I'm so sorry this took so long to post! I've been quite busy lately what with my exams and finishing my second year at uni. But here it is: the last chapter! Enjoy!
The ride back to Camelot was sunny and peaceful. Merlin was once again riding with Arthur, his arms wrapped around his king's waist. Their hands were clasped against Arthur's stomach and Merlin's head was tucked into Arthur's neck as they whispered happily to each other. The knights followed a short distance behind, giving them their space and grinning smugly. Theodore looked slightly traumatised by the way the other three would occasionally grin and squeal as they watched the pair ahead of them.
As they entered Camelot, Merlin unwrapped himself from Arthur, allowing the king a bit more dignity as they rode through the streets. When they reached the courtyard of the castle, they found the Knights of the Round Table waiting for them, apparently completely well again. Arthur and Merlin dismounted and went to greet them cheerfully.
"Gaius pronounced us all better yesterday," Lancelot smiled. "It's a shame we missed your hunt but I see you found people to accompany you." Arthur almost scowled at the thought of the knights and their various antics but nothing could dampen his good mood today. Especially not when he could feel Merlin stood close beside him.
Behind them, Alinor leapt from his horse in one fluid movement and, nearby, Sal immediately attempted to copy him. Unfortunately his foot caught in one stirrup and he ended up hopping up and down as he tried to untangle himself. Finally, he freed himself and straightened up attempting to look nonchalant. A laugh from behind him startled Sal, making him cry out in surprise. He turned to find Gwaine and Percival looking at him.
"So did you enjoy hunting with the king?" Percival asked. Sal didn't respond; too busy staring at Percival's arms.
"The arms of righteousness..." he murmured.
"Sorry what?" Percival asked with a frown.
"Yes we did enjoy the hunt," Victor butted in to prevent that line of questioning. "It could have been better if Al didn't shoot all the prey though." He glanced at Alinor who shrugged and grinned.
"Well Arthur was taking too long," he defended and Victor laughed.
"Regardless, Arthur wasn't too happy about it."
"Ah yes, Arthur does get grumpy if he doesn't catch anything," Gwaine smiled, taking a bite out of an apple, as they started to move towards the stables. They were stopped however, when Sal bumped into a passing maid, knocking the pile of blankets from her arms.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Sal exclaimed, bending to help retrieve the fallen items.
"No it's quite alright, sir. It was my fault really," the girl replied, standing up.
"Well, sorry anyway. I'm Sal."
"It's nice to meet you, Sir Sal. I'm Nessa," the girl said with a smile. That attracted the attention of Alinor and Victor.
"Oh no..." Victor muttered as he turned towards Sal. Alinor looked horrified as Sal burst into song.
"Nessa, uh Nessa," Sal sang loudly. "I've got something to confess, a reason why, why I brought you here tonight!"
Nessa stared at him, looking confused and scared. Slowly she took a step backwards and then continued to back away.
"I um... I have to go," she said quickly before hurrying away, repeatedly glancing over her shoulder. Sal turned to find the other knights staring at him.
"Wow," Theodore said. Alinor just sighed and started to head into the stables. The others followed quickly, the Knights of the Round Table unsure what to make of what they had just witnessed. Thoughts of it were soon put from their minds, however, as they entered the stable just in time to see Arthur pressing a kiss to Merlin's lips. They pulled apart smiling, before Arthur grabbed his manservant's hand, pulling him forcibly along and out of the stable. Merlin followed happily, a goofy smile plastered across his face.
The Knights of the Round Table gaped at the two retreating figures. Gwaine turned to see Sal, Alinor and Victor looking smug.
"How did you manage that?" he spluttered. "We've been trying to get them together for years!" The other knights nodded in agreement.
"We're just that good," Alinor answered.
In a cave, deep within the forest, the Slash Dragon smirked to himself.
I know it was a really short chapter but there wasn't really much left to do and I didn't want to put this on the end of the previous chapter.
In case any of you are wondering, the song Sal sings is 'Dancing Through Life' from Wicked. And that part is a true story. My friend actually did once sing that at a girl called Nessa. And she'd never even met her before! Poor Nessa! :)
Well that's all folks! Until the sequel that is. I know not many people read this but I'm writing it for my lovely flatmates and I may as well post it here too. Reviews would be lovely if anyone is actually still reading this :)