AN: This is it. the final chapter...I have put off posting it for a while. I saved it in the Doc Manager on the 20th of May... Oops...

I have some plans for some connected stories, but I don't know when I will get to them.

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Chapter 16

Today was the day. His ward was getting married. It had been a long time coming. The two had been in love for years, but only recently admitted their feelings. He had been worried that Arthur or the knights would disapprove of their relationship, but all had accepted it and even encouraged it.

Merlin hadn't lept in her old room last night because all her belongings had been moved to her new home in the lower town. Neither the bride nor groom had been in the house in weeks, having been barred from entering by friends and family who had been repairing and altering it. Both had been sleeping in his chambers during that time, Merlin in her room with her mother and George on the patient cot in the main room, up until last night.

Gwen, Hunith, and Merlin had stayed with Jeanne and Ruth. Hunith said it was so they could get her ready for the ceremony without interruption, as though Ruth wouldn't to that just as much as his daily rounds would. He suspended they had done it so they could prepare her for her wedding night, giving her suggestions and advice.

George and the knights had spent the night in Elyan's home and smithe. Given that the king had come to collect hangover remedies for five people, it was clear alcohol had been involved in the evening's activities. Hopefully they hadn't done or said anything to dissuade the groom from going through with the wedding.

One way or another, he would find out when he reached the training grounds. That was where the ceremony was being held, seeing as no one would question a servant and maid using the area, unlike using one of the halls, and wouldn't been far from the castle if the king was urgently needed. Afterwards, they would have a picnic lunch before the pair were spirited away to see their new home where they would complete their joining.

When he arrived, the only ones missing were Gwaine, Hunith, George, and Merlin. Knowing they would be arriving at any moment, he decided to stand Gwen and Elyan. There were roughly 30 people in attendance and Arthur looked less than thrilled to be in the middle of them. That was when they heard someone behind them clear their throat. Turning around, the lot of them saw Gwaine, hair neatly pulled back into a tidy braid, in his cloak and chainmail, beside the nervous looking groom.

George, the poor fellow, did not look comfortable at all in his new, dark brown jacket and trousers. His boots shone in the later morning light, likely polished within an inch of their lives by worried hands. His dusty purple shirt looked like it had been a grey one at one point before being washed in wine or grape juice. It wasn't a bad looking color, just somewhat out of place for a wedding.

The unsure expression on the groom's face morphed into loving awe and the old physician knew his ward had come into sight. Moving to face where George had been looking, he caught his first look at his ward. She was beautiful.

The girls must have spent most of the morning on Merlin's hair. It was all dark braids and ringlets in a half up manner. Her gown looked as though it had been tailored from one of Lady Morgana's old dresses with the metal ornamentation removed and embroidery added to it. The majority of the cloth was a rich indigo with a light blue sheer outer dress and accents which brought out her eyes, which were locked lovingly on her soon-to-be husband.

The love birds locked eyes and Merlin nearly tripped because she wasn't watching her feet. Hunith must have noticed because she guided the girl to the front of the group by her elbow. When the pair were within feet of each other, Arthur began.

"Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Merlin of Ealdor and George of Camelot. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter of their lives together. These two have spent the few years getting to know each other, and we now join the to bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly. This affirmation means more because it is shared with their most beloved friends and family members."

Gwaine stepped forward, between the love struck pair. This caused frowns to appear of both of their faces. The pouts they were both sporting nearly made the elderly man chortle.

"Who comes to give the bride?" The knight looked as though he was questioning an unknown rider at the city gates than participating in a wedding.

"Her mother escorts her, but only she gives her heart as a bride." Gaius blinked in confusion at the altered lines, but Gwaine took them in stride.

"Merlin, do you consent to this marriage to George of Camelot?" Smiling, she nodded.

Gwaine then took his sister's hand and lead her the last few feet. Once her and George were positioned in front of Arthur, the knight escorted Hunith to the front of those gathered and joined them. When they nodded they were in place the king spoke.

"Merlin and George, prior to this day each of you have walked a separate path. Now, your paths have joined as a shared path which you shall walk together. It is the strength of your love that shall bind you both together as a couple and, in the future, as a family. Merlin, when you're ready you may say your vows."

Merlin's eyes glistened as she stared into George's.

*"You are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.

I give you my Body, that we Two might be One.

I give you my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.

You cannot possess me for I belong to myself

But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give

You cannot command me, for I am a free person

But I shall serve you in those ways you require

and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand."

Nodding acceptance of those vows, Arthur turned to the groom. "George, when you're ready you may say your vows."

There were tears in the man's voice as he spoke.

*"I vow you the first cut of my meat, the first sip of my wine, from this day it shall only your name I cry out in the night and into your eyes that I smile each morning;

I shall be a shield for you back as you are for mine, no shall a grievous word be spoken about us, for our marriage is sacred between us and no stranger shall hear my grievance.

Above and beyond this, I will cherish and honor you through this life and into the next."

Arthur smiled at them before laying Merlin's right hand over George's left and binding them together with a braided ribbon of **gold, red, and white.

***"May God go with you and bless you,

May you see your children's children,

May you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings,

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

May joy and peace surround you both,

Contentment latch your door,

And happiness be with you now And God Bless you Evermore.

May you live you life with trust, And nurture lifelong affection,

May your lifelong dreams come true for you, Move ever that direction.

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

May the light of friendship guide your paths together,

May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.

May the joy of living for each

other trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle from your eye.

And when eternity beckons,

at the end of the life heaped high with love,

May the good Lord embrace you

with the arms that have nurtured you

the whole length of your joy-filled days.

May the gracious God hold you both

in the palm of His hands.

And, today, may the Spirit of Love

find a dwelling place in your hearts."

Arthur held up their united arms, "By the power given to me as King of Camelot, in sight of God and man, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife."

As the crowd cheered, Gaius clapped and wept hopeful tears. He tears lasted until he realized Arthur had no intention of untying the cord binding the couple's' hands together. And that was only because his laughter banished them as the meal preparation began.

The whole yard was filled with blankets in the blink of an eye. Food of all sorts was spread out as Merlin and George attempted to gracefully sit down with only a single had apiece. Once they finally succeeded, the eating began.

To Gaius, the picnic seemed to fly by and it was suddenly time to escort to newlyweds to their new home. He and Hunith were to take the two of them there, remove their bonds, and make sure they formed a new one by consummating their marriage. Others had offered to complete these tasks, but he and his little sister turned them down.

If Merlin lost control of her power during the act, it was better they be there for it than someone who didn't know about her magic. The girl needed all the support she could get now that her Plan B had become her new focus in life. George was no longer a way of making Arthur, he was her other half, her husband, for now and always.

"I will cherish and honor you through this life and into the next."

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*traditional Celtic wedding vows

**gold (the heavenly father), red (the sacrificed son), and white (the holy spirit)

***traditional Irish wedding blessing

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AN: So... What did you guys think? This is the end, so feel free to nitpick issues so I can edit them. I might go back and edit this, but I don't know yet.

For some of you, this may be the last note I leave for you guys, so I just want you all to know that I am so very thankful for all the support I have received from you all over the years. It means more than I can express, as you guys have been there for me during some of the worst times of my life so far. That alone is more than I could ever repay, so I will settle for thank you.

Best wishes for the future,

~Aaronna Philiou