Part 2 of 2

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

I couldn't find much information on Google about medieval weddings so forgive me if I've got stuff wrong. I just used that was written in some of the Merlin episodes and invented the rest. I took some liberties with Freya's last name as no one really knows what it is.

Union

"My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot and Ealdor, we are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting…"

Arthur looked at Gwen; the lady was just as beautiful as ever, even if she was dressed in a woolen tunic and cloak made of sheep fur. She smiled back at him when she realized that he was watching her intently, though she rolled her eyes a little to tell him that he should be paying more attention.

"…the union of Merlin Emrys and Freya Galwait. Is it your wish, Merlin, to become one with this woman?"

"It is."

"Is it your wish, Freya, to become one with this man?"

"It is."

"Do any say nay?" There was silence. Geoffrey waited for a couple moments before continuing the ritual. "Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite of hand-fasting. With this garland, I do tie a knot, and by doing so, bind your hands and your hearts for all eternity."

One of the village boys came up behind the old man, carrying a string of flowers in his hands. Geoffrey accepted the garland and began to gently wrap it around their joined hands until he tied it up in a knot.

"Merlin Emrys, are there any words that thou would like to say?" Arthur grinned a little as Merlin's already burning ears seemed to turn an even darker tone of red.

Unfortunately, though Merlin hadn't noticed the slight teasing, Gwen had and she elbowed him rather roughly in the side. It was a hard hit, and Arthur grimaced as his queen's pointy elbow found the spot that had always been sensitive.

"I, Merlin Emrys, Court Sorcerer of Camelot, shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee as I respect myself."

"Freya Galwait, are there any words that thou would like to say?"

"I, Freya Galwait, shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee as I respect myself."

"I now pronounce you to be husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Arthur nearly did laugh out loud as Merlin's face changed from nervous to giddy and joyful, but he refrained, thinking of all the fun he could get out it.

Later that evening, when everyone had gathered in the largest building in the center of town, and when the food and wine was being served, Arthur couldn't help but notice that Merlin had slipped out and away from the crowd.

Seeing an opportunity, Arthur quietly excused himself and walked away, ignoring the looks that a few of the townspeople gave him. Opening the door, the king stepped out into the chilly autumn night.

His servant was standing a little ways away, leaning against the fence and cape billowing slightly in the breeze. Arthur walked slowly over, making just enough noise so that he wouldn't sneak up on his old servant, but not too much to disturb the peacefulness that surrounded them.

"Beautiful, isn't it." Merlin said as Arthur came to stand next to him. They were standing on the top of a small hill over-looking the rest of the village of Ealdor and the mountains and forest that surrounded it. Above their heads the stars glittered, like holes in a piece of dark blue fabric. The moon was just appearing over the ridges of the mountains, casting a gentle glow over the valley.

"Very." He replied.

For some time they just stood there, comforted in each other's presence and nothing more. For those few wonderful moments, Arthur could pretend that nothing had changed. That they were still a prince and a servant who just happened to be the best of friend, their status be damned.

"Sometimes , I wish that none of this had ever happened. Sometimes I think that I would be happier if I had never left Ealdor. It's the most beautiful thing I've seen"

"Don't let your wife hear you. She might feel jealous." They were quiet for a little longer before Arthur couldn't help himself and he pushed the servant turned Court Sorcerer in to the mud. The cloak that he had lent Merlin cushioned his fall slightly but the sight of his best friend lying down in the mud, sent Arthur into a fit of laughter.

Merlin lifted his head and when Arthur saw the steely gaze directed at him, he turned to run, but he was too late.

Merlin's eyes flashed gold, grabbing by magic his king's leg and hauling him back to land in the mud puddle next to him. Arthur spluttered and received a mouthful of the mixture of dirt, water and horse shit for his troubles. They lay there, covered in the soppy mud that was clinging to their clothes and skin, before they both burst out laughing, heartily and full of humor.

It was Arthur who stopped first, and he turned his gaze to look at Merlin.

"You should probably get washed. Wouldn't want Freya to leave you on your wedding day would we?" Merlin sent him a look that was filled with irritation, but behind it was a thin layer of vulnerability, as if some part of Merlin actually believed that Arthur's words were true.

To quell his fears, Arthur gently punched the sorcerer on the shoulder, before standing up and helping Merlin up too.

"Don't worry Merlin. She's probably the only person in Camelot to appreciate those ridiculous ears…" Arthur dodged a little to the side as Merlin tried to grab him for daring to utter a comment like that. They began to chase each other in an odd exchange of roles, with Merlin trying to catch the king.

It was fun, being able share some fun with his former servant, but more than anything, it was a promise.

A promise that not everything had to change.

The End

Ahhhhhh! The last chapter is complete! Wow! Thank you to everyone who has favourited, followed, reviewed and/or read this story. I hope that you've all enjoyed reading them just as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

Happy 2014 everybody!

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