Chapter 85 [Next Morning—Courtyard]
Dawn just started to color the eastern sky on that early morning. The birds sang their blissful tunes. A little breeze puffed pleasantly through the air. A few townspeople already were about their business.
And in the center of Whitgate, things were about to return to normal….
Just off of the palace steps, Merlin patted Arthur's horse to soothe his nerves. Much as he used to do as a valet, he rubbed the flank and offered a carrot for the other. "Good boy, Roland. Good boy."
"Can't take the servant out of you. Can they?" Mithian supposed with a chuckle as she joined him.
"Nope. Can't be done. Guess that's what makes me such a good Prince," he supposed with a grin.
She shrugged while rubbing down Roland's flank. "Mmmm….a passable Prince." She smirked mischievously. "I do have some rough edges to deal with it."
"I'll get there," he promised.
"I know. Why do you think I keep you around?" she inquired; her eyes twinkling into his. She leaned close allowing her lips to paint a few whispered brush strokes across his cheek.
"Never changes. Oh, Merlin, you can be such a girl."
Merlin rolled his eyes. "As you were saying?"
"He's right. Some things just never change," Mithian assessed before turning to see Arthur and Gwen watching them. "Good morning. Ready for the road, you two?"
"It is a lovely morning," Gwen indicated. She had dressed in a white top and a pair of dark riding trousers for the trip. "And don't let Arthur get to you. I think what you two have is sweet. Before the knights come from the stables, we wanted a moment with you both."
"We made sure everything was ready. No tricks, rigged saddles, anything. I promise," Merlin affirmed.
"Lucky for you, Merlin. Otherwise I'd be sending George here as a permanent addition to the court," Arthur threatened half-seriously. "I have to find another horribly lazy excuse of a manservant anyhow." He smiled. "Seriously, Merlin, I am so happy for you both. Just persevere and listen to what King Rodor advises. I can't speak for Talesin but I know your King is wise and experienced. There's a great deal you can learn from him. Good luck." He embraced the new Prince affectionately (even if he'd never admit to that feeling in public). Then he turned to Mithian. "Mithian, just as I said to Merlin, you deserve some happiness. I know things haven't been as they should in the past. I treated you below any decent standard while Morgana's spell did what it did. I…."
"Arthur, I know. Morgana's spell made people do things they normally wouldn't do. As for the past, let's leave them in the past. Things have worked out as they should. You have Gwen. I have Merlin. Our kingdoms' alliance continues to develop. Look at what Father announced yesterday. We started that." She rubbed his shoulder reassuringly. "Our friendship. Us four."
"Not bad for a couple of former servants and out of the mold royals. Is it?" Merlin supposed whimsically. He embraced Gwen. "Take care of him. All right? If you need us, send word."
"We will. Same goes for you both. We'll expect you on your progress. Perhaps you can detour for a day or so in Camelot?" Gwen invited. She considered the warlock with a bright eye. She remembered well their younger days watching stumble about the castle upon his arrival from Ealdor. She could see again through Memoria's eye his sacrifices and contributions. After she and Arthur had developed feelings for one another, their simple conversation before each expedition echoed in her ears…..
"Merlin, bring him back to me," she requested.
"Don't worry, Gwen. I will," he vowed earnestly.
And now he won't be at Arthur's side. Gwen sighed while trying to keep a stiff upper lip.
"Gwen, everything will be all right. He still has the knights. Mordred's in contact with us constantly. All right?" Merlin reassured her.
If things had been different. Mithian, you are a lucky woman. Then again they worked precisely as they should have. Gwen turned to Mithian. "Congratulations on everything, Mithian. You deserve it."
"I appreciate that, Gwen. On my father's behalf as well as mine, you are welcome here any time. Don't worry. I'll look after him," the Princess promised while motioning toward her husband. "Thank you for accepting me and your kindness. As Arthur's former fiancée, it couldn't be easy to deal with me. I…."
"As I've said before, you've proven yourself in so many ways to us. You let us be happy. Now we're just glad to play a part in your happiness," Gwen noted.
"I'll speak with the King about that detour. We do have to assist with moving Gaius' things. I'm sure Freya will pitch in," Mithian mentioned.
"Please do!" Gwen agreed. "Send word on ahead. We'll be awaiting it." Seeing Hunith talking with Gaius on the stairs, she added, "And we'll take care of him as well."
"I know," Merlin declared while heading up the stairs toward his mother and mentor. "Good morning, Mother. Gaius, ready for the trip?" He kissed her cheek.
"As ready as these old bones can be. I can't believe how much things have changed in such a short time," Gaius stated while dealing with his disbelief.
"Guess when the universe wants change, it gets it?" Merlin supposed. "Be careful."
"You too. Don't be getting yourself into any mischief. Understand?" Gaius lectured affectionately as they embraced.
"I think Mithian and I can keep him on his toes," Hunith assured the elderly physician.
"Yes I'm sure. I've already asked the same of Master Talesin." Gaius arched the cautious eyebrow at Merlin before ambling toward Mithian. "Princess, you take care. See you soon. Enjoy your progress."
"We will. Have a safe journey. Enjoy your visit, Gaius." Mithian hugged him before helping him to his horse.
"We'll make sure he's all right," Arthur agreed. He saw the knights ride up from the stables. "Are we set?"
"Aye, Sire," Leon affirmed. "Prince Merlin, best wishes to you."
"Thank you, Sir Leon. Safe journey to all of you back to Camelot. We shall see you soon," Merlin replied pleasantly. "And, Arthur?"
"Yes, Merlin?" Arthur replied frankly.
"Thank you," the warlock expressed earnestly.
"You're welcome." Arthur extended his hand toward the former manservant. As they clasped hands one last time, he added, "And seriously, it goes both ways." He nodded earnestly to Mithian. "Keep an eye on him. Once again, it's good to see you so content at last, Mithian. May it last for a long time to come." He waved to Hunith. "Best wishes in all things, Milady." He urged his steed on into a full gallop toward the gate.
"See you both soon!" Gwen called before she and the others followed in his wake.
The trio watched their guests gallop away into the distance. With the other visiting dignitaries already gone, the relative quiet descended upon them. The stillness rang in their ears.
Merlin sucked in a breath of realization. While they'd be visiting Camelot again in short order, he was there in Nemeth….
…with Mithian and his mother….
…and no Arthur….
Admittedly the whole scenario felt strange to him. He glanced around at the goings-on around them taking in the servants and people moving about.
"It will be all right," Hunith promised. "You'll see, Merlin."
"Of course it is. I have my two best ladies!" He hugged them both affectionately. "Gwen can keep the Prat on his horse and riding straight."
Mithian snorted. "She may have her hands full on that one."
"Maybe Britomart could give her some pointers from what she's learned where Gawain's concerned," he suggested playfully.
"Merlin, stop! Arthur was good to you," Hunith lectured pointedly.
"He knows that, Hunith. He and Arthur never let up on each other," Mithian defended him. "Of course he has his new priorities now."
"Yes the kingdom, wenching, bar room brawls and…." He stopped upon getting an elbow in the ribs. "Hey!" He smirked. "Made you react. Learned that one from Gawain too."
Mithian rolled her eyes. "You are going to be such a project." She smiled warmly and took his hand. "Speaking of projects, shall we walk in the garden again? I think we have some time before breakfast."
"I can deal with that. Speaking of priorities, where is your father? I would have thought he'd see Arthur and Gwen off," he wondered.
"They spoke inside. King Rodor was reviewing some documents," Hunith informed them.
Mithian pondered the point. While it wasn't unheard of, she knew it wasn't normal for her father to allow a guest of Arthur's caliber to allow himself out like that. Once again, she wondered if there was something going on between the two rulers. That is a matter for another day. I hope we're not starting something with the connections.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Sure. Now I want to see those roses," Mithian urged while squeezing his hand.
Hunith shook her head. Those two! Honestly! Still she smiled at the thought of her son and daughter-in-law walking the path together. They are meant to be together. We can all be happy. Certainly this is a long way from the village. A long way indeed.
And with that the trio headed back into the palace and toward their bigger adventure at hand….