SURPRISE SURPRISE. HERE AND NOW, THE NEW CHAPTER OF "The Girl Whose Name Was A Poem".

First of all, I never tire of apologizing for the delay, but I do not want to bore you any more with that. But a million thanks for staying with me and putting up with me, to keep your loyalty to this story. You readers are the true blessing of every writer.

PS: The last chapter is quite long and naturally important to conclude the journey of all these characters, so I divided it into two parts. Here is the first one 3

-Lady Devnet, your lord grandfather is calling for you-.

The woman cursed in a low voice when, distracted from her task, she prickled one of her fingers with the thorns of the flowers she was arranging. Sucking the blood from the wound, she extended her hand for a villager to help her down from the stool she'd been standing on and turned to the woman who made a humble display of a bow towards her.

Devnet tried not to grimace. She still hadn't been able to get used to this new form of treatment that made her feel as if she'd stolen some noble woman's title. While she'd been referred to as lady before, it had never been in that sort of reverential tone people had started to use around her and that made her so uncomfortable. She'd tried to convince people to drop it and simple treat her the way they'd always done so in the past, but it had proven to be no use. Apparently, with Arthur's new status, Devnet's had been lifted too, as well as all the knights'. Being Merlin's granddaughter did not help much either. Ever since the battle, the Pictish tribes woudn't stop treating her with even more reverence than the common Britons, of that was possible.

-Uh...thank you-she replied awkwardly, rubbing her palms on her skirt. She cast an uncertain look around at the multitude fussing about, preparing everything for the banquet that would be held later out in the open. After getting tired of being consulted over and over again about every insignificant details-the Gods knew how everyone had decided that she was the one to be asked anyways-she'd decided to help with the decorations herself. Anyways, it served her as something to keep herself busy with and not pass out of pure boredom. There was an eventful day ahead of her, but the morning had proven to be nothing but tiresome.

-Where is he?-she inquired the woman, wrapping a bandage around her wounded finger.

-He awaits you just on the western border of the camp, my lady, under the crooked ash tree-.

Devnet nodded and offered the woman a fleeting smile-Thank you-.

The woman bowed again, and Devnet had to fight the urge to roll her eyes, knowing that there was not bad intention behind that act, but growing annoyed by it anyways.

"You've better start getting used to it. As from today, you shall be the closest thing to a king's sister" a voice chipped inside her head as she made her way across the camp, dodging the constant tide of busy folk running up and down between the tents carrying food, drinks, chairs, precious possessions, instruments, leading animals, shouting to each other over the chaos. It was a conversation of souls, sounds, smells, colours and textures unlike anything Devnet could remember witnessing before. People had come from all over the land to attend the coronation of the Kind of all Britons. It was insane.

Out of the maze of tents in camp, it was not hard to find the lonely tree that grew in the middle of the open field. Devnet could just make out her grandfather's form under the shade, as still as a spirit guardian in eternal vigilance. Smiling nervously, Devnet rushed forward to meet him.

- Daideó-she greeted the elder man with a mixture of fondness and respect, bowing before he who was considered leader amongst the woads.

-My sweet child-Merlin returned her salute with a fatherly smile, taking Devnet's pale hand in his and kissing her knuckles, causing the woman to blush slightly-Let us walk, shall we?-.

-Gladly, grandfather-Devnet accepted the arm Merlin offered with a broader smile. She was still to get used completely to this knew found familiarity with her mother's father, but the little half-woad could not deny that she enjoyed the strengthening of the bond between herself and the remaining members of her family...her blood at least.

-It is quite a carnival back at camp, is not?-Merlin chuckled, as they made their way out into the open field, following no particular trail or destiny-I'm afraid I myself am too old to feel comfortable in the midst of such excitement, but you must find it refreshing, child, don't you now?-.

Devnet chuckled amusedly, doubting her grandfather would ever be too old for anything. A year ago he'd lead the Pictish army against the Saxons, and for what Devnet had heard in the days that followed that fateful battle, the man had fought with the same vigour of his youth.

-I do, grandfather. It is amazing! Such a festive atmosphere, and the real celebrations haven't even started yet!-she replied excitedly, casting a quick glance over her shoulder at the colourful sea of tents before focusing on Merlin again-However, I still don't understand why we've travelled so far to crown Arthur instead of just doing it at Badon, back in the Wall-.

Devnet had only been to the south once, as a little girl, when she'd accompanied her father on a diplomatic mission near Londinium. However, in the lands formerly known as Y Went by the Celts before the romans invaded the island, the climate was ever warmer, and remarkably dry compared to the foggy landscape she was accustomed to up in the north. The land was colourful and fresh under a sun much more frequent. But truly what fascinated her most of all was the vast extension of ever blue that was the sea, going as far as her eyes could reach, it's waved glistering in the distance like white jewels, and its rhythmic murmur soothing her to sleep at night.

-Though Rome's presence was strong here, and the evidence of it is still at plain sight for all of us to see, this was once an important celtic region-Merlin explained-Many of our ancient and most important kingdoms once stood within its borders. Arthur's coronation will have great symbolism to the leaders of our land, and the people of Britannia, by taking place here. Many kings were crowned before him in this lands, great kings. It is only fit that the greatest of all is crowned here too-.

His granddaughter smiled, satisfied with the explanation, even if she still believed that dragging everyone south for a single event, even one as important as the king's crowning, was quite a big fuss. However, she understood and respected the importance of tradition and the meaning it had in the hearts of the people. She approved of anything that would help Arthur become accepted as the great ruler Devnet knew he was, even if the man was already managing that quite well by himself.

-Now, the real reason I sent for you is because there is something I wish to discuss with you, Devnet. Something important- Merlin patted the girl's hand to catch her wandering attention. The little half-woad stared back at him with curious eye, silently encouraging him to continue.

-Well, since Artorious joined forces with my people to defeat the Saxon, you know that relation between the woads and the Britons have intensified as we try to advance towards a new era together, leaving behind the old grudges of our past- the old man explained.

Devnet nodded. Ever since Britons and Woads had become allies, negotiations had been going back and forth between Arthur and the Pictish leaders constantly. Guinevere herself had been functioning as bridge between the two people, helping to strengthen the bond between them in hopes of establishing a united Britannia under Arthur's future rule. As far as Devnet knew, thought this bond was new for both parts, relations between Woads and Britons had advanced on notoriously good ground, and seemed to get better and better every day. It was something that certainly favoured people like herself, precariously walking the thin line between the two groups, though besides that, Devnet couldn't see what the matter could have to do with her. Merlin must have seen her confusion, for he stopped, turning to face her, his aged hand gripping her skinny shoulders tightly as he stared straight into Devnet's eyes, hunching a bit due to their difference of height.

-The thing is, my child, that now that your cousin will be joined in marriage to Arthur, I will need ambassador between Picts and Britons. Someone of my trust, and that is able to understand and balance the expectations, needs and contrasts between both nations, and integrate them as one. Who could be better suited for the task than you, my granddaughter, born and raised in between them?-

Devnet's eyes widened at Merlin's words, and she took a step back, as if they somehow scared her. In fact, they did, if only a bit. Ambassador...it sounded like such a big and important term for her. She'd been brought up simply, surrounded by boys, by a widowed man who did his best to raise her well. She knew how to fight, she knew how to ride. And sure, his father had made sure that she also received and education, but from there to ambassador? She could mediate between the knights and their quarrels, but that was because she'd known them their whole life, and had learned to work with their different temperaments. How in the bloody gods' name was she going to manage the temperaments of whole nations!?

-Grandfather you...you honour me! - She exclaimed, her breath cut short but the immensity of the offer -But surely, there must be somebody else better suited for such an important task. I know nothing of negotiations. I've been nothing but a female knight, a village girl my entire life. I mean, I don't even look the part- she extended her arms in front of herself as if trying to point out her whole figure -I am tiny and delicate looking. I wouldn't even be taken seriously! - The brunette shook her head in denial -No, certainly Guinevere would gladly continue as your ambassador. She's better at it than I could ever dream to be-.

-Guinevere will be crowned queen today. She cannot have both positions, it would inevitably cause unbalance- replied philosophically the older man.

-And my appointment would not!? By our Mother, Merlin, I am a stranger to the Woads! How am I supposed to represent them? I need more than Pictish blood in me, I need more than being your granddaughter! I would need to belong to your people and I don't. Not yet at least- Devnet lowered her eyes, trying to conceal the bitterness that her own words caused her.

She heard Merlin chuckle in front of her. His calloused hands moved from the girl's shoulder to cup her chin, gently forcing to raise her head. Devnet did so with a hard swallow, biting her lower lip. Her grandfather's face, however, was serene and comforting, filled with fatherly love and smiling with fondness at her. It made her feel safe.

-You fought by the Woads side against the Saxon. You fought, and bled and nearly died side by side with the most noted warriors of our people. Sweet child, don't you see? You won your place amongst us that day. You already are part of us- Merlin leaned forward and pressed his lips against Devnet's forehead in blessing -The Woads will consider it an honour if it is you who represents them in Arthur's court. Why, the very Council of Elders agrees with this decision-.

To this the little half-woad could only blink at her grandfather in utter surprise, remembering the withdrawn group of tribe leaders, known for their hostility towards foreigners and protectiveness over their own culture that had treated her with little more than cold politeness back when she'd been helping to plan out the battle against the Saxon.

-The-the Council thinks I should be their ambassador!?- She stuttered in disbelief, to which Merlin only nodded with an amused grin. Devnet stared back at him, her blue eyes dotted in brown as wide as a plates. It was puzzling to imagine going from an outsider to spokeswoman of the Woads.

-Grandfather, I don't know...-.

-You have a natural disposition towards diplomacy, Devnet, much like your mother did-Merlin cut her out before she could think of something to say-You are strong minded, confident and outspoken; and yet you are a good listener and flexible. I believe you will do a splendid job-.

Devnet raised her eyebrows at the man-You're not planning to let me think it through at all, are you?-she asked, though her tone was more amused than accusing. Though quite dazed, the girl was not bothered at all. In her heart, she could already feel a calling stirring from within her, a sense of compromise with the cause her grandfather was placing over her slim shoulders. Though still confused, and not quite certain of how any of it would turn out, the little half-woad finally nodded, a small smile sweeping over her lips.

-I'll be honoured to carry out the voice of the Blue Folk, as daughter of my mother and descendant of the Myrrdin clan-she bowed her head, accepting the position. A lump formed in her throat and suddenly, her heart started to beat faster, leaving her breathless and thrilled.

Merlin smiled, pleased with himself, though not surprised by his granddaughter's response at all, as if he'd known all along things would happen this way. Raising his hands, he rested them on top of Devnet's head and blessed that child, muttering words he'd already said to her once, when she was but a babe in her mother's arms and her eyes had only just opened to the world. Merlin had always known that that granddaughter that would grow apart from him and the Woads would somehow raise high amongst their society one day, coming to her full heritage. This was the day in which all fated collided into the future of Britannia.

-Have you talked to Gwen about this? Does Arthur know?-Devnet finally managed to find her voice again after that overwhelming instance in which she had embraced her celtic nature. Surprisingly, she did not feel quite as different as she had moments before. She was still herself, Devnet, Devy, Dev, Petite to some, Little One to others. The Half-woad, the Lady Knight. She was unaware of it, of course, but the real change within her had accursed long before, during their odyesy up in the north.

-Of course, my daughter. You cousin and I have had our conversation about the role she will assume today. And naturally, Arthur has been informed too, though you would do well to meet with him before the ceremony-.

Devnet nodded. She still had to get ready for the wedding and coronation, but judging by the sun's position, she still had a few hours for it. She turned to look at the vast camp behind them, easily distinguishing Arthur's tent from the rest, since it was located at the very heart of the camp, and stood out for its size. Besides that, however, it was incredibly plain compared to the tents of other British lords. It mirrored its occupant's humble nature.

So many people, so many lands joined as one. And she was to represent one of them a court. Devnet had no idea of how on earth she was going to work things out as an ambassador. But if Merlin and Gwen and Arthur believed that she was suited for the job, the brunette guessed it was at least worth the try. Besides, it was bound to be eventful, that was sure.

"I suppose we will all have to assume different posts and responsabilities with this new order" she reflected, feeling a small twitch of bitter sweetness in her stomach. In truth, she had once hoped that they would go back to the way things were before. Arthur being just Arthur, the knights being just soldiers, she been just a girl caught up in the middle of this military world. She'd certainly believed that would be the outcome when her Sarmatians decided to remain here, in the land that had been their prison, but, in the end had resulted in feeling more like home than Sarmatia did or would ever do.

But as Merlin had insinuated that Samhain so many months ago: times were changing.

-I think I shall see Arthur now- the girl announced after taking a deep breath of these winds of change around her –And then, I must get ready for the ceremony-with a laugh, she looked at her dusty dress and ran a hand through her messy hair.

Merlin offered her a warm, fatherly smiled and nodded, leaning forward to place a chaste kiss on her forehead. He chuckled at the mention of her indecorous appearance –Indeed. Run along then, child. There is still much to be done-.

Devnet beamed at him and began running down the way they'd climbed, dark hair soaring in the wind behind her. She had almost reached the foot of the hill, when Merlin called after her. Surprised, the girl stopped, all smiles and flushed cheeks. Merlin felt his memory stir and his heart skip with both joy and mourning.

-Aine smiles on you!-he called after her.

The girl tilted her head, puzzled-The goddess, daideó?-.

-No, my dear child...Your mother-.

Under the early daylight, Aine's child beamed.

It was odd to see guards stationed outside Arthur's tent. The former commander had naturally been against it, but his rebellion was put at an end by Merlin himself, insisting that he was now the most important man in Britain, and such fame was not free of enemies. The knights, of course, were his main circle of protection, but after years of slavery, Arthur had refused to turn them into his private escort. Sarmatian knights were not meant for a job that involved standing still most of the time, and following a man around the rest of it.

Devnet flipped the through the entrance of the tent, eager to flee the eyes of those guards that seemed only half convinced of her good intentions despite her being Arthur's oldest friend. Really, sometimes she wondered if they would all ever become accustomed to this new order of things.

She found Arthur still in his nightclothes despite the fact that it was almost midday. The man's dark hair was tousled and his clothes wrinkled as if he'd just gotten out of bed, though Devnet wondered if he'd actually ever gone to it in first place. It would not have been the first time that Arthur had gone a whole night without sleeping, and considering the upcoming events of that day, she couldn't really blame him.

His back to turn to her as he leaned over a desk littered with parchments, probably written documents of the many treaties and allegiance he'd been negotiating for the past months. She cleared her throat to catch his attention and smiled.

-Hello there-.

The man flinched and turned around, startled by the sound of her voice, but as soon as he saw her, his shoulders visibly relaxed.

-Devnet, there you are. I was starting to become almost concerned. I was expecting you to check on me earlier-there was a teasing tone in his voice, which made Devnet's smile widen.

-I have better things to do other than watch over you, Artorius. Besides, aren't you a bit old for a wet-nurse or a nanny?-.

-As you are a bit young for being either of them-pointed out the man, mirroring her smile. He left the parchments he'd been revising back on the desk and walked over to the small woman, wrapping her in one of his characteristic bear hugs Devnet had grown familiar to over the years. She buried her face in the crook of Arthur's neck and took a deep breath. He smelled like safety. He smelled like home.

-Merlin has decided to name me the Woad's Ambassador- she breathed out after they pulled away. It still seemed unreal to even think about, let alone say it out loud. It was odd for her, as she'd never been one to get uncertain about her words.

Arthur gave her a knowing smile in return. Merlin has told Devnet that the future kind was already aware of that decision, but something about the way Arthur was grinning almost amusedly made her suspected that there was more to the matter than simple knowledge.

-You suggested it!-she finally accused, eyes widening even as she smiled –Making me the Woad's ambassador was your idea, was it not, Artorius?-.

Arthur laughed out loud and, much to Devnet's surprise, ruffled her hair like he used to do when they were children. Devnet shooed his hands off with a hiss. She didn't want it to be any harder to comb afterwards than it already would be.

-I can't believe it! What were you thinking!?- She cried, slapping his forearms playfully.

-That there could not be a better ambassador for them than you, Devy- he replied calmly, though there was a hint of seriousness in his voice. He grabbed her hands before she could hit him again and held them gently between his, warmth flowing between them.

Devnet felt her cheeks burning once more under Arthur's gaze. It was full of trust, and the thought of him counting on her for something so big intimidated her and thrilled her at the same time. She felt a tight knot of emotion inside her throat as she struggled to find proper words. She was aware that they were the closest thing to a brother and sister, but the little half-woad still hadn't expected Arthur to have such an amount of faith in her.

-Then I won't fail you, Artorius- she promised, her voice soft and emotional as her tiny finger clutched Arthur's big ones –I...-she laughed nervously –I still have no idea of just how I will live up to such big expectations, but I'll find a way, I swear-.

She didn't fully realize what she was doing until she was already on her knees, head bowed down in respect to the future king. Her king. She'd always known he was destined to become a great man. A man she would be willing to follow, to serve, forever.

-From this day own I, Devnet Allaine of Badon Hill, pledge my services and my complete loyalty to you, Artorius Castus, soon to be king of all Britain- she dared to lift her eyes and smile at her king –A king that I know will make me feel proud-.

She saw emotion cross Arthur's green eyes as he reached for her hands and pulled her back on her feet, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Devnet breathed in deeply, feeling part of something important and blessed.

-And I accept your oath, Devnet the Lady Knight, even if I would have considered myself fortunate just by having your friendship- the man muttered with his warm lips still pressed to Devnet's temple. The girl smiled and pulled away once more. The ceremonial moment passed and they were once again brother and sister by heart, just Arthur and Devy.

-There's a big day ahead! - She exclaimed brightly, her eyes running up and down her friend's appearance. A small frown wrinkled her brow –Why aren't you dressed? Arthur, you're being crowned today! And surely you would not marry Gwen in you sleeping clothes!?-.

At the mention of his crowning and wedding, Arthur's face turned grey and his eyes eluded her as he turned around. Devnet watched him rest his hands on the desk he'd been leaning over before, and saw his head fall between his shoulders as if a great weight had been placed upon his back. The girl immediately intuited what was going through his head, burdening his heart.

-Artorius, you are ready for this. You were born for this- she said in a firm voice, walking over to her friend and resting her tiny hand on his shoulder –Whatever thought you might have about somehow not fitting the importance of the task is completely unfounded. This is your destiny. I know it and you know it, and so does everyone outside this tent. You've lead this land to freedom. Now you'll guide it to greatness-.

Artorius was not convinced, which made Devnet roll her eyes. He was humble to the point of exasperation. He was probably having his doubts just because it was morally correct that he did not accept the title of King with so much easiness. Why simply accept things when you could make a big sacrifice out of it?

-I fought a war and won. That hardly makes me a ruler. I do not trust that I might be up to the expectations of what being a king means. I have made mistakes before, far too many. Defended the indefensible. Failed the men under my charge. How could I govern a nation? - The man replied in a low voice, shaking his head.

Devnet rolled her eyes once more and stepped between him and the table so that he would face her –I think that's about enough of all the self-pity. No leader is born perfect, of course they all make mistakes, it doesn't mean they'll be conditioned by them for the rest of their lives. And of course fighting and winning the war against the Saxons doesn't make you a ruler. Thousands of other men did that. It's you conviction, your sense of justice, your ability to raise to the situation, no matter the hardships to be endured, that make you fit to rule. The ability to see the correct road and take it, leading other behind you. Like when you did with all the villagers from Honorius's estate. The man that saw what was right and took all those helpless people under his protection, no matter the possible costs is more that fit to be king-.

Arthur still seemed unconvinced, but at least his shoulders weren't hunched any more-You've always seen me like a righteous man, Devy. As a hero. Are you sure you are not letting your personal feelings cloud your judgement? Being a king is nothing like being commander. That crown will weight on my head and I am not sure I might resists its weight-.

Devnet raised her eyebrows –Oh, have I, now? - She chuckled –Well that is certainly not what I had in mind when I pretended to lift your confidence back up again, but it is a start- .

Arthur laughed weakly, and Devnet knew that despite his doubts he would be all right. He always was in the end. Maybe it was a thing of destiny. He was protected by it.

-Come on, Artorius, nobody ever said it would be easy- But someone has to assume the position and I'm afraid you're the only one fit for the job. The people follow and admire you; you've heard them cheer and praise your name on the streets. You're wise, just and brave. You're everything that makes a perfect king. Or the closest there is to one-.

-There many others who deserve the honour of ruling this land-.

Devnet rolled her eyes and laughed, crossing her arms over her chest and resting her hip against the table, beside his sit.

-It's not a matter of honour, you big fool-she chipped tenderly-Tell me, can you imagine Bors as a king? Or Gawain? By all the Gods, have you got any idea of what would happen if Lancelot was crowned?-.

Arthur couldn't help but laugh at her words, shaking his head with a weak smile-We'd wake up the next day to find the entire place upside down, while he curses everyone for their stupidity and rants on and on about how much the crown weights on his head-.

-Exactly my point-Devnet giggled, but then went serious again, though still smiling. She extended her palm and laid it upon the man's rough cheek-Everyone's support is on you. The knights, the woads, the Britons...no matter the race, they all agree that you should be king-she reached out to take his hand between her's-I've always known you'd become someone grand...have I ever been wrong?-she crooked and eyebrow.

Arthur chuckled and shook his head.

-Then stop doubting yourself; do not underestimate your virtues anymore. Leave the commander in the past, let him rest, and rise. It's the king's turn-she squeezed his hand and pierced him with her blue-brown eyes, feeding him every bit of confidence and determination she had-It's time you fulfil your destiny, Artorius Castus Pendragon-.

The man raised a hand and covered Devnet's cheek with it. His eyes shone with emotion at his friend's blind faith, and he finally believed her words. Deep down, he'd always known Devnet was right. But hearing her say it was what he needed to remind himself of it. He did not say anything, he simply thank her with his eyes. His gratitude was so profound and covered so many things, so many years of friendship, that the words could not fully express them. But the eyes, windows of the soul, as some say, the eyes saw everything. They saw immense gratitude in each other's eyes.

-I will- he promised in all sincerity, causing Devnet to smile and turn her face a to kiss the inside of her friend's palm, before pulling his hand away and pushing him towards the clothes a servant had already bothered to lay out for the future king to attend his own coronation that would elevate him above all other men in Britain.

-Wonderful. Because right now, your destiny says that you have to bathe and dress. You smell almost as bad as un unwashed Sarmatian, and let's just say your appearance is not much better-.

Arthur let out a roar of laughter -I'm sure they would be fascinated by that comment-.

Devnet shrugged with a smile. Speaking of Sarmatians ... it was time to see what that lot of rascals were up to.

Well, that's all for now, next chapter will hopefully come soon. I hope you enjoyed it and do not forget to leave your votes! And your comments are always welcome 3