Conclusion

That day flew by. Sol climbed overhead racing against the puffy clouds through their blue backdrop. The air, while still cool, did not bear the stiff breeze. The road had dried from the previous week's dry conditions allowing the horses' hooves to gallop quickly over it propelling the party quickly away from Camelot.

The triple goddess, it seemed, provided the perfect conditions for their journey….

[Sunset—Just Across the River Severn and into Gedref]

Merlin reclined against an august oak tree. Now across the Severn's foaming torrent from Winter's melted snow, he could relax. Safety seemed more prevalent on that side of the river. While the laws were still technically on the books, here he could cast a spell and not worry about his head. He didn't have to pretend about his feelings (although it wasn't official yet). And he could wash the manure off of his hands and it would stay off. He inhaled a relaxed breath and twiddled his fingers. For once having nothing to think or worry about proved a blessing.

His eyes drifted all around. Sunset streaked crimsons, yellows and oranges across the sky. A few rabbits hopped across the grass before skittering back into the brush. Ywain patrolled the camp's western edge. Galahad took the eastern rounds. Gawain spoke with Britomart out of his hearing. They'd talk, then argue, settle back into discussion and resume that cycle for a while longer. Josiane kneeled with her head resting against the ground. She faced in a southeastern direction and chanted.

Never seen anything like that, he noted to himself. The practice added to the mysteries surrounding their new ally. Still, given the hardships she'd dealt with and her moral virtues, he'd allow her that space. It takes all kinds to make a world. I wonder what Sir Boeve was like?

He was a tremendous warrior and an honorable companion, Merlin, Malodius noted. How is it that you know his name? You never met. He never did come to Camelot.

Princess Josiane loved him. Apparently Count Edgar of Hampton had something to do with it, Merlin explained. He turned to see the lion standing just to his right.

Malodius growled. You might pay better attention to your surroundings, Merlin. While we are secure, someone could cross the river unwarranted. As he advised that, he turned his gaze toward their guest. His tail twitched as he recognized her. It is the Princess! How did I not sense her aura in Camelot?

Now who's slipping? Merlin jabbed.

Sarcasm ill suits you, Merlin. Now it makes sense. She is no mere Princess. Much like ours, Josiane led by example. She fought beside Sir Boeve claiming more than her share of Glory's spoils in several battles. I saved her life. Sadly she is not telepathic. I would like to speak with her, Malodius realized.

Maybe I can bear her a message? Merlin suggested.

She cannot know I can speak like this. Still I would remain close to her. Much as with your father, I respect Sir Boeve. I trusted him. Your instincts about Princess Josiane are correct, Merlin. I appreciate your service to her.

Merlin stroked his friend's mane. She's done nothing but be a good person. I don't know what Edgar of Hampton's deal is. He sounds like a power hungry prat.

That one is trouble, Merlin. Yes he usurped Sir Boeve's place. It bothers me that he was able to have his way with Arthur Pendragon so easily. Seeing Josiane end her prayers and raise her forehead from the ground, he requested, Perhaps you might let her know? I'd walk up to her but….

I get it. Merlin chuckled at the lion's seeming double standard. Still, rather than pursue it, he walked over to her. "Feeling fulfilled? Sorry. I don't mean to pry but…."

"It's no trouble, Merlin. I was speaking to my god much as you speak to your goddess. I gave thanks for our most fortunate outcome in Camelot. May we have more fortune and…." She stopped short. Her eyes went wide. A smile formed on her face. Recognition turned to Joy in the span of a heartbeat. "Malodius? Is it him?"

"It is. He serves Nemeth. How do you know him?" Merlin pointed out.

"It was during a battle with Saxon raiders off of the Hampton coast. The hordes came from their hulking vessels. Boeve and I fought bravely along with his knights. We held our own. Still the Saxons did not stop coming. We thought ourselves lost. Then a mysterious fog blew up off the sea. We knew not from where it came. He leapt from that fog. He swiped with his paws, battered with his bulk and bit with his teeth. We rallied and drove the savages back into the sea." She sighed. "I cannot believe this! Come! Come!" She rushed over. "Malodius! This is truly my god's grace!" She scratched behind the lion's ears.

Malodius purred and rubbed up against her arm.

"I wish Boeve could be here. He'd want to thank you himself for your wonderful service." Lament creased her face prompting a frown from her. "Perhaps he wished for you to be here?"

Stranger things have happened, Merlin mused to himself. Then he cleared his throat. "You know. Sometimes it just takes one thing, Princess. One thing, one person or one event can set bigger things in motion. Wait until you meet Princess Mithian. I…well…I…" He sucked in a deep breath. "Sorry. This was about Sir Boeve, Malodius and you."

She shook her head. "No, Merlin. It's about love and special bonds. Love can mean friendship too. I could tell that Arthur Pendragon had you under his thumb. You suffered. Count Edgar's jackals stole everything from me. I was suffering. We talked. You encouraged me. Our friends set matters right. Events propelled us to this point. In this simple woodland clearing, we have friends, food and soft ground on which to rest. I wish we could have our beloveds here. Tomorrow I look forward to seeing you reunited with your Princess."

She has a point, Merlin. So do you. Such depth of insight. I am impressed, Malodius complimented.

I do have my moments. Merlin sniffed the air. "I thought Gwen had Audrey make capon for us?"

"It was some sort of roasted bird. I don't know…." She raised an eyebrow. "That is venison with a curious mix of spice. I have never smelled such a scent." She puzzled over that.

Merlin's mouth watered. "I have." He exhaled. Amor surged in his heart. He surveyed their surroundings.

"Merlin? What?" she asked. She heard a twang like a bow string being released close by. "Get down!"

"What…I?" He hit the turf. He heard something strike the tree above where his head had been. Why didn't you duck? he lectured Malodius.

Because there was no threat, Merlin. Look up, the lion assured him.

Look up? He glanced up to find a shaft tipped with emerald feather tufts imbedded in the bark. Hanging from the end, a particular sprig hung on a string straight down.

"Mistletoe? What? Why? It isn't your Solstice festival!" Josiane wondered.

"No it isn't. Still someone wants me to remember it," he informed her. And I remember it. That night has kept me alive for the past three months. Please. Mithian, I…..

As I do, my Prince. Mithian emerged from the brush. She wore her white riding top and dark breeches. Mischief spread her smirk and sparkled in her eyes. "I knew you'd recognize the venison's scent." She hustled over to him. Without another word, she grabbed onto him.

He embraced her. He felt her softness against himself. Her aura and presence cleansed Doubt's static from him. Unlike in Camelot, he didn't have to hold back. He didn't have to pretend. He didn't have to care. He mashed his lips down on top of hers. Much as with a dried out plant in a desert, they sought out their oasis…their relief in that pool….

And she frankly wasn't going to stop him. She squeezed him ever tighter getting every bit of his essence around herself. She savored the idea of this…having him there rather than in Camelot. Granted they had the Link and that dreamscape. Still this was special and amazing and everything else for that matter. She touched foreheads with him. "At last, Merlin. We are free."

"Free at last." Merlin brushed his lips across her forehead. He gazed into her eyes. "I love you, my Princess."

"I love you, my Prince." Mithian's eyes glittered in Luna's rising light. She squeezed his right hand. "And now we have forever."

"Forever." He savored five more heartbeats of this. He wanted to simply stare into those eyes. He felt fulfilled. Still the world waited for no one. "We do have a guest."

"So Britomart tells me." Mithian rubbed his arm. Then she considered Princess Josiane. "Welcome to Nemeth! I'm Princess Mithian, daughter to Rodor, King of Nemeth and our host. It is my pleasure to offer you safe passage and a meal tonight." She extended her hand. "And you are Princess Josiane? I have heard of your skill in the melee."

"You are too kind, my Lady. I am but an exile. Still I am glad to be with such friends! I cannot compliment your retinue enough, Princess," Josiane told her. "And to see Malodius again after so long!"

She, Sir Boeve and I fought alongside each other just south of Hampton, Princess, the lion clarified. She was a most worthy ally to share the battlefield with, Malodius clarified.

I shall make note of that. Mithian nodded. "He is certainly a wonderful companion and friend. I'm sure you will be the same for us. Come now. Let's leave concerns behind for tonight. The venison awaits us. I have brought plenty in honor of a certain Prince's homecoming." She pecked him on the cheek. "Now follow us." She took Merlin by the hand and led him back toward the main camp. "You too, Malodius."

As Princess Josiane said, to have such a treat with friends is a fine thing, the lion concurred.

"I'll be happy to serve you both since I'm…." Merlin started.

Britomart glared at the Warlock. "You will not!" She turned to the rest of the company. "Everyone! Our Prince and Princess!"

Ywain, Galahad and Britomart kneeled.

"Wow." Gawain grinned. He raised his goblet. "To a deserving guy! Here's to the last crap bin! Merlin, you're a Prince! Maybe now you'll loosen up?"

Merlin sighed and raised his goblet. It is Gawain.

Yes it is. Mithian snorted. "Our friends." She sat down beside her Prince. Each of them received a plate with finely roasted venison and a mashed starchy orange side dish. "Thank you all for seeing us together. Thank you for seeing our newest friend to our side. And thank you….for escorting my heart back to our fair land."

"It is our pleasure and duty, Princess. Merlin is a most worthy ally," Ywain praised.

"HUZZAH! HUZZAH!" the group chorused.

And with that, the most pleasant vibes soaked that clearing. Vibes to be cherished and saved by all indeed. Transitions, even if not announced in true intent to the world, were well underway. Flora's project could flower into so much more.

So much more indeed…..

THE END (for now)