Almost a year had passed since the Great War. And a lot had changed.

Camelot was hesitantly open to magic, taking each individual case as it came. Dark magic, when used for evil was automatically punished by death, but for peaceful folk like the druids Camelot had become a safe place to live, work and visit.

Uther had softened, his heartless reputation becoming one of a fair and wise king, and Arthur was following his example. His relationship with Gwen had become public, and the servants now thought of him as more approachable. Even Uther was beginning to like her, not that he'd ever admit it.

It was now the night before yule, and snow covered the grounds of Camelot. The guards shivered and huddled, but not one complaint was heard. And in the silence of the night, three cloaked figures appeared in the citadel, their arrival soundless and without fuss. They made their way into the great throne room, where a feast to celebrate the year was in full swing, everyone eating and laughing. Most noticeable were the chairs that sat empty on Uthers left side, plates but no food visible. To his right, Arthur and Gwen sat, the latter dressed as well as any noble in the room. They'd announced their engagement just the week before and even Uther was excited about the upcoming nuptials.

The room fell quiet as the hooded figures entered, one walking confidently slightly ahead till the group stopped in front of the king. The person raised their hands, and pulled back their hood as the two behind did the same.

"Hello father." Morgana greeted as Mordred clutched tightly to merlin's hand.

"Morgana." Uther breathed as he stood, coming around the table to embrace her warmly. "You made it."

Morgana smiled wryly. "Just about, no thanks to Mr I-know-a-shortcut over there." She indicated Merlin with her hand and rolled her eyes.

The court shifted awkwardly, but gradually conversation returned as Gwen and Arthur gave their greetings.

"So I hear congratulations are in order?" Morgana smirked at her brother and former maid when they were seated, Mordred sitting across with Gaius, still not comfortable with sitting so near to Uther. Gwen blushed as Arthur lifted her fingers and kissed them, grinning at Morgana.

"And I hear we aren't the only ones." He said pointedly, and she laughed, leaning over to kiss Merlin, who was chatting animatedly with Gaius and the knights. Arthur grinned at her fondly, before raising his glass and standing.

"A toast." He called, causing the hall to quieten. "To… to love. To the love of a parent, a sibling, a lover or simply of a friend." He smiled down at Gwen, resting his free hand on her shoulder as he looked over at his father and sister, his best friend and their adoptive son, the knights he called brothers and the court that was so much a part of his life. "But most of all, to all the happiness that it brings."

The court raised their glasses, nodding in approval at his speech as he lent down and gently kissed Gwen, prompting a round of applause and a wolf-whistle from Gwaine as the music started up again and laughs echoed around the great hall.

Myla watched them regretfully in the scrying glass, feeling the weight of her brother's gaze on her back. She turned, and he smiled at her gently, holding out his hand. She took it and allowed herself to be pulled from her seat.

"They're safe." Malin said. "That is what matters. That is all that matters."

'Yes.' She agreed. 'But for how long?'

"As long as we protect them." Malin said seriously, determination set in every inch of his face. "And we will. For the rest of time, until long after this story as faded from the minds of men, we will protect them."

She looked up at him; saw her fear reflected in his eyes, as well as the calm determination and the silent vow. And then the sound of a key turning in a lock echoed loudly through the cell they were in, and they turned, hands joined, to face their own destiny.

End.

Aw… all done! I hope you all enjoyed it, and huge thanks to anyone who reviewed! Mental hugs to all of you! Thanks for reading. X