Chapter 18: Sir Merlin, Knight of the Round Table

Arthur had already departed by the time I woke up. The sun had just began to creep through the window, kissing my skin with its golden glow. As I began to sit up I noticed a parcel wrapped in brown paper. I slid out of bed and picked up the package. There was a small piece of parchment attached to it.

I opened it up and instantly recognised the familiar penmanship of Aurelia.

"I hope it fits - Relia"

I peeled back the brown paper to reveal a beautifully crafted gown made of cream coloured silk and embroidered with peach coloured flowers. I quickly put it on and rushed towards Aurelia's room to prepare for Merlin's knighting

I flung open Aurelia's chamber door, she spun around with a huge grin on her face. "I knew it would look perfect on you," she said, excitedly. "It's beautiful Relia, thank you" I replied. "Here, sit" she said motioning to her dressing table " I'll comb your hair."

I had never had someone brush my hair in a long time. Relia's boar haired brush made every lock of hair as silky as my dress. She braided a few locks and pinned them back with a floral hair pin. "There we are," she smiled, handing me her mirror. I stared back at my reflection not recognising myself. I turned around, clasping her hands in mine. "Thank you," I said, smiling "For everything." She squeezed my hands "My turn!"

We arrived at the chapel just a little after sunrise. As per custom Merlin had spent his night praying on bended knee with his sword placed upon the altar. He stood proudly in front of the corrugation and gave us a little smile when we caught his eye.

The priest and Arthur stood in front of Merlin, adored in all sorts of finery. Arthur cleared his throat and the crowd grew silent. "Merlin Hernandez, second of his name" he began "Do you solemnly swear to live to serve King and Country, to defend it and all it holds dear, live your life worthy of respect and honor, live for freedom, justice and all that is good. " I do solemnly swear," Merlin replied "Then by the power invested in me, Arthur Pendragon, first of his name, King of Camelot and knight of the round table." Arthur said pulling out his sword and touching the blade on each of Merlin's shoulders "I dub thee, Sir Merlin knight of the round table and advisor to the king." The priest removed Merlin's sword from the altar and fastened the sheath around Merlin's waist. "Arise Sir Merlin."

Merlin rose with a huge grin on his face. He shook Arthur's hand who instead pulled his new knight into a kind embrace. The pair walked down chatting and laughing and the crowd cheered and threw flowers. "Did this somehow turn into their wedding?" Aurelia giggled "They look just like a happily married couple, I dont think I've ever seen my brother this happy before" " Although they didn't show it, I know deep down they were always the best of friends " I replied rising from my seat "It's nice to see that relationship finally shining through."

The feast began moments after. The banquet hall was stocked full of boisterous laughter and conversation, goblets full of mead and wine, and hundred of golden platters with fruits, cheese, stuffed meats, eggs and vegetables. Merlin and Arthur sat together with their fellow knights of the round table and had been inseparable the entire meal sharing jokes and geers.

Merlin was no longer the small little meek boy I grew up with hauling loads of laundry and polishing armor and boots. He had transitioned to the powerful and confident man I always knew he could be. And I was so incredibly proud, however, deep down I knew the stronger Merlin grew, the chances of Morgana creating an uprising drew near and Arthur and Aurelia's safety were more at risk.

I was jolted out of my long train of thought by Merlin bounding up to Aurelia and my table. "Relia, accompany me to the gardens, I wish to speak with you" he extended out his hand and aided her out of her seat and the pair strolled off towards the royal gardens.

Seeing as Arthur was still occupied with his companions I decided to be nosey and follow the pair towards the gardens. Using a cloaking charm I snuck along the boxwood hedges. The pair had been chatting softly until they stopped beside a large willow tree near the garden's pond. Merlin muttered something under his breath and the tree's trunk twisted into a glowing archway. The pair stepped inside and I hurried along behind them jumping through the tree just before the trunk closed up again.

Stepping through the tree I found myself overwhelmed by darkness at first. Although brief, my few minutes of blindness was overwhelmed by the sound of crashing waves and the taste of salt. Once my eyes adjusted to find I was under a bright light of stars and a glowing moon. I looked around to discover I had been transported onto a small beach. I gingerly stepped through the brush onto the soft dry sand. Merlin and Aurelia stood at the water's edge illuminated by the quivering lights of the reflected moon and stars.

Their shoes lay close to me upon the dry sand. Then it dawned on me, this place, wherever we were, was completely made of magic. I stared at my brother in awe, this was his magic, he had created an entire place out of thin air. It was beautiful magic, something I could never dream of doing. He really was the chosen one, Emrys, the beginning of the end as the druids would say.

The pair embraced, the sea gently lapping around their ankles. Merlin then broke away from Aurelia, waved his hand and pulled a glorious rose out of thin air and tucked it behind Aurelia. He then slowly began bending down on one knee. I spun around quickly, "I shouldn't be here" I whispered to myself. This was a private moment Aurelia and Merlin should share alone. But how would I return home?

I remembered a spell that I read a while back that would enable me to transport myself out of any place but I had never attempted it before. I grabbed a stick and drew the sigil into the sand. I pictured the garden in the castle and the willow tree beside it. "Please work" I whispered and I closed my eyes.

My body jolted suddenly and before I knew it, I had tumbled face first into the cold water of the pond. I broke to the surface coughing and spluttering. I rolled my eyes and paddled towards the waters edge, throwing myself onto the shore.

"Who's there!" I heard a familiar voice call of my king calling out from behind the willow tree "It's ok!" I called back pulling myself onto my feet "It's just me." Arthur stepped out from the tree with a puzzled look on his face "Rose?" he said. Puzzled "I've been looking for you everywhere and why are you soaking wet?" He bent down next to me, offering his hand. I clasped it and pulled myself onto my feet. "Oh, um, I think I had too much wine." He rolled his eyes in response, "Come along, let's get you out of those wet clothes."

We were already enamored with each other by the time we had reached my chambers. Arthur fumbled with the door latch, his lips never leaving mine as we tumbled through the door. He slid his hands under the shoulders of my dress and pushed it onto the floor in a sopping wet heap.

I could feel a warm sensation building up through my body. A few deep moans escaped Arthurs lips which sent me over the edge. I flung my head back as I surrendered to this moment of pure ecstasy.

Arthur froze, a look of horror spread across his face. "Arthur?" I said puzzled, "what wrong?" He tumbled out of bed fumbling around the dark room for his sword. Once his hands fell on its hilt, i soon felt the cold sting of its metal as the tip of his blade pointed at my throat

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mashedapudy