Chapter 78
[An Hour and a Half Later] [A/N: The poems below are my original work. Enjoy!]
Merlin leaned back contentedly in his chair. His ears floated on the music. His stomach threatened to burst from the quality food. His brain remained clear thanks to his imbibing water (in addition to the prescribed half-goblet of wine). He felt content in being surrounded by friends and loved ones with nary a threat in sight. I could live like this forever!
Now that is more like it!
He turned to see Mithian smirking confidently at him. Glad you're enjoying yourself. You're all making it easy for me. He rubbed her hand affectionately.
That's what we do. She let her eyes twinkle into his. Rauchon's pork loin is something else. Is it not?
It melts in your mouth. I never knew how great food at the high table was. I served it but….
Enjoy it. She cut a piece and stuck it in her mouth saucily. She closed her eyes allowing the gentle flavors to course over and melt on her tongue.
Playing with your food now? he teased back.
She snorted gently. Not hardly. She arched the eyebrow far surpassing Gaius' best effort in that regard. Fare like *this* is to be savored, Merlin. Obviously you have.
He rolled his eyes knowing she'd one-upped him in that debate.
I rest my case. She smiled with satisfaction and tipped her own goblet to him. Then she took a draught and set it back on the table. She glanced toward her father who was standing up. Father wants to move onto the next stage.
Next stage? He looked toward his sovereign not knowing what to expect next.
Just watch and enjoy. As if I'd let anyone insult you tonight? she supposed with a bit of mirth. She motioned with her eyes toward her father.
Rodor assessed the assembled gathering in front of himself. He'd preferred to sit back and exchange some small talk with Hunith, Mithian and Merlin. He'd listened to the minstrels' concert and the bard singing of romantic triumphs in the face of dark despair. Now he wished to reassure his heirs of the surrounding support. He tinked his fork against his goblet to center the room's attention back on him once again.
On cue, everyone in the room ceased their conversation and looked politely to him.
"Thank you. It gladdens my heart to see everyone enjoying this special night. I know a few have requested a word in support of the Prince and Princess. I gladly turn over the floor to you at this point. May you add to the High Priestess Freya's beautiful blessing from this morn," Rodor announced. "Queen Elena, are you ready?"
"I am, King Rodor. My thanks," the Amazon Queen accepted. She stood and gazed upon the newlyweds. "Prince Merlin, Princess Mithian, you are both quality people. We all owe you a great deal. In my case, you both guided Queen Guinevere and me from Morgana's dark nightmare. Your understanding insured my kingdom's fortunes. As you look to lead into an age of magic's acceptance once more, may the sun shine on you. May Artemis bless your hunts. May Demeter bless your harvests and fill your store rooms. May our fortunes and relations be fruitful. Know that the Amazon Nation stands ready to assist Nemeth." She raised her goblet. "To the Prince, Princess and Nemeth."
"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered.
"Gaius of Camelot, are you ready?" Rodor inquired.
The aged physician slowly rose to his feet. He bowed to his host respectfully. "I am, Your Highness. Thank you." He smiled warmly toward his former charge and the latter's wife. "Prince Merlin, it is a delight to see you in your current state. You navigated many crises during your time at Camelot as a skilled apprentice and now healer, advisor and even a warrior when the occasion arose. You've certainly grown so much since those early days. But always, it was your heart, courage and duty to others that set you apart. Princess Mithian, I have always been impressed by your gentle strength, your heart, your ability to put the Greater Good before your own needs and devotion to others. May you both be happy and prosperous. May we continue the blissful friendship we share." He raised his goblet. "To you both, all of the best."
"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered.
"Lady Britomart, Knight of Nemeth, are you ready?" Rodor called.
"Aye, Sire. I am." Britomart exchanged looks with Gawain before standing. "Thank you. Princess Mithian, your insight, warm heart and ability to see character regardless of status has always been your greatest assets. Despite the differences in standing, your friendship is a precious gift from the darkest times following my parents' death and through to the current day. I can't say enough of the good things you represent. Prince Merlin, your giving nature and strength of character will serve you in good stead. I can see why the Princess feels as she does for you. May your days be warm and bright. May we know peace in all regards. My love to you both." She raised her goblet. "To you both."
"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered.
"Master Talesin, did you wish to speak?" Rodor offered.
The elderly mage stood slowly and with effort; Age constricting his limbs. "I did, Sire. My thanks." He turned to the happy couple and wisely offered, "Even if we have not known each other all that long, I am impressed with your commitment to the Greater Good, my Prince and Princess. Your service to each other, Britain and the magic community is deeply appreciated. The changes you inspire will benefit all. May you continue your service with keen eye and humble heart. May the goddess grant you happiness to enable us to weather Life's unexpected storms. We, your fellow sorcerers of all races and beings, do salute you and offer thanks for what you do for us all on this blessed day. Our love and friendship to you always." He raised his goblet. "To you, Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian."
"Hear! Hear!" the group concurred loudly. Even if some still harbored residual doubts about magic coexisting in the realm, they would not allow such feelings to tarnish the building euphoria and celebration in the hall.
"Thank you for that apt toast. Indeed, as we all serve, we should remember that this is a collaborative effort indeed, Master Talesin. Hunith of Ealdor, may I offer you the next toast?" Rodor proposed to the newest noble at court.
Hunith rose slowly and curtseyed to her new sovereign. "My thanks, Sire." She turned to the newlyweds and smiled warmly. "To you both, the best of everything. Princess Mithian, I know you are my superior in rank but speaking as the proud mother-in-law, I couldn't be any more delighted in you if you were my own daughter. I saw your heart and earnestness immediately. Prince Merlin, I wish I had all night to speak to your virtues. Needless to say, I couldn't be any prouder of you in all regards. I know you both will be a credit to this kingdom and court. As with Lady Britomart, I offer my fealty and love as both subject and a mother." She raised her goblet. "To you both, may your bond survive the seasons of change through sun and rain. May you know happiness in all regards."
"Hear! Hear!" the group cheered again.
"Thank you, Mother," Merlin expressed while embracing Hunith affectionately. "You deserve so much credit. I wish I had the words for you as well."
"Merlin, please….I…." Hunith blushed with embarrassment. She looked with concern toward the King.
Rodor nodded reassuringly. "Love such as this is to be praised, Lady Hunith. Despite the difference in rank, your bond is to be appreciated."
"Indeed." Mithian joined in the group embrace. "You are an impressive woman in your own right. Thank you for raising such a wondrous man and for entrusting him to me. I am so glad you are here with us." She kissed the older woman on the cheek. "Thank you."
Hunith hugged the couple tightly. Then she sat back down knowing that there were others still waiting to speak. Still her eyes sparkled proudly at her son and his wife. May you both know the best of everything!
"King Arthur, I believe you are next," Rodor announced.
Arthur rose slowly and measuredly. He surveyed the entire room confidently taking in each and every face around himself. "Thank you, King Rodor. I do appreciate the opportunity." He turned to the newlyweds; his face taking on a somber hue in the process. "Princess Mithian and Prince Merlin, it is an honor to know you both. You both have left Camelot a great deal richer through our encounters. I have certainly learned a great deal about being a king as well as a man from you as well. You both have taught me so much about respecting people's feelings in the course of governance. That is true in the household, on the battlefield, in the throne room or among allies such as the considerable assembly we share today. Princess, I am glad you have found someone to share your journey with. It is a considerable joy as a friend to see your face light up with pleasure once more. May you long have that radiance. And as for Prince Merlin…I still need to get used to saying that." He stopped for a couple of heartbeats allowing himself to reflect on the memories of their shared journey to their coming of age. "I could regale everyone with stories about you. Truth is that you haven't changed at all and that's what will insure your continued success. Here you are this all powerful warlock…sorcerer…whatever. I don't know if there's a limit to what you can do with your magic. And what do you do with it? You chose to serve others. You look out for the downtrodden soul. You befriend those who talk down about your nature. You will defy authority in order to do the right thing. I think to our dealings with the personages in this room tonight. You have shaped each and every encounter, Merlin. You. Not me…you. Thanks to Queen Elena, I was reminded of that fact recently." He tipped his goblet to the Amazon leader.
Queen Elena nodded in acknowledgement of his point.
Arthur smiled and felt himself relaxing ever so slightly. "I know you will bring those qualities to every aspect of this new role as Prince as well those of husband and advisor to your new King. Just be aware…as I'm sure everyone here will agree…but be aware that Camelot's doors are always open to you and yours. As I said to you, Princess and King Rodor, Camelot is nothing without our friends." He raised his goblet. "Princess Mithian, Prince Merlin, may you have long life, great joy and know prosperity."
"Hear! Hear!" Gwen cheered leading the others. She allowed her eyes to sparkle with joy and pleasure for her friends as well.
Mithian raised her own goblet in acknowledgment to his kind words. She also picked up on his mea culpa concerning the failed engagement and her subsequent failures in the diplomatic marriage game. Even if the page had been turned and their friendship was smooth, his toast provided a welcome balm to her mind and soul.
Merlin smiled warmly for his friend and fellow ruler. He too recalled the good times with Arthur and the knights. He remembered the coming of age which the latter had just spoken of. Now I just have to measure up to that.
Don't worry. You will, Mithian assured him.
We, your friends, have no doubt of that…for either of you, Freya interjected.
Rodor nodded in sage satisfaction for the kindness of his neighboring monarch. He stood again and started in once more, "Thank you for those wonderful sentiments, King Arthur. You have certainly brought out many of the sentiments that we all are feeling tonight. And I once again thank you for the reminder of the open door to your kingdom. I believe we all are only what we are because of everyone else here. So to you all with our thanks." He raised his goblet.
"And to you!" everyone cheered.
"Thank you. Now before the couple has their traditional thoughts to each other, I claim the last toast as the liege lord and the overjoyed father." Rodor allowed himself a heartbeat of introspection. "To Nemeth's new Prince, Merlin, you already show such potential. We all owe you so much. I am so privileged to have your mother and you in my family now. May you make the Princess happy and serve our people well. Continue to make me proud. And as for you, my Daughter, I am so happy for you on this night. As was the case between Arthur and Merlin, you have served as my right hand and pillar of strength. You are fair of mind and heart. Your inner strength and sage wisdom have benefited the kingdom more than once. You see people for who they are not for their rank or title. Yours is not the traditional path for a Princess or future Queen. I think to have forced you down that path would deny your potential. And now with your magic, you have the ability to make a bigger difference." He allowed that point to linger in the air before pressing on. "You both have great power and opportunity, Mithian. Make the most of them. Remember what King Arthur said of Merlin's penchant for service. I am struck in this moment by the advice of a Nazarene traveler in this land many years ago. Among his sermons, he told the people, 'The last shall be the first and the first shall be the last.' Heed that well. That will differentiate you from Morgana and her ilk. Be of the light, my Daughter and you too, Merlin. We all shall stand by you. I know your mother would add to that wish with her own, Mithian. I love you both. May you have the joy of a fruitful partnership benefiting yourselves and our fair land." He raised his goblet.
"Hear! Hear!" the group chorused enthusiastically.
"I love you as well, Father," Mithian assured him with an enthusiastic embrace.
"As do I. For all you have done for Mother and me…for your generosity, I…I can't say enough," Merlin added before adding his embrace to hers.
"Those sentiments and your continued service are all the thanks I need, my Children," Rodor noted warmly. "And now I believe it is for you. We have said our words. Now, according to Nemethian tradition, it is for you both to exchange thoughts to one another." With that he sat back down shifting the spotlight back to them.
Merlin admittedly felt the butterflies once again. He felt the small bit of parchment in his pocket. Once again, his insecurity welled up inside of himself. He knew how much he loved and treasured his wife. Despite the short duration of their bond, he just knew…
"It's all right," Mithian assured him with a gentle smile. Don't worry about the traditions or anybody else here. They don't matter. Speak to me. And I will speak to you and only you.
All right. I love you. I want to do you justice and I should say more.
Silly, that's all that is important. Still if you have more, I'd love to hear it. Just don't keep us waiting as you love to do. She offered the Smirk as a bit of levity.
He somehow didn't roll his eyes at her. All right. "In light of the wonderful things that our friends and loved ones have said, I wish to add a few thoughts of my own." He took her hands in his. "I don't know how I deserve you. I hope this does you justice…." He swallowed and recited from memory.
"My Princess, My Heart
Merlin of Ealdor
Challenges loom
On Life's bumpy road
Heavy can hang the gloom
Crusty soil resists the hoe
In that night sky
Stars do shine
From souls kind
With inspiration divine
One such star
Shot 'cross Camelot night
From seeming afar
Seeking royal delight
Won me over
Your gentle nature did
Warmth you us cover'd
Ego you hid
I've come to know you
Princess of my heart
Your virtue true
In face of Crises' darts
Warm you are
Toward court and peasant
Whether near or far
On them your time is spent
Humble you are
Ne'er down you look
On troubles in others' heart
No prejudice will you brook
Blessed am I
To gaze upon you
O' Apple of my eye
O' Treasure beyond worth due
Love you I will
Serve together we'll endeavor
You my heart does fill
Ne'er to be sever'd"
Silence pressed down on the audience. The onlookers sat amazed at Merlin's expression of love. A few wiped mist and tears from their eyes. Much as with the magic, they had no idea he was a poet too.
Mithian sighed contentedly as she squeezed his hands gently in her own. Tears of joy ran down her cheeks but she didn't care. She cared little what others had thought of her and her rebelliousness during her life anyhow. Still, even if she had kept a stiff upper lip for the sake of propriety, the rejections and being ignored by suitors had rent her heart….
…not of that mattered now….
…not with the incredible man standing before her….
…not when said man had declared his undying love and devotion….
…and it was to her and for her…for her alone.
Merlin picked up a napkin and gently dabbed her face. "I love you, my Princess, my Witch, my Wife." His mouth formed a grin as he expressed the last word. Then his lips brushed her forehead with Amor's gentlest brush strokes.
She blushed almost shyly. "Thank you for that. I…hope my thoughts are worthy as well." Her eyes glittered as a piece of parchment appeared in her hand. She shrugged with a sly smile. "I've been practicing."
"I can see that," he teased yet his eyes were glittering into hers.
She giggled. "Be that way! Just heed these words, my Prince…." And with that, she dove into her expression.
"My Gem in the Rough
Mithian of Nemeth
Under Nocturne's dark
Obscurred by Overcast
Denied Lux's mark
Lonliness held me fast
Rooted through coal
Turning stone by stone
True love, my goal
Reality gave me none
A diamond I'd fine
Sparkle nice it did
Until 'nother it'd fine
An' from me it hid
O'er and over
Process did repeat
Heart sinking lower
As Failure again did meet
Topaz, quartz and ruby
Pretty to mine eye
Yet unconstant they be
And in other they'd confide
In that Stygian dark
When Hope seem'd dead
Cupid hit his mark
His shaft my heart met
A servant with magic?
Incredible it seem'd
Yet in turnabout tragic
Lingered in status unfree
When we'd met 'fore
He'd knocked Diamond away
Shaking my core
Fortuna from me he swayed
Now in crisis dire
As this land shook
Under hooves Morgana hired
As we seem'd forsook
Merlin though
To our rescue did come
Although not alone
His will be done
It was at that time
Noticed I his treasure
A gem plain yet divine
A conundrum pleasur'd?
Scuff'd he seemed
His glow he obscured
Idiocy covered wits keen
As he lay in open dirt
Goddess mov'd
Enabling me to him have
My heart now me behoov'd
From servile fate to save
Raised each other we did
His sparkle my way lit
As Father raised him
Now on my right to sit
My constant gem
Sparkle 'bove Others
My misery you'd end
From Pain you me cover'd
Ask nothing save Care
And that I shall you give
As you with me gladly share
For as long as we both live."
She gazed up into his eyes. Now it was her turn to squeeze his hands in affirmation. "And I love you, my Prince, my Warlock, my Husband Divine. Never doubt that." She pressed her lips against his to fix their sentiments indelibly it seemed. "The goddess has blessed us with these gifts and the friends we can share them with."
"That she has." Merlin's eyes sparkled. "As you said, don't forget our love either."
"I won't if you don't keep me waiting as you're like to do," she cracked; a wry grin across her face. She raised her goblet again. "To you, my Prince. King of my heart. My refuge. My one, my only, my forever."
Merlin met her goblet with his. "And to you, my Princess. Queen of my heart. My refuge. My one, my constant, my forever."
They touched the vessels and then drank to celebrate it.
From around the chamber, supportive applause thundered down on them. Hands clapped demonstratively. Whistles and cheers of "Huzzah!" buzzed the ears and warmed souls. Eyes sparkled in delight. A few tears of joy wet cheeks.
Rodor chose to take in the moment. While he could've expounded on the moment for Tradition's sake, he allowed the couple's sentiments to rule the moment instead. His eye turned to the two empty seats left in honor of his deceased wife and son so that they might enjoy the night as well. They shall honor us all. Our love brings its harvest, Taene. May you be able to enjoy this day for it is as much yours as it is mine. Kay, may you watch over her and us now. We had our time. Now it is theirs.
And for a while after, the celebration continued. Kind words greeted revelers' ears. Congratulations rained down. Wounded hearts soothed. Friendships were reaffirmed.
And wasn't that the purpose of such celebrations? Even if Service demanded its charges' attention, in this, he could grant a break it seemed….