The bells tolled merrily as people streamed into the great hall. The people were decked out in their finest attire, whatever that meant for each person. The great hall itself was decorated with flowers of every color and candles floating in the air. The banners with the Pendragon crest had been replaced with those bearing the emblem of Avalon. Up on the balcony, a small orchestra played ethereal music accompanied by a small choir. Before long the hall was filled with Avalonians of all kinds. Not only humans, but many elementals and beings of the old religion had sent representatives. Many had waited for this day as long as Merlin had and it gladdened their hearts to see their friend so full of joy. For those who were not able to fit into the hall, Merlin had worked with a few others to set up a live projection of the proceedings on the wall of the building. Crowds gathered here as well with flags and banners and food. For many of them that had gotten to know their Duke over the years, this was even better than the king's return.

Inside, a hush fell over the excited crowd as King Arthur walked up the aisle to the raised dais. He stood surveying the crowd as they looked upon his regal from. Most had already seen him in his regal dress, but now he had his sword as well as a new crown Merlin had fashioned for him. The knights all agreed it looked far better than the previous one. And though Arthur would not admit it, he thought it looked nicer too. The knights then filed in, wearing their chain mail and cloaks, and stood in the first row. Although they tried to keep a solemn demeanor, not even Percival could keep a grin off his face as the doors in the back opened and Merlin strode up the aisle.

Looking resplendent in his official uniform, the knights felt a swell of pride for their friend. Many had thought that Merlin was out of place as a servant in Camelot. The times Gwaine had seen him don a cloak for the sake of a disguise, had somehow seemed a better fit for him. Now once again seeing his best friend with his blue cloak and silver circlet on his head, he knew that this was why. This was where he belonged. Arthur may have been king in Camelot, but this was a new time and a new place with a new leader. Looking around it was clear that these people loved Merlin the way that the people of Camelot had loved Arthur.

The warlock stood at the front of the room, confidence and joy lighting his features. But his smile grew impossibly larger as the wooden doors opened again to reveal Freya. Forgoing the more modern tradition of wearing a white dress, she glided down the aisle in a gown of resplendent blues and greens, with turquoise gems that caught the sunlight streaming in from the windows. She did, however, have a small veil attached to a tiara of gold. She reached the front of the room and inclined her head to Arthur before gazing back at Merlin.

"We are gathered here today to witness the union of two people who have been separated beyond belief and yet have never wavered in their love for the other," Arthur began. "Merlin has been my faithful servant, but more than that he has been my confidant, my advisor, and even sometimes my mentor. But more than that, he has been the best friend anyone could ever hope for. To know Merlin is to know kindness and selflessness. In all the time I have known him, he has never let himself love another. Now to see him with Lady Freya I understand why. Here is another who can match his selflessness, his compassion, and his love. In the brief time I have known her, she has instantly found a place in my heart also. She cares for people of any standing and her ever present smile is a constant source of joy." Here she momentarily tore her eyes from Merlin to grace the King with a smile of gratitude at his kind words.

"Do you, Merlin Emrys, Lord of Avalon, Steward of the High Throne, Duke of Elador, High Priest of the Old Religion, and Last of the great Dragonlords, take this woman to be your wife, in this world and all the others?"

"I do."

"And do you, Lady Freya, Daughter of the Druids, Lady of the Lake, and Keeper of Excalibur, take this man to be your husband, in this world and all the others?"

"I do."

"Then, by the power vested in my as the Once and Future King, I pronounce you husband and wife." Merlin gently took hold of Freya and tilted her face up to meet his in a soft kiss that seemed suspended in time.

The room erupted into loud cheers and, thanks to Mordred, a shower of glitter exploded from the air to cover all in attendance. When the couple finally broke apart, Merlin turned to Arthur and simply whispered, "Thank you."

"It was the least I could do, my friend." Fingers entwined, Merlin and Freya walked down the steps and towards the door. As they walked, they were showered in glitter and flowers thrown by the crowds. Arthur and the knights followed behind, regrettably getting showered in glitter as well. Though they could not feel any sort of anger at this moment. Outside there were more people cheering, but they were too far away to throw flowers. For waiting at the foot of the steps was Aithusa. As the newlyweds approached, she bowed to both of them. Merlin inclined his head in response before lifting Freya onto her back and climbing up behind her. Aithusa stood and Merlin wrapped one arm around her waist to keep her steady.

"My lord?" He called to Arthur. "I'd like to request a few days off." He laughed.

"I don't suppose I have a choice, do I?"

"Not really."

"You were never really just a servant Merlin. We both know who's really in charge. You answer to no one." And partially mockingly, but also with great respect, Arthur bowed to Merlin. The rest of the knights followed suit, and the people with them. Merlin just grinned and patted Aithusa's back. With a triumphant roar for her master and friend, she took off into the sky, circling over the crowd before they took off over the sea.

A/N: It is my great pleasure to mark this four part story as complete. I had originally believed this story to be a short one, only the first chapter of the first installment. But it is thanks to your insistence that I write more that it has come to this. This story has given me great joy to write and I hope you have found it a pleasure to read. If you liked my writing I would encourage you to check out my new Merlin fanfiction or any of my other works. But truly just the fact that you took time out of your day to read this has been an honor alone. Thank you once again and may the magic always live on in you.