Here it is – the last chapter and where it finally earns the "T" rating. I hope you enjoy it (this whole story came to be mainly because I wanted to write the ending).

As always, huge thanks to my most excellent beta, sarajm.

Together in Spirit – Chapter 8

"A picnic?" asked Merlin in a surprised tone. "You want to take Gwen on a picnic?"

"Yes, MERlin, I want to take Gwen on a picnic, but I need your help," answered Arthur, blushing slightly.

"Of course you do," said Merlin with a smirk. Noticing the glare Arthur was sending at him, Merlin raised his hands and said, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Of course I'll help. What do you need me to do?"

Leaving Arthur's chambers after having been sworn to secrecy about the plans for the next day, Merlin couldn't help but laugh at both Arthur and Gwen. Arthur, so in love with Gwen but not quite ready to admit it, even to himself; and Gwen, smitten in turn but so concerned about propriety. They'd make the perfect pair, if they could ever make it past their insecurities!

Merlin was also very happy that Arthur had told him, in no uncertain terms, that once he delivered Gwen to the picnic site tomorrow, he was to "leave us alone, Merlin, under pain of death". That fit in perfectly with his own plans; he had received a message from Lancelot that morning stating that the swordsman had arrived in Riverend and planned to stay there for a couple of days. The warlock had actually been heading to Arthur's chambers to ask if he could have an afternoon of freedom, but now he was being told to "stay away" tomorrow. It couldn't have worked out better!

The next morning, Merlin made his way to Gwen's house to escort her to where Arthur was waiting. As the serving girl appeared from the back of the room, all he could do was stare.

"What?" asked Gwen, looking slightly uneasy.

"You look lovely," said Merlin with a smile. "Come on, Arthur's waiting."

After safely delivering Gwen, Merlin quickly made his way back to Camelot and the stables, where his horse was already saddled and waiting. Grabbing the water skin that one of the stable lads had kindly prepared for him, Merlin mounted his horse and was soon cantering through the main gates and along the road to Riverend.

It wouldn't take much more than an hour to reach the town, and Merlin was feeling very antsy: he wanted to arrive now, but he also wanted the trip to take all day, for he needed time to compose himself and prepare to see Lancelot for the first time in over a year.

The road to Riverend was lightly travelled, so Merlin covered the distance quite quickly. Lancelot had said in his letter than he had a room at The Goat and Compass, one of the two taverns in the town, and he would be sure to stay close for the next few days so Merlin wouldn't have to go searching for him.

About an hour after he left Camelot, the warlock found himself on the edge of the village, stuck in the midst of a large crowd of people and livestock, and very, very slowly making his way through the town. He was so excited to finally see his friend that Merlin had completely forgotten that today was market day.

Meanwhile, Lancelot was sitting at a table outside the tavern, watching the road and keenly examining everyone in the hopes that he would soon spot his friend. He and Percival had arrived in Riverend the day earlier. The journey from Dover had been pleasant and the more time he spent in Percival's company, the more he grew to like the large, reserved man.

Lancelot had also finally heard Percival's story. It was their third night on the road and while they were sitting by their fire, Percival had suddenly started speaking. The horrific tale he told of his family slaughtered and his village burned to the ground, all due to Cenred's men, made Lancelot's blood run cold. It was no wonder the man carried such an air of sorrow about him.

Lancelot grieved with his friend over the loss of his family and his friends; he understood Percival's sorrow because he had experienced something similar years earlier. After listening to his friend's story, Lancelot wondered if by speaking of it, Percival might suffer anew; but that did not happen. It was as if by telling his story, there was a weight lifted from the man's shoulders. Ever since that night, Percival seemed a changed man. Oh, he was still quiet, but he smiled more and even joked with Lancelot on occasion.

That morning, Percival had departed Riverend on his way to Haldor, and Lancelot had agreed to meet him there in three days' time. Now I just hope Merlin was able to get some free time, he thought to himself as he took a sip from the mug before him.

Right then, he felt a compulsion come over him and looking up, he caught a glimpse of Merlin leading his horse through the busy marketplace. Lancelot felt his face break into a smile as he studied his friend. Gone was the lad he'd met those many years ago; this was a man coming towards him. And changed – older, yes, and taller too; but there was an air about him that was new.

Watching Merlin tie his horse to a hitching post, Lancelot was struck with two thoughts. Merlin seemed to have grown into his skin; there was a confidence about him now that impressed the swordsman. The second thought, and one that surprised him slightly, was Oh how I have missed him.

Lancelot continued to watch his friend and when it was obvious Merlin would have trouble finding him through the crowd, he stood and called out, "Merlin! Over here!"

Just as he was about to enter the building, Merlin turned at the sound of the familiar voice and Lancelot was soon striding towards him with a huge smile on his face.

"Lancelot," cried Merlin as he hurried towards his friend. As they neared, Lancelot reached out and pulled Merlin into a crushing hug, which the warlock eagerly returned. A few manly slaps on the back and the two separated and began talking at the same time.

"I can't believe you're really here, Merlin …"

"Lancelot, you look great …"

Realizing they were talking over each other, the two men started to laugh and Lancelot gestured to the table he'd been sitting at and said, "Let's sit down and start over!"

Signalling to one of the serving girls for another mug, the two men sat down and, for a moment, just looked at each other not saying anything.

With a laugh, Merlin said, "Well, I'll start! Lancelot, you look fantastic; it seems like your journeying did you a world of good. I want to hear all about your adventures. I've got all day to spend with you, as I'm not expected back at Camelot until just before dinner. So … start talking!"

"Ah, Merlin, I can't tell you how good it is to see you," answered the swordsman. "The things I've seen and the people I've met – I had the most amazing experience. First off, the crossing to France went well and once I arrived on French soil …."

The two men talked through the morning, continued talking while eating a meal served to them at the table where they were sitting, and carried on into the early afternoon. Lancelot told Merlin all about his travels, the wonder of the cities, the incredible new foods and spices and especially the horses that he fell in love with. Lancelot also told Merlin a bit about Percival, not the man's sad story, but simply that he had met up with a man who was in a similar situation as himself and they had decided to travel together for a while.

Merlin, for his part, regaled Lancelot with tales of his adventures in Camelot. He spoke of the loss and then return of Morgana, the rescue of Gwen's brother from captivity, the reappearance of Gaius' old love and the growing feelings between Arthur and Gwen.

By the time the two men had finished speaking, it was as if they had never been parted. Their friendship was as strong as ever, and possibly even more so.

The day, though, was waning and after Merlin drained the last of the mead from his mug, he turned to Lancelot and said, "I'm afraid I must be going soon. I don't like to be away from Camelot for too long."

Looking over at his friend, and seeing the serious look that now graced the warlock's face, Lancelot answered, "Merlin, what's going on? I can tell you're concerned about something. Can I help?"

Merlin smiled at Lancelot and said, "Always wanting to help. You are such a good friend, Lancelot. Yes, I am concerned about something." Looking around to see that they would not be overheard, Merlin then leaned in close to Lancelot and said, in a low tone, "It's Morgana. Things have not been the same since she returned to Camelot and both Gaius and I are concerned that she's plotting something. She's so very different now, and there's a darkness in her that wasn't there before. I don't like being away from Arthur or Camelot for any extended time, because I'm afraid of what might happen."

Lancelot's brows drew together and he grew solemn as he listened to what Merlin had to say. "Ahh," he said, once Merlin had finished, "that may explain some of the rumours I've heard."

"Rumours?" asked Merlin. "Tell me."

"It's all very vague, Merlin. I haven't heard anyone's name specifically, but I've heard mentions of unease in Camelot and apparently Cenred is involved with … someone or something. Once again, nothing specific. But now I wonder if it isn't all connected with your fears."

The two men sat at the table, lost in their own thoughts, each trying to make sense of what the other said and to see if there was a connection. Finally, Merlin nodded his head and said, "I think you're right, Lancelot. I think this is all connected somehow. I must get back to Arthur, and I need to speak with Gaius about all this. I'm sorry to have to rush off like this, my friend."

"Merlin, don't worry; I understand. Besides, I'm home now to stay so if you ever need me, please don't hesitate to send for me. I'm leaving Riverend tomorrow morning and will be in Haldor by mid-day. I'm not sure what my plans are after that, but I'll make a point of sticking close by, just in case."

The two men rose from the table and made their way to the small corral where Merlin's horse was tied. Once she was saddled, Merlin and Lancelot embraced. "I can't tell you how good it is to see you again, Merlin," said Lancelot as he released his friend.

"I know, Lancelot. I feel the same. Hopefully my fears are unfounded and we'll be able to meet up again soon." Merlin mounted his horse and leaning down, he clasped Lancelot's arm and said, "In the meantime, take care of yourself."

"I will, Merlin. And you be careful, too; goodness knows what you're heading into. And don't forget, if you need me just let me know and I'll be there as soon as I possibly can."

"Thank you, Lancelot. I'll see you soon," answered the warlock as he turned his horse towards Camelot and hurried off.

Watching his friend cantering down the road, Lancelot whispered, "Take care, Merlin. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you." As Merlin disappeared around a bend, Lancelot turned back to the tavern with the intention of preparing his gear for his departure the next morning.

It was not long after their meeting in Riverend that Merlin and Lancelot learned the depths of Morgana's treachery. The Cup of Life, once kept safe by the Druids, was now in the hands of Morgause, who was working in conjunction with Cenred. Camelot was surrounded by an immortal army, the King was imprisoned and Morgana was now sitting on the throne.

Knowing they would need all the help they could get, when he learned of the army marching on Camelot Merlin had written a short note to Lancelot.

Lancelot – hopefully this will reach you quickly. Arthur needs your help; I need your help. Cenred is marching on Camelot as I write this. Morgana has betrayed us. Please, come quickly.

Merlin

Rushing off to find a Royal Messenger, Merlin handed him the note and then lied to the man saying, "Prince Arthur needs this delivered to Haldor, immediately. And be careful!" Merlin watched as the man secreted the note in his bag and headed off at a run towards the stables. Let's hope Lancelot is still in Haldor, he thought has he headed back towards his chambers.

Not too many days later, Arthur and Merlin watched from the balcony of the throne room as Morgana declared herself Queen of Camelot. Knowing there was nothing they could do at the moment, Merlin pulled Arthur away. The two men hurried out of the castle towards the Darkling Woods where they knew Gwaine, Elyan and Gaius were waiting.

Having found shelter in a cave, those few who had managed to escape Camelot wondered what to do. Arthur was despondent; his heart had been broken by Morgana's treachery. He was stuck in a deepening spiral of anger and hurt over Morgana's betrayal, worry about his father, and fear over Gwen's safety. It took some coaxing, but Merlin eventually got through to Arthur and the man finally began to crawl his way out of his personal darkness and began picking at the food Merlin had placed before him.

A cry of "We've been found! They're almost upon us!" broke up the joyous reunion of Sir Leon and Gwen with the ragtag bunch and they were soon fleeing for their lives. They were running through the trees when a sudden call of "Look out!" and a fall of rocks blocked the path behind them, separating them from their pursuers. Looking up, Arthur could see a large blond man in chain mail standing at the end of the ravine. Then another, familiar face appeared. Lancelot smiled down at the group and said "We need to hurry."

Seeing Lancelot standing above them, Merlin felt a wave of relief wash over him. By the time Percival and Lancelot had joined them, Merlin couldn't stop smiling. On seeing his dearest friend, Merlin raised an eyebrow at him and chuckled. Together again, he thought. Almost as if he could read his friend's mind, Lancelot grinned at Merlin as if to say What have you gotten yourselves into this time?

The two men did not have any chance for a reunion just then as escaping from Morgana's forces was obviously the priority. As soon as Lancelot had introduced Percival to the group, Arthur told them about a deserted castle where they could hide out for the night and work out a strategy to free Camelot and restore Uther to the throne.

Night fell, and soon the only sounds that could be heard in the deserted castle were the squeaking of mice and the rustling of clothing as everyone tried to make themselves comfortable and get some sleep.

Merlin and Lancelot took themselves off a bit from the others and spreading out their blankets, they lay side by side on the castle floor. Merlin grinned at Lancelot, saying "You're a knight. At last."

Looking over at his smiling face of his dearest friend, it finally came home to Lancelot how important Merlin really was to him. Lancelot valued their friendship above everything else, but over the years his feelings for the other man had deepened. He now knew that he wanted more than Merlin's friendship; he wanted Merlin's love. But how to tell him this without ruining what they had between them? Merlin had never given Lancelot any indication that what he felt for the newly-named Knight was anything more than a deep and steadfast friendship.

I can't go on like this. I have to say something, thought Lancelot. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Merlin and said, "You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it."

"He can't. Not yet," responded Merlin. "That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing."

"Leave that to me," answered Lancelot. "I've got an idea." Then Lancelot cleared his throat and swallowed heavily. Propping himself up on his right arm, he turned to his dearest friend and said, "Merlin there's something I must tell you. I wasn't going to say anything, but considering what we're going to be facing tomorrow, I couldn't just let the chance go by …"

"Shhh," whispered Merlin, "I know." The dark-haired warlock shifted a bit on his blanket and turned his face towards Lancelot's. Though the room was dim, Lancelot could see that Merlin wore a gentle smile, and as he gazed into Lancelot's dark brown eyes, the Knight saw that Merlin's blue eyes were filled with such an expression of love that it made him want to weep for joy.

"Lancelot," continued Merlin in a quiet undertone, "I want this too. I've wanted it for a long time, but I was so afraid to speak. Thank you for being brave. I promise that tomorrow will not be an ending, rather it will be our beginning."

The two men stared at each other a few seconds more, and then Lancelot spoke. "Well, okay then. Good. Um … I suppose we should get some rest as there will be much to do tomorrow."

Lying back down, Lancelot tucked his left hand under his head and turned his face towards his love as he set his right hand down at his side. He closed his eyes, but his mind was so full of wonder that he was sure he would not be able to sleep. Then Lancelot felt a gentle touch on his hand and he felt Merlin's pinkie wind about his. Lancelot twined their fingers together and lifting their joined hands, he placed a gentle kiss on the inside of Merlin's wrist. He could feel his love's pulse thrumming beneath his lips and was overjoyed to hear Merlin's quiet gasp at the sensation.

Lancelot then lowered their hands to floor, but kept their fingers wrapped about each other's. The two lovers gazed at each other in the dim glow of the fire's ashes and soon drifted off to sleep, to dream of a new future bound together by their love.

The End (or possibly, A New Beginning)

A/N: So there it is: my very first chapter story. Thanks so much to everyone who helped me straighten out some plot points when I got stuck (Moonfox, ElizabethDawn, Eloeehez, Vaughntronic and Narlth were a huge help one evening in the chatroom). Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed and encouraged me and … and … and.

And finally, huge thanks to my superb, wonderful, excellent beta, sarajm, who even though she was being overrun with RL always managed to find the time to read, correct and make excellent comments on every chapter.