with its light and that only emphasized her beauty. He slowly walked and looked eagerly down at the bundle. His son had his eyes closed as his but Balinor could see its small chest rising and falling with every breath he took.

"Amazing," he said softly as he made to lie next to them. "Did you happen to see his eyes?"

"Yes…he has sea blue eyes."

"Just like yours." Balinor then put a soft kiss on the top of Hunith's head. "I think they will suit him."

"There is something we still have to do. We have to choose his name."

Balinor raised his eyes in confusion. "What do you mean? Remember what we learned? Our son is Emrys."

"Emrys is what the Druids call him Balinor. He needs something for his family and friends to call him. A name that is his."

Balinor began to rub the back of his head. Truth was that he hadn't given their son's name much thought because he thought that with what they learned from the Druids that it settled that. However, he could start to see that Hunith had a point. Maybe Emrys was more of a title than a name.

"I think you're right. But…what do we call him?"

A cawing sound drew their eyes to the open window off to the side. A small Merlin falcon was there, staring at the two of them before giving them another caw before taking off out the window.

"Merlin," Hunith breathed. "How about Merlin?"

"Merlin," he said testing the name on his lips. He liked it. He then ran his thumb over his son's forehead. "Merlin," he christened him.

End of Chapter 20

A/N: Merlin has been born! That and Vivienne is carrying Morgana and Nimueh is aware of it. As for Morgause being empathic, I thought it was a good way to explain how she was with people. In her personal encounters with Morgana, Arthur, Cenred and Merlin, she always seemed to know what they were feeling and what to say to exploit those feelings to her advantage. As for Vivienne, we hadn't been able to find too much about her and I thought this backstory was one that was worthy of such a famous priestess. There is one more chapter left in my story on top of an epilogue. Time will be skipping to make way for a sequel if you all want one.