Chapter 21
The decision was made quickly after the news of the evil on the Isle of the Blessed reached the council's ears. It was not a unanimous conclusion, but the majority of the council members did vote in favor of Merlin and Morgana, dismissing Ellison's claim much to the displeasure of the Lord's father.
Everything happened quickly after that, no one wanting to waste a moment with the threat of total destruction hanging over them.
Morgana contacted Hunith in her dream that night and informed her they would be picking her up first thing in the morning and transporting her to Caledonia for their coronation. She had to explain how they had learned to communicate through dreams and how they had been increasing their power to transport.
Bruce and Angela had gotten a set of rooms next to Merlin and Morgana's prepared for Hunith along with some fine dresses and jewelry that could be easily altered for the mother of the new king.
Morgana and Angela were up before dawn the next morning. They had decided two of them would be able to pack up Hunith's meager belongings more quickly.
Moments after the transportation spell was cast, they were knocking on Hunith's door.
Hunith answered fully clothed. "This is amazing. You are actually here."
Morgana gave Hunith a bone crushing hug, quickly introduced Angela, then went inside her home to help gather her meager belongings before locking the house up for Hunith's extended stay in Caledonia.
When finished, they got into their group hug formation. Hunith had the middle spot. Morgana focused her magic which lit the three of them and Hunith's things a beautiful emerald green.
Hunith gasped at the sensation of magic encompassing her before transporting back to Caledonia.
Merlin woke and was momentarily bothered Morgana was missing till he saw her note that she had a surprise for him and would see him when he returned from Camelot. He immediately contacted the dragons to meet on the spires of Caledonia Castle, excited to see Arthur and his old friends.
The two young male dragons had arrived with Vadoma, Iselder and Ysira whom Merlin greeted warmly on the top of Caledonia's castle. Servants immediately took them to rooms prepared for them the night before.
Merlin, Cerandillia, and Aithusa immediately transported to Camelot as Merlin had informed Arthur and the knights of his and Morgana's coronation in their dreams the night before and told them with Aithusa and Cerandillia's help, they could transport them and a few Knights of the round table to Caledonia first thing in the morning. It was decided Leon, Gaius, and Alice would stay behind to run Camelot in Arthur's absence.
Arthur, Gwen, their 6 month old baby Ellie, Gwaine, Mordred, and Percival were sitting on the steps of the castle waiting for Merlin and the dragons to arrive.
It was a joyous reunion in the middle of Camelot's courtyard for the knights, royals, Merlin and the dragons.
A few citizens that were up already received the shock of their life when the two dragons appeared taking up most of Camelot's courtyard. Arthur had smiled and waved, assuaging the fears of his citizens when Gaius and Alice had arrived to express their love and congratulations to Merlin whom they both considered a son.
Transporting with the dragons was different. Everyone simply had to be holding hands. Also the color was different with a more purple hue as Cerandillia was helping.
Meanwhile, Morgana had also recruited the help of Sir Gerund and Sir Duranbolt, Angela and Bruce, to help set up Hunith's rooms and provide security detail and company for Hunith. Everyone pitched in to prepare other rooms for the Camelot and Galdra guests.
King Brynjar and his daughter, Runa had arrived mid morning.
Runa was in Hunith's chambers with Morgana and Angela having a wonderful time getting acquainted. Gwen soon joined them along with Vadoma and Ysira.
King Brynjar, being a man of great humor, was keeping everyone in stitches with his jokes. Everyone was laughing and in high spirits. Even Arthur, Mordred and the knights were highly entertained and impressed with the powerful, red haired king.
By noon, the throne room had been hastily decorated with banners and flowers and the announcement had been made to the people of Caledonia that the coronation of Caledonia's King and Queen would take place that very evening
Gwen insisted on helping Angela do the final touches on Hunith's, Morgana's and Runa's hair. The women had a wonderful time picking out and altering a dress for Hunith and catching up on news of Ealdor, Merlin and Morgana's adventures in breaking the dark curse, meeting the Goddess, their impromptu wedding, learning magic together and finding out they were royalty.
Hunith was delighted so many had helped her precious son and new daughter and thrilled they were happily married.
The only thing missing was Balinor. It was bittersweet for all of them.
Hunith was in awe of the fine clothing, harness and staff the Goddess had made for Morgana and Merlin and the things these gifts offered to her magical children.
Angela helped Morgana dress. while Bruce helped Merlin clean up and dress in the clothing the Goddess had made for him.
The ceremony was not nearly as lavish as it could have been, for which Merlin could only be grateful. However, it was still a great deal of pomp and circumstance, as much as could be mustered up on such short notice.
It was all a bit hazy in Merlin's memory, a vivid rush of impressions and sensations that didn't quite stick in his mind except how beautiful his new wife was, how glad he was to have her by his side as well as his friends and family in Caledonia that were in attendance for this momentous occasion.
Morgana walked toward him before they joined hands to enter the room where the coronation would take place. She never ceased to take his breathe with her physical, intellectual and spiritual beauty. She had a beautiful loving heart to match.
Morgana smiled at Merlin and gently squeezed his hand as they looked into each other's eyes. Her presence alone sent fire into his heart and peace to his mind. They were doing this together and everything would be okay.
Morgana's dress was a Caledonia blue velvet with runes similar to Merlin's but with a floral scroll, embroidered in purple, turquoise, green, blue, gold and silver at the neck, cuffs and skirt, Under that were fine hose with similar runes and flowers woven into them. Her shoes were a blue velvet slipper with a matching embroidery in the same colors as her dress. Angela had styled her hair into a twist of curls with blue sapphires, white pearls and small white flowers woven into it that fell down her back and over one shoulder. Morgana was absolutely stunning and took Merlin's breath away. She was all his.
Merlin wore his white silk shirt with magical runes embroidered in silver, gold, blue, turquoise, green and purple thread around the neck and cuffs; black leather pants with runes embroidered in black down the outsides of his legs and around his waist; a royal blue jacket with gold and silver runes embroidered around the lapels and cuffs and gold buttons down the front. A beautiful scarf of blue, tied like an ascot, tucked into a black vest with threads the same color as his shirt. He wore the fine black leather boots, tooled with runes of magic the Goddess had given him. Their clothes were subtly elegant, refined, and beautiful, fit for a new king and queen.
"The magic imbued clothing gave them comfort and a sense of peace. Both looked every inch, ambassadors for the Goddess, a prince and princess out of a fairy tale that were now to become King and Queen of Caledonia. Their journey had started out as a quest to free Morgana of her dark curse and to learn more about the power they held. The developments that had brought them to this moment were joyous, terrifying, frustrating, beautiful, and nothing short of miraculous. The only cloud that hung over them was the upcoming battle and ruling Caledonia.
When the doors were opened, all eyes turned to the stunning couple All were awed at the power they felt rolling off the pair.
The clothing was extraordinarily comfortable and energized and protected them as it had the first time they had worn them, The clothing actually quelled the nerves that started to rise in both of them. Well maybe it was actually the presence of the Goddess through the clothing they could feel that was so comforting.
On their way up the isle, they saw Ysira, Iselder, Vadoma, the Camelot crew, Cerandillia with her mostly blonde hair and slim figure in purple and turquoise, a small thin white haired girl with large blue eyes in Caledonia blue, two handsome young men in Caledonia blue formal suits, and Viviana standing by Sir Gerund and his wife.
Sir Duranbolt had Hunith next to him. To see Hunith was a great and wonderful surprise to Merlin.
As they continued walking up the aisle, Morgana told Merlin through their bond that she had foreseen this event and conspired with Viviana, Angela, Cerandillia and Aithusa without Merlin's knowledge to bring Hunith to Caledonia all because Merlin had mentioned to Morgana his desire that his mother could be here with them.
Merlin's smile grew brilliant as he sent his wife a kiss of gratitude through their bond promising her more before the evening was over. He was again overwhelmed and thankful that the Gods had seen fit to save Morgana to be his wife.
Morgana was delighted and keen to make Merlin happy as he did so much for her.
The stunning couple stood tall and held their heads high through the ceremony, reciting the required oaths and making the promises which were expected of them at all the proper times and without stumbling over the ceremonial words. They knelt down on the steps at the front of the long room and allowed for the ornate golden crowns to be placed upon their heads by the Court Genealogist. They felt the weight of responsibility settle on them as they sat on the throne as Lord after Lord was presented to them, each of whom knelt upon the ground at their feet, kissing their rings and swearing undying fealty.
Merlin would have had a harder time holding himself together were it not for his beautiful wife, by his side. He also felt the presence and approval of the Goddess.
They had looked out over the crowds of people, their people, as the cry rang out, "Long live the King! Long live the Queen!"
Hunith had just gazed upon her son and new daughter with shining eyes, so proud of the man he had become and so happy he had found his true love and soul mate in Morgana.
When the celebratory feast had begun, Hunith was given an honorary seat next to Merlin.
Morgana, Arthur and the Camelot crew were on his other side.
Newly crowned King Merlin had a nice visit with Hunith, catching up on everything that had happened since Viviana had first appeared in Camelot. Hunith had heard Morgana's point of view and now she was able to hear how the events of the past months had affected her son, more or less, as there were many interruptions from their many guests with introductions and exchanged pleasantries. She was thrilled Merlin's eyes lit up every time he mentioned Morgana as it told her so much regarding her son's happiness.
Merlin and Morgana were able to visit with Ysira, Iselder and Vadoma who commanded the respect of all who were privileged to be in their presence. These three elders lent confidence to everyone, especially the new King and Queen.
."Merlin was thrilled to discover Aithusa was the small blonde girl in Caledonia blue velvet. The two handsome young men next to her, also dressed in Caledonia blue, were the two male dragons who stood protectively next to Aithusa and Cerandillia. Cerandillia revealed that she had temporarily transformed Aithusa and the two male dragons into human form for this particular event. Aithusa perched her human self on Merlin's knee and excitedly rattled off all the things she had been doing and learning with Cerandillia on dragon mountain since her arrival there.
When the music started, Merlin danced his first dance and several others with his new Queen.
The crowd watched on for a moment enraptured before joining them.
Cerandillia and Aithusa danced with the two young dragon men, Iselder, the men of Camelot, as well as the noblemen of Caledonia. Merlin and Arthur had to stifle their chuckles when Cerandillia and Aithusa refused to dance with Tennison or Ellison.
Hunith was swept into the fun by Duranbolt who monopolized her most of the night reminiscing about Balinor...and dancing with her.
Merlin was able to dance with Cerandillia and thank her for teaching Aithusa and taking her under her wing as her prodigy.
Merlin was also able to dance with Aithusa who delightedly stood on his feet to follow his steps before Merlin twirled her around, making her laugh in delight.
He was finally able to dance with his mother for one dance. But that was all he was able to get as she looked so very beautiful and was in great demand, especially with Duranbolt. Hunith and Duranbolt had struck up a connection immediately, not just talking of their memories of Balinor, but current events with Merlin and Morgana. Hunith thanked Duranbolt and Gerund for looking out for her precious son and her new daughter-in-law.
Morgana danced with the men of Camelot, the nobles of Caledonia, and the two young dragon men. She had been able to have a nice visit with Iselder, Vadoma and Ysira. She had missed them dearly and valued their esteem and counsel more than ever now.
Morgana had reluctantly danced with Tennison and Ellison. She had enjoyed this activity with all of them except for Lord Tennison who seemed to have a darkness about him that made her quite uncomfortable. She had been able to sit down with her beloved Aithusa for a nice break and visit between dances. She was glad to dance the rest of the time with Merlin.
Hunith was glad to visit with Gerund and his wife and thank them for taking such fine care of Morgana and Merlin.
Hunith also danced with Tennison and Ellison and some of the other Lords. It was a busy and exciting evening for all involved and for that time, they were all able to forget the circumstances that had brought on this celebration.
Hunith was even able to sit with Vadoma, Runa, Gwen, Ysira, Morgana and Aithusa for a short while and make arrangements for a more extensive visit over brunch tomorrow when they would have more time and less distraction.
Morgana was able to hold Gwen and Arthur's six month old Ellie It was one of the highlights of her night as she visited with Merlin, Gwen, and Arthur for a very short time.
Duranbolt had escorted Hunith to her room at the end of the evening with Merlin's blessings. For Merlin it was bitter sweet as he watched them go. Duranbolt did look a great deal like Balinor. Merlin was happy for his mother. But at the same time, he was sad his father was not there.
It was well past midnight when Merlin and Morgana finally walked back to their room feeling the weight of their crowns and the responsibility that went with it on their heads. Merlin held it together till they got to their room. Morgana immediately told him of her concern about Tennison and the darkness she had felt in him. They talked of other things as Morgana undid her elaborate hairstyle with some help from Merlin.
Merlin loved Morgana's hair. They had developed a nightly ritual of sorts that had started after they were dragon fasted, where they would help each other out of their clothes and into their nightwear. Merlin would help Morgana undo whatever elaborate hairdo put in it that day, brush and braid it as they talked and visited about anything and everything. This routine helped calm them both.
Since they had started their quest, those conversation and concerns had gotten more involved. Tonight there were definitely more issues because of Tennison and their coronation and the upcoming battle with the darkness.
Morgana listened as Merlin told her one of his biggest regrets which brought them both to tears. Neither of their fathers had been at the coronation.
Merlin was happy that his mother had seemed to find a kindred spirit in Duranbolt. And Merlin had already grown to cherish the man as he was his uncle. But Merlin deeply felt the loss of his father this night. He had always buried it easily under the multitude of chores and responsibilities to Arthur, and more recently on Morgana, and breaking the curse. But now that they had arrived in Caledonia, he was reminded more frequently of his missing father, the emptiness created by Balinor's absence over took him and tears started to fall from his eyes.
Morgana stood up from her vanity where Merlin was combing her hair to tangle her fingers with his, stroke his hair, and touch her forehead to his. The eyes of both of them were wet with tears as they shared grief and comfort.
Merlin pulled Morgana close burying his nose in her hair. Just breathing in her scent calmed him. Morgana pulled him over to the bed and pushed him into the pillows as she lay beside him and just let him mourn the loss of his father while she held him, stroked his hair and wiped the tears that were falling from Merlin's eyes until he finally slept with his head on her breast.
It wasn't morning when Morgana rolled over to see Merlin sitting quietly on the bed looking at their crowns, examining them carefully with trembling hands. Merlin's crown was lighter and more delicately made than the heavy crown he so often polished for Arthur. Morgana's crown was even more delicate. He felt the caress of her magic in his mind inviting him to share his thoughts and feelings as she put her hand gently on his shoulder and kissed his cheek.
Merlin smiled at his beautiful wife, relishing her comfort, but unable to shrug off the more serious thoughts that had kept him awake. He looked at the crowns and started to speak out loud. "These crowns carry the weight of an entire kingdom, the lives of all the people who live within its borders. The responsibility to protect all of them; men and women, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers,... is on us. All of them will be looking to us to keep them safe from harm, depending on our leadership and guidance." Merlin said. His knuckles were white with the strength of his grip. The metal crown biting into his fingers as he consciously forced himself to relax his hold.
He rubbed his thumb over the scattering of precious stones in their golden settings, seeing his own face reflected back at him, colored and upside down and oddly distorted. His throat constricted. He squeezed his eyes closed against the sight, blocking the crown from his view but unable to escape the knowledge of it. He drew in as much air as he could and held it there until his lungs screamed in protest and darkness began to encroach on the edges of his vision before he let out a long shuddering breath.
Morgana felt Merlin's distress and prized the crowns from Merlin's grip and placed them on the nightstand. She then pushed Merlin to lay back on the pillows as she snuggled up next to him and drew circles on his chest. To comfort Merlin was her right and her privilege. He was hers and she was his. She was glad of it as it was a another step in righting her wrongs, But more than that, she loved Merlin deeply, completely, unconditionally, and with her entire being, wanted him to be happy. She knew he would and had done the same for her.
Merlin's shoulders went up and shuddered on the way down in a heavy sigh. He looked steadily at the ceiling, looking out their skylight and feeling, in a way, the presence of all the Ambrosius who had ruled Caledonia before him. "I wonder if any of my ancestors ever had any doubts or fears as they ruled?" Merlin said out loud.
Morgana continued to draw circles on his chest before she spoke, "Since I do not have a real answer, maybe we could ask the court genealogist tomorrow to know for sure." Morgana kissed his shoulder and continued to draw circles on his chest and stomach. "Even the most experienced of rulers can run into something that baffles them or causes them grief." Morgana said.
"But, Morgana, I have no experience at all. I was raised in a one room house, not a castle. All I had to worry about was myself and my mother, planting, harvesting and surviving. I didn't have to rule a kingdom and make sure everyone in it was safe and taken care of. Morgana I have no idea how to be a king. The very idea scares me more than anything else in my life to this point. The decision has been made. The deed is done. We are royalty whether we want to be or not. I know, Morgana, this is not much of a stretch for you... But for me, I was not born to it as you were."
Merlin wiped at his face more forcefully, suddenly feeling rather angry at himself for his own weakness.
"Maybe you were not born to it," Morgana said. "But these last several years in Camelot, I think you have proved yourself more of a man, more of a Lord, more of a king than anyone I have ever known. You are the best of men, Merlin. The Goddess gave you these gifts because she knows your heart. You care about others more than yourself. You can rule. You have taken care of Arthur and by extension, everyone in Camelot, including me and Aithusa. I think you have had lots of practice, faced down so many dangers, and come out victorious. There is not a man alive I know of who can match you in heart, intelligence, kindness, and bravery. You were a hero then, and you are my hero now, because you saved me from the darkness. You have gone into impossible situations and come out victorious. Ruling these people will not be that much different. Besides, you will have me to help you." she said with a bit of a smirk.
Merlin cracked a smile at her last comment as he circled his arms around her to pull her closer and kiss her passionately. "Yes, I do have you...Thank heaven for that."
"I know becoming a king isn't something you planned to do. But obviously the Goddess knew of this possibility before we met her and saw this future. This is truly a heavy responsibility we have received. We cannot go back now. It is done. We are King and Queen now, Caledonia's King and Queen." Morgana said as she continued to rub the stress from her husband, now king.
Merlin finally calmed as he and Morgana just held each other, their hands wandering and caressing whatever was close on the other. Morgana focused her magic where her hand was on his chest. It drew Merlin's magic to the surface. That beautiful turquoise glow went up their arms and infused their bodies with light, calm happiness and love that increased every moment they were together.
Merlin's heart lightened at her touch and her love. "I love you Morgana Le Fey Ambrosius!" Merlin stroked her beautiful face and traced her lips with his fingers. "My beautiful Queen. There is no one I would rather have at my side than you. Every moment with you makes my heart swell with gratitude that you have chosen to be with me and share my life. You and I will be alright."
"Of course we will be alright... as long as we are together My King" Morgana said with a most loving smile on her face.
Merlin drew Morgana's face to his and kissed her thoroughly. Morgana stroked him as she deepened their kiss, her other hand going behind his neck to pull him closer and run her hand through his hair.
Merlin's hands were not idle as he ran his fingers through her shiny ebony locks, relishing the feel of her luxurious hair in his hands. He loved this woman so much.
Morgana loved this man and what he could do to her and melted into his touch.
The room lit up with blue sparks as their bodies and magic, fused and intertwined.