Chapter 9
It was almost a year later that Merlin and Morgana left the Druid camp much more knowledgeable and capable when it came to their own magic, Morgana's seer powers. She had also developed her ability to recognize and repress the curse, and increased her own magical control.
Their relationship had grown and blossomed to encompass more aspects of love especially the philia aspect of love between them.
In their efforts to protect the Druids they stayed with, they had stopped attacks using their magic and word had spread that the great Emrys and LeFay were a force to be reckoned with.
Being as the Druid camp was not far from Arthur; Viviana, Aithusa, and other Druids had often helped Merlin and Morgana transport criminals to Arthur for his justice. As a result, attacks on the Druid camps and throughout the kingdom decreased.
It was due to these successes and several long discussions with Viviana, Iselder and Ysira, that Merlin and Morgana had finally re-established their quest to find the Goddess and free Morgana from the curse. They had been told to search the forest of Arden.
Gaius had told Merlin stories about his youth when they had entered this magical forest looking for the Goddess and her sacred tree. The challenge was to find and obtain a magical acorn from that sacred tree. Gaius had said no one had ever found it as it was magically concealed and would only be revealed if the Goddess wished it. Merlin had shared these stories with Morgana and the Druids who had added their own experiences and information on the subject.
So when Merlin and Morgana arrived at the magical forest of Arden and noticed a glimmer that shifted as if revealing some disguise to what was actually there, the magical couple moved closer together as Morgana latched onto Merlin's bicep with her hand walking at his side.
As they moved closer, a tunnel appeared that had initially been hidden from their view, but was now fully revealed. "This must be the place Gaius told me about." Merlin whispered to Morgana as they walked through the tunnel and continued to a grove that opened up to the sky. The trees were all perfectly symmetrical. Their leaves were transparent and reflective like bright emeralds that glimmered in the sunlight. In the middle of all the trees was a mighty oak so tall they could not see the top of it.
Merlin put his hand on the trunk leaning his ear close to listen. "He turned to Morgana with a gigantic smile. This is the tree they could never find."
Morgana leaned in close to listen. She heard nothing She knew it was the dark curse that was blocking her and her eyes shown with disappointed tears she fought to control. She pulled out the water skin she had attached to her belt and took a long drink. She would not cry. She would sit and wait. She was the Last High Priestess of the Triple Goddess.
Merlin sat down beside Morgana, "Can you hear it?"
Morgana shook her head in the negative her eyes shiny with un-shed tears.
Merlin smiled, gently taking her hand to connect their magic and create their now familiar turquoise glow. "The forest is singing. It is a call to wait and listen."
"Morgana closed her eyes in concentration as her magic joined with Merlin's through their hands and she was finally able to hear the song. It soothed her and made her smile. She looked at Merlin, eyes shining with happy tears. "I hear it. The Goddess comes soon." She leaned her head on Merlin's shoulder closing her eyes, soaking up the waves of peace washing over her.
Merlin smiled closing his eyes and doing the same. Both fell asleep by the largest tree.
...
Merlin dreamed. Before him was a beautiful woman dressed in a shimmery fabric that picked up all the colors of the rainbow as she moved.
He saw her hand open to reveal a seed. She planted that seed and it grew into a mighty tree. It was the tree they had just found. He saw the land was beautiful and flourished for several eons of time. It made his heart happy.
But then, he saw a darkness invade and start to destroy the good things about the land. The darkness weakened the Goddess and Merlin saw her ageing and bending over time, her body, her hair becoming less lustrous and her eyes clouding over. He saw how the followers of the Goddess were also affected by the evil. Morgause had been one of them so affected. And all this time, Morgause had thought she was in control as did many of the other followers of this evil darkness. Merlin knew he was watching the history of the Goddess and his heart wept.
The Goddess returned to her original beautiful form She beckoned to him. "Merlin my precious child. I know why you have come. You have been successful in loosening the dark curse on Morgana. However, to totally free her, you will need this as Morgana is still trapped."
"The Goddess raised her hand up into the tree.
It was as if the tree smiled before giving her one of its branches.
In the Goddess' hands, the branch turned into a staff as tall as Merlin with the image of Aithusa and her white opalescent scales carved into its surface. Blue sapphire gems were the eyes and the mouth was open holding a large blue sapphire. The dragon wings pressed close to the dragon body and tail, wrapped around the staff creating a hand grip. The continuing spiral of the staff showed runes carved in gold and silver, encrusted with sapphires, rubies, amethysts, emeralds, diamonds, and topaz gems.
The Goddess stretched the staff towards Merlin. "Take it. This staff was made specifically for you. It will focus and increase your power. It is enchanted to only respond to you. If you ever lose or break it, all you have to do is think and it will come to wherever you are without blemish. It can never be taken from you or used by anyone without your permission."
Merlin turned wide, shining, grateful eyes to the Goddess and took the staff in hand admiring and studying its beauty and craftsmanship. "This gift is great... " Merlin said reverently. "I am unworthy."
The Goddess' eyes softened, as she opened her arms for Merlin to step into her motherly embrace which he returned. "You are wise Emrys to realize that even though you have learned much this last year, There will always be more to know and master. Time and study will help you. The staff is a conduit for knowledge and will answer any question you ask it."
The Goddess kissed his forehead. Merlin felt warmth, light, peace, clarity, confidence and love open and fill his mind and body. It was a moment that changed him in so many ways. He knew the Goddess had bestowed a great gift upon him to counteract his weakness and insecurities. He felt his love for everyone, especially Morgana swell in his chest. "Thank you!" Merlin said, knowing his words didn't even began to convey the gratitude he felt.
The Goddess smiled at him knowing his thoughts.
She was silent for a moment before continuing. "You have many trials ahead of you Merlin. You must be strong. The waters of life from this cup will be necessary for your success. After you drink from it, no matter how badly injured you are, you will recover. Even death will not take you. Any time you need my help, just call and I will aid you any way I can. Your life will be long and glorious."
Merlin recognized the cup of life and shrank from it. "I have heard that Emrys means immortal. I never wanted to be immortal. It seems so horrible to live when all around me will age and die leaving me alone. Immortality seems more of a curse than a gift."
The Goddess chuckled. "Ah, but Emrys, my chosen one, my child, my champion of magic, you shall not walk alone. Your love for your fellowman is strong and your heart is true. You do not seek power or wealth. You seek the happiness and well-being of your fellow men above your own. You will make many treasured friends along your way. That is why the Gods have gifted you with such powerful magic. They know you will use it wisely to make the world a better place for all you will meet."
"All this power and magic will not keep me company when my friends and family die. I do not want to be alone." Merlin almost cried.
"Worry not my son! Your mate is with you. I see into your heart and know this last year has uncovered the love you have for each other. That love will continue to grow and bless both of you. She will be given immortality as well after you lift the curse from her mind. You must fill her with your magic, light and love. Have her look into the blue crystal on your staff. She must not be forced or coerced. She must look of her own free will. With help from your dragon, you will lift the curse. I have instructed Aithusa in what must be done."
"Thank you Merlin bowed to the Goddess." I will treasure these wonderful gifts.
The Goddess held out the cup of life. "Drink half. The other half is for your mate who has been at your side worrying and waiting for you to wake."
"Merlin took the cup and drank half of its contents. He felt the waters pulsing through him healing every scar and hurt, both physical and emotional. Merlin was overwhelmed with the gifts of the Goddess and the love he felt pouring from her in waves along with the power she exuded. He fell to his knees as tears came to his eyes. "Thank you for these gifts. I feel to ask if there is anything I can do for you."
The Goddess smiled. "Dear Merlin, my champion of magic, my chosen one, you are indeed great, Your unselfish, courageous, nature is why you have been gifted with such power. "On the Isle of the Blessed, there is an evil force that has darkened the magic of this land. It has corrupted my priestesses and is the reason Morgana is under the black curse."
"The evil lies at the base of the rowan tree on the isle and has corrupted the tree and so much more. You will need to travel to the land of your father's house in Caledonia. They are familiar with the Druid way and the dragon way. The Druids and your father's people will help you, Morgana, and The Once and Future King."
With each new piece of information imparted about his family, Merlin's face opened in surprise, happiness and excitement that he would soon meet his father's family that had till now been unknown and absent from his life.
"There is also a magical group of people you must seek. One of my chosen ones is their leader. Their leader is a seer and has the gifts of magic and immortality. She has waited and prepared her people many years in anticipation of your arrival. They are necessary to your success and will help you as needed."
Merlin's smile grew with this information. He could feel the strength of the Goddess filling him with a humble confidence that all would be well.
The Goddess opened her hand to reveal a large acorn seed. "After you have defeated the evil on the Isle of the Blessed, plant this seed at its center. You will know the right time and place."
Merlin bowed his head as unshed tears of gratitude shown in his eyes. He felt the strength of the Goddess and the staff in his hand amplifying his power and every fiber of his being. He looked up. His gaze was strong with conviction as he said, "I will do everything in my power to do as you ask."
"Remember I will be with you, protecting you." The Goddess embraced Merlin and kissed his forehead.
Morgana had woken to find Merlin still asleep, or so she thought. She had squeezed his hand, but got no response. She shook him, and still he did not move. Morgana tried to revive him; rubbing his hands, and calling to him over and over again. She turned him on his side to clear his airways in case he had choked on something. She checked him for any other injuries and found nothing.
Morgana kissed him hoping to restore his breath like in the fairytales. It didn't work.
She kissed his eyes, nose and cheeks with no results. Her tears started to fall as she picked up his hands and kissed them. She pulled his head in to her lap, rocking him in her arms, begging him to wake, to not leave her alone. Things were not supposed to end this way. Merlin was supposed to free her of the curse. They were supposed to share a great love, bring peace and Albion. They couldn't do that if he was dead. "I love you Merlin!" Please don't leave me!" was the mantra that fell from her lips.
Aithusa had come at Morgana's request and curled herself around the two people she loved most in the world. There was s nothing she could do but offer Morgana comfort. Neither she nor Morgana had ever felt so despondent. Neither wanted to leave Merlin alone. She and Aithusa wept together, hopeless and helpless.
It was hours later Merlin finally awoke and looked around. He could not see the cup of life or the staves the Goddess had given him. "Was I dreaming?"
On hearing his words, Morgana pulled his lips to hers and kissed him deeply, so relieved he was still alive.
Merlin returned her kiss with fervor.
They finally broke apart and Morgana said "Your breathing stopped. I tried to rouse you, but you didn't respond. I thought you were dead."
Merlin put his arms around Morgana rubbing her back in comfort. He kissed her forehead. "I am fine."
"You were dead! You 're not dead now." She looked him over for wounds or bruises and again and saw nothing. She almost wanted to slap him, but remembered her promise and used the controls she had learned from Ysira to muffle the curse. It was easier to do these days because of the training she had received. She was so glad and relieved Merlin was alive, there was no way she could ever be angry at him again. But she was still puzzled. "How can you stop breathing for hours and still be alive?"
Merlin sat up and thought for a moment. "My spirit must have left my body to talk to the Goddess."
Morgana pulled back in amazement at his words, trying hard to get herself under control and her head around what he had just said. "You talked to the Goddess?"
"Yes! I have seen the Goddess." He looked around again and finally saw the dragon staff the Goddess had given him. "She gave me this." Merlin pointed to the staff and took it in his hand. "This is the tool I need to free you of the curse."
"Morgana's mouth dropped into an "Oh" as she looked at the carving of Aithusa, in opalescent white, the jewels, the silver and gold runes. "It is beautiful."
Merlin nodded, "The Goddess says it will focus and magnify my power." No one but me can use it. It can never be broken or lost. I just have to call it."
"That is amazing Merlin. You talked to the Goddess. She gave you this beautiful gift. And I was here to see you come back." Morgana looked him over carefully. "There is something else different about you." She pulled his head forward to see if the fomorrah scar was on his neck. "It is gone." Morgana gasped. She pulled his shirt aside where she had healed the wound on his shoulder when she had him tied up in her hovel. That scar too was gone as well. "You are...different."
"Merlin what happened to you?"
Merlin wanted to share the news. However, it was more important to free her of the curse as soon as possible. "You have to look into the big blue crystal on my staff of your own free will and choice to release your mind from the curse. After that is done, I have more to share with you."
Merlin searched her eyes, holding his breath, waiting for her response.
Morgana was under the love spell, but it did not take away her free will. He waited anxiously.
Morgana smiled. "As the Last High Priestess of the Triple Goddess, of course I will do as you ask."
Merlin smiled, hugged her and gave her a passionate kiss before standing with the staff in hand, pulling Morgana with him. The Goddess said I must look into your mind, kill the snake that is guarding your good thoughts and fill you with my magic."
Morgana looked at Merlin steadily with hope and excitement as this had been a goal ever since she and Merlin had started their quest. Morgause's voice was starting to scream in the background. But Morgana raised her chin. It was times like this her Pendragon pride, strength, and courage were useful as it helped hide her fear and trepidation and push at the curse. "I'm ready" She said grasping onto his shoulders.
The minute Morgana touched Merlin's shoulder, Aithusa stood behind Morgana. "The Goddess sent me." Aithusa spoke in a musical girl's voice.
Merlin's smile was gigantic. "Then we are ready."
Merlin took one of Morgana's hands and placed it on his staff where the grip was. He covered her hand with his own putting his other hand on her shoulder so they were both touching each other and the staff.
Merlin gathered his magic and signaled for Morgana to do the same.
As they started breathing together and gazing into each other's eyes, The staff took on the turquoise glow of their combined magic. The glow from the staff surrounded them and Aithusa.
Merlin and Morgana kept their eyes on each other as Merlin delved into Morgana's mind.
The curse was dark, slimy, and foreboding. He had always wanted to retreat this past year whenever he had encountered it in their sessions with Ysira.
He wanted to back out now, but was able to gather enough courage to press forward, hoping.
The dark snake in Morgana's mind tried to tighten its hold, sending unimaginable pain through her body with an evil smoke and more black tendrils that thickened around her good thoughts. Morgana bit her lip and held tighter to Merlin trying to stifle the scream that was building in her body as the pain increased. She fell to her knees taking Merlin with her as he too was feeling her pain.
The Goddess's presence could be felt, and Merlin knew it was time to fill Morgana with his light and the light of the Goddess.
Merlin gripped his staff. He let his power fuse with the power of the staff and felt the power of the Goddess flow through him. He pushed all of that into Morgana's mind and body, searching out the blackness and the pain that was hurting her.
He destroyed the darkness in her body on contact.
Morgana had stopped screaming but her eyes had rolled to the back of her head and she started to collapse.
Merlin pulled her towards him and caught her in his arms before she hit the ground He held her closer and more tightly so he could continue.
Merlin found the snake. He focused his magic through the crystal and destroyed it as well. His breathing was heavy as he finished that part of cleansing Morgana of the curse.
His next focus went to the goo covering the good memories. The goo tried to tighten and wrap more black smoke and goo, spreading its darkness around the good memories.
Merlin zapped them with his power, pulling and twisting the other strands till he almost had them loosened only for them to tighten. He tried again and again He was getting tired and frustrated. He grasped both Morgana's hands with the staff between them and drew on Morgana's power. His hair stood on end. Morgana's hair stood on end. They were both glowing a brilliant turquoise that got brighter and whiter as Merlin untangled the curse destroying more of the goo. He thought he was going to pass out with the effort when suddenly, Aithusa breathed a golden flame on him. Light shot out from both Merlin and Morgana evaporating the remaining goo into thin air and breaking the love spell.
A wisp of blue fluttered from the explosion and wrapped itself around Merlin's right wrist and Morgana's left wrist joining them together.
The light dissipated. Merlin and Morgana swayed together briefly before their eyes rolled to the backs of their head and they fell to the ground unconscious, their wrists joined by the magical blue ribbon. They lay side by side on their bedrolls. Every bit of clothing on their bodies was beautiful and clean. Morgana's dress was no longer black. It was a delicate chiffon, lace and velvet blue and purple cut in a princess style with form fitting bodice that caressed her hips lightly then flared to her ankles, sheer sleeves covered in lace. Her hair was lustrous, surrounding her face and flowing to her waist in glorious perfect curls. Merlin had on a white silk shirt, tan leather pants and a brown tailored jacket. His hair was combed into perfect waves. He looked like a prince out of a fairy tale.
The goddess smiled down at her two powerful magical children and waved her hand over them and Morgana was dreaming. She was looking into the face of a beautiful woman, her dress the colors of the rainbow. She saw the same vision of the woman with a seed in her hand, how she had planted the tree, how it had grown so beautiful and tall and the land around it had flourished. She saw the evil darken the land and weaken the goddess and corrupt the priestesses who served the goddess. She saw her beautiful proud sister overcome by the darkness and how her sister, who thought she was in control of her own destiny was actually controlled by the darkness. The darkness had been in control of her sister Morgause when the blonde priestess had cast the blood magic over Morgana. She had watched the darkness laugh at the hatred in their hearts and minds and manipulate them to do horrible things.
Morgana screamed and cried, "No, No, No, it couldn't be!"
"But then Morgana saw her mother and the Goddess crying for her. They loved her and did not want to lose her. They had petitioned the Gods for permission to help and had come up with this plan to help Morgana cast the love spell to weaken the evil curse.
Morgana was crying tears of gratitude for the love, she felt emanating from the Goddess and her mother for her. She saw their care for Merlin and how their love included him and helped him in his efforts and helped her in her efforts over the last year. It filled her heart with such love and joy. At the same time she felt a devastating loss for her beautiful powerful sister who had thought she was in control of everything with her dark lust for power. She saw it for what it was. It was hatred, it was envy, jealousy, destruction, fueled by the darkness.
This cold, destructive, malevolent, darkness was only held at bay. It still lurked in the back ground with a desire to further corrupt whatever it touched. Morgana shivered and saw her mother, the goddess, Merlin and others, standing strong against it. But it was as if they were waiting for something. They were looking at her. "Will you help us?"
Even though Morgana shivered in fear, her heart knew she would do anything for the Goddess, for her mother for Merlin. "Yes!" her heart cried. "But I don't know how."
The Goddess put her hand up into the branches of the tree she had grown from a seed.
The tree seemed to smile giving the Goddess one of its branches.
The Goddess held the branch in her hands and it became a white staff as tall as Morgana with a hand grip carved with leaves and flowers twined beautifully around the staff from tip to base. Words and symbols were etched in gold and silver displayed between the vines. The flowers were white. The flower centers were inlaid with precious stones of green, purple, blue, turquoise, yellow and scarlet. On the top of the staff was a large green crystal.
"This staff is one of the tools you will need to help us. It will respond only to you and will magnify your power. If you lose or break it, all you will have to do is think and it will return to you unblemished. It cannot be taken from you or used by anyone else without your permission."
Morgana took the staff in hand with awe in her eyes at the beauty and workmanship. "It is so beautiful. I will treasure this gift." Tears of joy flowed down Morgana's face.
The goddess embraced her. "You taken an important step with this commitment to help. I can now call you my high priestess."
Morgana fell to her knees, her eyes wet with tears. "I am honored to serve you but I am unworthy."
The Goddess lifted her chin and looked her in the eye. "My dear Morgana, I have seen you commitment and your efforts. You have overcome much this last year and proved yourself by increasing in knowledge, magic and seer powers. Merlin has successfully destroyed and driven the curse from your body and mind with the help of Aithusa. You are now ready to serve me if you so desire."
Morgana could only nod her head in her eagerness. She had found, repenting, forgiving, learning and loving had given her more understanding, clarity, peace of mind, and a sense of accomplishment than she had ever felt in her life, like she was finally on the right track.
"It will be difficult," the Goddess said, looking into her eyes. "You have seen the darkness and the damage it has done to your sister, yourself and others. This darkness desires to have you and Merlin, to entrap you in its seductive power. It is only if you stand together, that you will be able to defeat it and free the land forever of its influence."
It was at this point. Merlin stood by her side, entwined his fingers with hers and smiled.
Morgana smiled back at him and squeezed his fingers.
Viviana stood next to Morgana, Hunith stood next to Merlin, Gorlois stood next to Viviana, Balinor stood next to Hunith. Morgana looked at Merlin and they looked at their parents as tears of joy filled their eyes. Balinor hugged his son. Gorlois hugged his daughter, then pulled Viviana into the hug with them. Balinor and Merlin pulled Hunith into the hug with them. Then the two families joined together in one great big group hug as I love you, I miss you, I will always be here for you was heard and accepted with tears of joy and longing. Then the two families clasped hands and all turned as one to the Goddess. "Yes, we will stand together to help you defeat the darkness.
It was at this point Morgana woke finding her arms wrapped around Merlin and his arms wrapped around her, their foreheads touching. They drew back with wide eyes. "Did you see that?...the Goddess, our parents..."
Merlin nodded, "Our parents..."
"They were here... Morgana nodded.
Merlin looked around. I can still feel them..."
"They will be here whenever we need them." Morgana gazed back at him. "To help us defeat the darkness."
They closed their eyes and sleep took them.
Viviana appeared and took Merlin and Morgana's capes and boots in hand changing and enchanting them with her magic. Then she settled herself to keep watch and prepare food and medicine for when they awoke.
The Goddess smiled. "Well done Viviana and Aithusa!"
Aithusa laid beside the couple and spread her wing protectively over the pair as they slept.
It was a whole day later when they finally stirred.
Merlin turned his head to look at Morgana feeling too weak to move a great deal. "Are you okay? How do you feel?" Merlin looked concerned as his eyes traveled over Morgana's face, arms, and body looking for any damage. He saw none and was surprised at her change in clothing, the staff in her hand, and her overall appearance.
Morgana's eyes fluttered open as she turned her head towards Merlin. "I feel better than I have in a long time." her eyes widening at his appearance and clothing.
"Are you sure?" Merlin asked bringing Morgana out of her stunned and amazed perusal of his visage.
Morgana closed her eyes focusing inward. "I feel so different." She said. "The darkness, the voices, the snake, the hate, Morgause's voice is gone." Morgana turned a brilliant smile on Merlin.
"So we did it." Merlin started to smile.
"We did it!" she said with awe and wonder. "I am free of the curse!"
"What about the love spell?" Merlin asked. "How do you feel about me?"
Morgana closed her eyes as she searched her memories and her feelings of the last year. Her feelings for Merlin were no longer tainted by the curse or the love spell. However, as she searched her feelings. She found they were deeper and more pure than they had ever been. She opened her eyes and looked at Merlin with her heart. "I love you Merlin,... even more than I did before the curse and before the love spell." Her eyes started to shine with unshed tears. "The time we have spent together this last year, your tender care, help you have given me with my seer powers, participating in my training, the magic we have learned together and the many times we have spent laughing and teasing each other, my feelings of love and respect for you that have been locked away for so long is greater than it has ever been. The feelings I have for you are so vast," the love flowed from her mind and heart and into Merlin filling them both with light and love that spilled from their eyes in happy tears. "I love you." she said. "More than I have ever loved anything or anyone in my life.
Merlin's eyes too were shiny with tears as he smiled brilliantly and held her hands in his, "I love you too. Morgana"
It was a beautiful moment of revelation, calm and peace for both of them.
Morgana wrapped her arms around Merlin and kissed him deeply.
He returned her kiss and the blue ribbon that had bound them together sunk into their flesh.
"Fyrdracafaestnian, I now pronounce you Dragon Lord Merlin Emrys and High Priestess Morgana Pendragon Emrys, husband and wife." Aithusa said with a dragon smile on her face.
"What?" The dark haired pair asked.
"That was was an extraordinary piece of magic young man." Viviana said. "That magical explosion of turquoise light you two created when the spell was broken was felt for miles I am sure." She was sitting far enough from them to give them some privacy as she was stirring a pot of stew. She was close enough that they could hear her.
"I am glad you are both awake." Viviana smiled and hugged her magical children. "I am thrilled you accomplished this."
Morgana and Merlin had big smiles as well and returned her hug.
"How do you feel young warlock?" Viviana asked.
Merlin rubbed his neck and eyes then smiled, "Weak, like Morgana, but better."
"That amazing piece of magic took quite a bit of power. So I am not surprised." Viviana got them two bowls of stew. "You should eat this. It will help."
Merlin and Morgana sat up and ate.
When they finished, Viviana handed them their deer capes and boots that looked vastly different and much more beautiful. Merlin's cape was a royal blue that matched his eyes. Morgana's was a deep purple. The boots matched and were lined with fur. All the items were embroidered in magical runes with gold and silver thread.
"Thank you mother. They are beautiful." Morgana said fingering the soft deer hide lined with a silken wool. She looked at the cape with awe on her face.
"Thank you Viviana." Merlin said.
Viviana smiled. "I gave the capes and boots a magical protection to make them water proof, dirt proof, and provide the proper warmth and comfort regardless the weather outside. They will protect you from any threat you may encounter. At your command, these capes can make you invisible if you so wish. They are indestructible and cannot be taken from you. It is my gift to you."
"Wedding?" Merlin and Morgana said in concert.
Viviana hugged and kissed both Merlin and Morgana in a motherly fashion. "I am thrilled you accomplished this. Things are going to be better for both of you now Morgana is free of the curse and the love spell, and bound to each other for eternity."
Morgana hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you mother, for all your help."
She pulled back. "But what do you mean, bound to each other for eternity?"
"I will let the dragon explain." Viviana said as she disappeared. I will be watching over and helping you."
"Thank you mother." Morgana said with a question in her eyes as she turned to Merlin.
Merlin turned to Aithusa with an eyebrow raised in a very Gaius like manner. "Well?"