Thank you for reading. I really hope that you enjoyed the last chapter. That it wasn't to different from the rest of the story, feel out of place. That it all made sense and wasn't to out of character of anything. I was really worried about it not fitting in with the rest of the story and putting everyone off the ending of the story or not living up to expectations in regards to Mergana that you have been so patient about.

Also there is a link to the dress Morgana wears later in the chapter on my profile it is under Cream lace dress. Love to hear what you think.

Morgana blinked rapidly as she tried to make sense of what Merlin had just said, what he had just asked her. She could just about get her head around the fact that he had feelings for her, was in love with her. It was difficult given some parts of their history, not so much given other parts of their history, but she could accept that. This was to much. It made no sense at all. Merlin was a lot of things, but she would not count reckless as one of them. If anything he could be to cautious at times. It was an annoying trait, but she couldn't say it hadn't served him well. So why the sudden change now.

"Now I truly believe that you have lost your mind." She tried to joke, smiled a little, but Merlin's face remained serious.

He did smile though as he said. "I don't think I have ever thought more clearly before."

"Well you have never sounded more crazy." Morgana said as she moved to leave.

"Why is it crazy." Merlin asked as he followed her.

With him at her side Morgana changed course and started to walk in the opposite direction. Away from the village and towards the lake. "You can't honestly be asking me that." She couldn't even say the word. It sound so strange to her ear and her mouth refused to form the word.

She looked in his direction and he took the chance to take hold of her hand and force her to stop and look at him again. "Why is it so crazy to ask the women that I love to marry me."

"There are many reasons. The fact that you killed me and I have tried to kill you. Just to start with. I could go one, but I think that should be enough."

Merlin looked unfazed by Morgana's pointing out of some of the facts of their history. "Arthur and Gwen lived in each others lives for years before they developed feelings for each other. I have had feelings for you since the first time I saw you."

"Sweet, but superficial feelings."

Merlin looked a little irritated at having to repeat himself, but he knew he would repeat himself as many times as it took for Morgana to understand. She didn't have to give them a chance, he just wanted her to understand. When she did, he told himself he would ask her again and if she said no, then he would let the matter drop and be content to be her friend.

"After so many years, give me a little credit." Merlin said then went quiet. He wanted Morgana to speak, to know how she was feeling, what she was thinking. She was doing a very good job of holding any real emotion back.

"It would never work." She finally said.

"Why." Merlin asked as Morgana rolled her eyes, so he asked again. "Why."

"Merlin." She said his name like it answered his question.

"Morgana. I know it won't be easy, but when has anything worth while ever come easy to either of us. I also know that I've hurt you. And if you let me, I promise I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you-"

"That's not anyway to start a relationship, it's not what a relationship should be built on-"

"Who says."

Morgana couldn't help but smile.

"I can be myself with you, in a way that I can't with anyone else and I think you feel the same. I like who I am when I'm with you. You have made me braver." Merlin continued. "That's worth building on. It's important and special."

Morgana was silent as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. His words hit closer than she expected. He was right he was the person for good or bad that she could be the most genuinely herself with. That was something important and special. It was important. Especially for them, when they had been forced to hide an part of themselves, curate what they said to others so they didn't given away anything or made the other person feel uncomfortable or worse scared. He could get under her skin and aggravate her more than almost anyone else she had ever known. Partly because he did know her so well and she in turn knew how best to hurt him. She had never thought of it because they normally used how well they knew each other to hurt each other and not to help. That wasn't entirely true though. He had helped her, offered her understanding and comfort. Because no one would every be able to relate to her as much as Merlin did. That thought made her feel sad but also hopeful.

"Alright." She said in a quite voice, like she wasn't even sure what she was saying herself.

"What." Merlin asked trying not to sound to hopeful.

Morgana looked up and met his eye. "Alright...Ask me again."

A broad smile crossed his face. "Your highness-"

"No."

"Morgana." He corrected quickly. "Will you marry me." He asked again, more nervous this time.

She didn't answer at first and Merlin began to panic. He wouldn't put it past her to take the opportunity to mock him. She wouldn't be that cruel though, could she. It was possible, maybe a few years ago he would have expected it of her, but not now.

Morgana thought she had gotten her head around everything and was prepared to answer his question, but the one word answer got stuck in her throat. Thinking of the reality of what her answer may lead to overwhelmed her. It was all to much. Everything would change. Every part of her life, her relationships with other would be changed. What would Arthur think, his relationship with Merlin already dented by the reveal of his magic. Gwen would be pleased she was sure. Gaius not so much. Lancelot too would be worried, but happy for his friend. Gwaine. What would he think. He would be pleased for them mainly, but. Even though he would never, couldn't ask her the same question. It would still be hard to see, as she knew it would be for herself if he, though she knew it never would happen, asked the same question to another. In the end she had to not think about what anyone else would feel about the matter. Not even Merlin. She had to make the choice that was best for her or she would regret it. There was so much that could go wrong, ways they could end up hurting each other. There was also she realised so much that might go right. Was that worth the risk that came with it. That was what she made to decide. Taking in a deep breath she met Merlin's blue eyes and knew her answer.

"Yes."

Once she said the word her mouth couldn't help up be pulled into a smile. Merlin too smiled as he let her answer sink in. Taking a second to take it in. He couldn't believe right away that he heard what he had, thinking he might be hearing what he wanted to hear and not what she said. The smile on her face and the silence that followed her answer let him know that he had indeed heard correctly.

Letting out a half laugh Merlin wrapped his arms around Morgana. Picking her up he spun her around as she too began to laugh. When he placed her back on the ground her arms now wrapped around his neck, he asked her the one word question they had been asking each other during this whole conversation. Why.

"I don't know, I just...It seemed worth the risk."

"How romantic." Merlin teased.

"I'm tired of just surviving, I want to live."

He couldn't help but smile another broad smile. Morgana was expressing exactly how he felt, he just hadn't been able to put the words together until now. This gave him more hope for the future. Feeling brave Merlin pulled Morgana closer as he tilted his head. There was a pause just after Morgana understood what Merlin was doing. Only for a second then it was all very simple, natural as his lips touched hers. Time and everything seemed to fade away. All that was left, all that matter right then was them.

When they parted, arms still wrapped around each other, it was like time raced to catch up to them. They had no idea how long they had been gone for. The sun was high in the sky so they could not have been gone very long, and hour at most but it seemed like a life time. So much had changed, was about to change. They were nervous for what these changes would bring, but they were also excited to meet them. They didn't say anything, though there was a lot that they still needed to talk about, as they walked back to the village hand in hand. Merlin kept unintentionally squeezing Morgana's hand every few seconds to make sure that I was real. That it was all real. Of all the ways that he had imagined their conversation could have gone, as much as be hoped, he never really believed that it would turn out the way that it did. After a while of this Morgana gripped his hand back, digging her nails in a little. He got the point and stopped needing to reassure himself.

No one seemed to pay them much attention as they walked through the village. If the couple looked more closely they would see that most people they passed where doing their best not to look like they were staring. When they entered Merlin's childhood home they still had their hands joined. Hunith turned from her work at the large table towards them. They didn't say anything, neither did she. She smiled a bright smile and stood up. Walking towards them she raised her arms to pull the couple into a hug.

Everything spilled out after that. What they had talked about, what they had decided. If she was surprised Hunith did not show it. Then quickly began to ask them questions that they had not had a chance to come up with an answer for. The fact that they rushed into this without giving it more than a passing thought of what it all entailed hit them. Seeing the worry growing on their face Hunith began to offer suggestions. Which allowed them to come up with a plan. After a few minutes they felt like they had it all worked out.

Neither of them wanted to have a large production of a wedding. For Arthur and Gwen it was fitting. Their marriage was a cause for celebration for the whole city. They doubted very many in Camelot would want to celebrate their marriage. It would also mean little to them themselves. Camelot had never been a real home to either of them, somewhere they felt safe and accepted. They had family and friends there, but the place its self had no special feeling linked to it. Avalon made more sense, but it to did not mean much to Merlin, yet he hoped it would come to and Morgana had not lived, ruled there for long. People that they loved and would want with them could not attend so it was a better choice over Camelot, but not the right one. What they quickly realised was the best choice was to have the ceremony in some part of the forest near Ealdor.

With that decided they moved onto who they wished to be there. In the end they came up with a small list. It was not that they couldn't come up with a number of people that they cared deeply for and would want to share such a momentous event in their lives with them. They worried about the reaction of those that they would want there. This new relationship also felt delicate and fragile. They worried that to much scrutiny would damage it. The more the three of them talked around the large table the clearer it became that a more private ceremony was the right way to go.

It was an off handed comment from Hunith about a druid camp being close by that made everything fall into place. Watching Morgana's face as it all come together in her mind, Merlin realised that there was only one way for things to process. She asked him if he was sure, that it was his wedding too. He was just able to stop himself saying something overly saccharine or mawkish. Like as long as she was happy he didn't care about the details or worse that he wouldn't notice who else was there or where they where as long as she was. He was however unable to stop himself from kissing her forehead as he stood up to leave. There was a lot of work to be done and little time to do it. As he left he smiled a small smile to himself, he could not yet believe that he was able to place an arm around Morgana's shoulder, take her hand, kiss her now.

Left with just the two of them Morgana for the first time felt nervous in the older women's presence. Which was very surprising because Hunith was the most welcoming person the young witch had ever had the pleasure to met. She felt that she should reassure the mother that she and her son knew the significance of what they were about to do, that they weren't rushing into anything rashly without thinking, but that would be a lie. It was exactly what they were doing, but if felt right. It was surprising how right it all felt. There was no way that she could explain that. Not when she could only just make sense of it herself.

Before Morgana could say anything Hunith jumped to her feet, excited by something that she had just remembered. She went to a old trunk buried under blankets and other miscellaneous objects. Throw it open and began to dig around in it. Tossing things out of her way.

"It might be a little short, but it should fit." As she spoke she pulled out a cream dress with lace detail and flowy short sleeves. She shock it out as she stood up and turned around to show Morgana.

"It's beautiful." The bride to be said.

"I know its not as elegant as the dresses you normally wear."

"It's stunning. I never cared for those dress you couldn't breath in let alone move in."

Hunith looked at her future daughter in law and smiled. Pleased to be correct. She knew that Morgana would complement the dress and wear it simply to be polite no matter what she really thought of it. She had felt sure though that she would truly like it. That while for the majority of her life Morgana had access to the finest clothes and jewels she in fact cared little for them.

"The blue trim will bright out your eyes." Hunith said as she held the dress up in front of Morgana.

She was correct it was an little short on the witch's slightly taller frame, but no one would really notice.

"Was it yours."

It was a very stupid question, of course it was her dress, but Hunith understood what Morgana was really asking. "Yes. Once I had hope to wear it at my own wedding. I made it myself with fabric my Mother bought from a trip she made to the city."

"Merlin's father."

Hunith nodded. "He never asked, but I hoped."

Morgana hugged the older women. "I'm sorry you and Merlin didn't get enough time with him because of Uther's hate."

"That man has cast a large shadow." Both women felt sure that the world, their small part of it would not lose much from his absence. "But I'm sorry that you didn't get to have real father in your life either."

"I did." Morgana said as she pulled back. "Gorlois and he was the best man I've ever know."

"I'm sure he would be proud of you."

"I doubt that."

Hunith smiled as she placed a gentle hand on Morgana's cheek. "You are a determined and brave young women with a kind heart. Any parent, any real parent would be proud."

A wave of deep sadness and yet warmth washed over Morgana. She had always wondered why Merlin retained so much hope and faith in the ultimate decency of people. Especially with all the cruelty and pain that they had seen and felt. Now she thought she knew why. Having such a strong and constant source of genuinely love and acceptance with Hunith. Her eyes began to water so she fought them back, hugged Hunith again and thanked her.

When Merlin returned around a half hour later he quickly told them about the plans he had made with the druids for the evening. Hunith then left to begin to put things together. She also felt she should give the couple a little alone.

"Is this really what you want." Morgana asked when they were alone.

"I was going to ask you the same thing."

"I asked first." Morgana countered

"Yes I'm sure. I never cared about the details."

"Me either." Merlin looked confused so she elaborated. "I Always knew I would have to marry, I just hoped I liked the man standing opposite me."

"I hope I live up to those high expectations." Merlin joked, though a grain of fear seeped into his voice.

Morgana heard it and reached out and took his hand. "Shockingly, you more than met them."

"Thanks." He squeezed her hand.

"I'm just as shocked as you."

Merlin stepped forward her hand still in his. "No one is more shocked than me." As he spoke he slipped his hand from hers and wrapped his arms lightly around her waist, pulling her closer. His heart gave a jolt as she raised her arms and placed them around his neck. Looking right into his eyes. With only a second of hesitation he leaned in to touch her lips again in their third kiss. Each time he seemed to get a little more comfortable, confident that she wouldn't slap him or worse.

"Arthur might be." Morgana said when they pulled apart.

A look of pain and worry crossed Merlin's face. As much he couldn't and wouldn't turn back from the oath they were heading down, he still worried about the reaction of others, mainly Arthur. He knew the king was already angry and distrustful of him. This was only going to add to that, but he accepted that. It was worth he thought just for the three kisses alone.

Momentum picked up again after that. Hunith returned and time ran on. Merlin left again to make sure everything was ready. When they wear were changed Morgana and Hunith left the house. Many villager came out to see the bride and her future mother in law off. On the edge of the village a small horse and cart waited from them, the cart decorated with flowers. The driver's name escaped her, but Morgana recognised him. He smiled at them as he helped them onto the cart. The journey through the woods was not long but the tall trees blocked out the sun so the early evening seemed darker. When they reached their designation a small clearing close enough to the lake that you could see it shinning in the last of the days ight, the driver helped them down.

All around the clearing was a circle of light created from many small candles. A break in the circle created a path for Morgana to walk down. In the centre of the circle was Merlin dressed in his new long burgundy coat. Looking like new thanks to his magic. Next to the groom was Aglain smiling warmly at Morgana. She returned the smile just as warmly so surprised and glad that he was going to be the one preforming the ceremony. Hunith stood at the start of the aisle smiling at her son as Morgana walked forward.

Merlin had known before that Morgana was the most beautiful person that he had ever seen, but he had never seen her look more beautiful. Not on the night in Avalon in the moonlight when he realised that he loved her. The gifted dress while not made for her fitted almost perfectly. Her worn boots could be seen clearly as she walked towards her. Her hair was down and shone in the candle light. Many small blue flowers that perfectly matched the trim of the dresses bodice where scattered her black hair.

When she reached the centre of the circle Merlin took her hand and they turned to face Aglain. He spoke in a low voice that further added to the feeling that it was just them in their own world.

"Love like all things of this earth grows gradually, strengthening leaf by leaf and breath by breath with each new day. Bless this couple, that they may tend to their love as we tend to all things on this earth, with nurturing care and patience."

While he spoke he took their joined hands and wrapped a deep green ribbon around them. As he continued to speak Merlin and Morgana only looked at each other. When the ceremony was over and they kissed for the fourth time, first as a married couple a faint echoing of clapping filled the early nigh air.

The forest around them came to life with voices in the dark, then small bursts of light appeared.

Druids from the nearby camp and people from the village began to make their way towards the clearing. Morgana looked at Merlin confused. He gave her a shrug like he hadn't just planed out the most beautiful wedding in only a few hours. She gave him a slight shove before she pulled him back to her.

When they parted they were handed large glasses of wine before they were surrounded by well wishers. Music began to play and Morgana couldn't tell where it was coming from. Food was also quickly appearing around them. Neither felt hungry so they just sipped their wine. Which just added to their dazed feeling.

It was hard to tell how long the celebrations carried on for. Before anyone else had left Merlin took Morgana's hand and they slipped away. He told her that he had one last surprise. He lead her down to the lake where there was a floating platform tied to a nearby tree. The platform was almost entirely covered with a tall tent. Looking inside the tent through the opening she could see there was a pile of blankets and pillows inside light by candles.

"Very presumptuous of you." She said just barely keeping a straight face.

In response he smiled broadly and swept Morgana off her feet and into his arms. He carried to towards the platform as they laughed.

He placed one foot on the sold wood and the platform began to drift away from him. They now let out a quickly yell as Merlin stumbled forward into the water. He was able to keep Morgana out of the water, but the bottom of dress got damp. Merlin was not as lucky. He stood on the water up to his knees. He took a few difficult steps forward till he reached the platform. He placed Morgana down and she slid across the wood making room to help pull Merlin on board too. Once sitting on the platform he looked back at the shore. Lifting an arm he untied the rope that connected the platform to the land and they began to drift into the centre of the lake.

When he turned around and stood up Morgana was standing in the open doorway of the tent. She was giving him a kind of smile that he hadn't seen on her face before, but he liked it greatly. In a couple of large steps he stood before her. His arms rested on her waist and he stepped forward and she stepped backwards into the tent. The opening closing behind them as the light of the candle dimmed.

Thank you again for reading, hope you liked it. Again I was really worried about this chapter, this part of the story. So I really hope it was alright. That the wedding wasn't rushed and that it was as meaningful and memorable as Arthur and Gwen's. Morgana's thought process was difficult, I really don't think I set it up enough on her side for her choice to make sense. So please let me so I can try and make it make more sense.

I still can't believe that the story is almost finished. There is still a good about to happen. I don't want to spoil anything but I feel that I should prepare anyone that expects a happy ending. It is not going to be a tragic ending either. There will be more deaths and pain, but there will be moments of happiness and hope. It will be a bittersweet ending. The closing of a chapter. I hope That's not a disappointment.

The next chapter will deal mainly with what has been going on in Camelot and will start to set up the last arch of the story.

As always any comments, feedback or ideas that you have are very welcome.