List ye now to my wonder-tale:

And this venture it telleth tidings of love, and anon of woe!

Joy and sorrow it bringeth with it.

- Parzival

Prologue

The castle stood grandly upon a hill. It stood surrounded by smaller house and settlements, and then small forest area further out. The castle itself backed up against the Sea upon a great cliff. A distant shore could occasionally be glimpsed on sunny days, and often adventurous youth would take trips to that land.

One spring morning, a woman watched out her window in the castle, watched out across the sea and down the cliff below. Her hair glowed a gentle golden brown and sat in two great braids. Her blue eyes recalled sea spray. As usual, she wore a black dress in memory of her mother who had passed away a month prior.

She still blamed herself for the death of Queen Blanchemel. As keeper of the Grail and Bleeding Lance, it remained in her power to heal all wounds. Yet the rules behind excess use of the Grail were clear. Only in dire circumstances could the Keeper use the cup, and never on someone dying of old age.

"Princess Blanchefleur," a small voice spoke from behind the door to her chambers. "I have breakfast for you my lady."

Fleur stood and smoothed down her dress. "Come on in, Lydia."

The door opened and a girl no older than fourteen came inside bearing a tray of food. She set it down upon a table for the princess. Her bright eyes seemed sad as she watched her mistress glide over to the table. She knew her mistress felt responsible for Queen Blanchemel's death.

"Thank you, Lydia. You may go now." Fleur smiled sadly at the girl. "I need to tend to the Grail and the Lance alone after breakfast."

"Of course, my lady." Lydia bowed. "If you need anything-"

"I'll be sure to send for you," Fleur smiled with a gentle nod.

As the girl left and she ate her breakfast, Fleur continued to gaze out the window on the other side of her room. It was overcast, grey, as often happened in South Western Britannia. She wondered whether her ancestors had preferred their lives in the once-beautiful Perilous Lands. After all, she was a descendent of the Fisher King, and had a right to his lands. She often thought of running away from Listinoise to the Castle of the Fisher King and claiming it as her own. There she wouldn't have to deal with her brothers or her father. She loved them of course, her father, King Pellinore, and her brothers, Princes Dornar and Aglovale. But they didn't understand her life as Keeper.

As she finished her food, she walked to the window once more. What she wouldn't give to be useful somewhere. Here, she tended to an old cup and a bleeding weapon. Two of the most dangerous items to ever be created, she devoted her time to caring and protecting them. For the Grail was more powerful even than the renowned Cup of Life, and the Bleeding Lance could kill anyone with a single wound.

Fleur sighed and left her chambers quietly, making her gentle way down to where the Grail stayed. Her day soon began in earnest.

Chapter One

A gentle rain fell about the castle in Camelot one fine spring morning, giving life to the flowers and animals. The sky was overcast, but occasional rays of sunshine peeked in through the cloud cover as each small rain cloud moved past. On this particular morning, preparations for a special feast meant busy, bustling servants running to and fro. Baskets of decorations, vases filled with flowers, and food stacked upon trays went around the citadel carried by trusty men and women, girls and boys. Despite the hustle and bustle, there remained a certain peace in the madness. The craziness had become familiar for everyone involved.

"Geralt!"

The hallway immediately froze in their precarious dance. That name brought terror into the hearts of the servants. For that name belonged to Sir Gwaine's oldest son. The servants who had been in Camelot and working in the Citadel since the days when Uther first banished Gwaine liked to joke that it was really just the man in miniature. For Sir Gwaine had somewhat matured since helping Lorie raise three children. Geralt though... he was a menace.

Luckily for the servants that morning, a woman well versed in finding rascally children, especially ones sired by Sir Gwaine, happened to hear the shout from her chambers. The current Court Physician rose from her chair with a dramatic eye roll, opened the door, and cut Sir Gwaine off in the hallway.

"Gwaine," she began, an eyebrow lifted in question, "did you lose your child. Again?"

Gwaine glared at her. "Fira are you sure Geralt can't turn himself invisible?"

At that the sorceress laughed. "Sir Gwaine even with his blood being half faerie, there is no way Geralt has that kind of ability. Merlin and I couldn't even do that and we are made of magic." She shook her head with a smile when he began to protest yet again. "Let's go find your kid."

"Listen, it isn't my fault Geralt gets into trouble," Gwaine insisted as they hurried down the hall. "His sister is perfectly well behaved."

"Clarissa is a testament to your parenting ability," Fira assured him. She looked down the two hallways they needed to choose from. "Have you checked the kitchens?"

"Not yet, I was on my way there."

Fira nodded. The most likely location of six year old Geralt was always the kitchens. Oddly enough, the only thing that kept the child's attention like food seemed to be Sir Leon. Geralt followed the first knight of Camelot like a duckling, much to all knights' amusement.

"Lady Fira," bowed a young woman as they approached the kitchens. "I was about to bring you breakfast!"

"Don't worry, Miri. I'm just here to help Sir Gwaine find Geralt." Fira smiled. "You can put the food down in my chambers. I'll be right back to it."

Miri bowed quickly and took the tray of food to the physician chambers. Fira and Gwaine continued into the kitchen. What they found caused both to laugh.

"Geralt what are you doing?" Fira, not the parent, found the entire affair hilarious.

The six year old boy stood on a step stool and, with a servant's help, was putting food together. He looked up at the two nobles' intrusion and waved.

"I'm helping Frederick make Lord Merlin's breakfast!" The young noble looked immensely pleased.

Gwaine folded his arms across his chest. "Geralt, you can't just run off in the morning."

"Why not?" Geralt glared at his father. "I'm helping the servants! And today is a holiday!"

"Geralt, your lessons begin soon, despite it being a holiday. I'm sure Prince Jon and Princess Juliana have already begun theirs." Fira bent down and beckoned for him to come over. "How about you take Merlin his breakfast and then meet me in my chambers with Clarissa?" She looked over at the servant. "Is that alright Frederick?"

"Of course, my Lady, my Lord." He bowed quickly and handed Geralt a small pitcher of water. "Think you can carry that sir?"

Geralt nodded, lifting it up and holding it tight against his chest. He looked indignantly at Frederick "Of course. I'm the son of Sir Gwaine!"

Gwaine beamed happily. He turned to Fira as the servant and boy passed. She was watching Geralt with a soft smile.

"How long until you and Galahad tie the knot?" Gwaine asked conspiratorially as they walked together back towards Fira's chambers.

Fira chuckled. "That, good sir, is a secret."

"Come on," Gwaine egged her on. "It's been months since the engagement."

She turned around at the outside of her chambers and smirked. "My lips are sealed." She ducked inside but moments later reopened the door. "Don't forget to bring Clarissa and Geralt back here for their lessons. I meant that part of what I said!"

"Yes my lady." Gwaine shot her a smirk and a mock bow before going to find Geralt's twin sister Clarissa.

Half an hour later, after a nice breakfast, Fira heard a small knock on the door to the chambers she occupied. She called for them to enter. In waltzed brown haired Geralt and blonde haired Clarissa. The two children were accompanied by the ever stunning Lady Lorie. She smiled broadly at Fira and instructed her children to grab their stuff from the side room. As they obeyed, the faerie woman approached Fira and spoke quietly.

"I told Gwaine that I'd be staying for today's lessons." She smirked at the warlock. "Of course, we'll need to end early to get you ready."

"Hush, Lorie," Fira laughed. "The kids don't know, and if Geralt finds out he'll tell the knights!"

"It's your wedding day. How can you not be bouncing off the walls?" Lorie gave a light laugh.

Fira chuckled and shook her head. "You think I'm not?"

Clarissa and Geralt reappeared in the room, each holding two small stones, an unlit candle, and a cup of water. Lorie sat down to watch them. She of course, being a Faerie, knew well the ways of magic and sorcery. But she liked separating herself as mother, not teacher. Fira had quickly offered to teach the twins, insisting that Merlin had enough on his hands as Court Sorcerer and First Advisor.

"Alright. Let's begin." Fira had them sit on the ground in a wide triangle after retrieving her own supplies.

She ran through several exercises with the twins. Clarissa had inherited more magic talent than her brother, but Geralt was far from inept. Both knew how to light the candle and levitate the stones. Fira now focused on teaching them how to manipulate the water into shapes and designs. They studied like this for a couple hours before a knock interrupted their discussions.

"Come in!" Fira cheerfully called.

Guinevere appeared, holding a squirming Juliana in her arms. "Hello!"

"Queen Guinevere!" Clarissa quickly bowed with a smile on her face. She ran over to the woman. Geralt waved and joined his sister.

"Clari!" Juliana squealed in delight, seeing her older cousin. "Come play!"

Gwen laughed and nodded, turning to Lorie. "Can I take them? Jon wants to play outside and I figured the girls could have a late lunch picnic."

"We'd appreciate it," Lorie agreed, a conspiratorial expression on her face which Gwen returned. The woman turned to her children. "You two be good!"

"Always," Clarissa promised. "Geralt will too."

The boy rolled his eyes. "I promise."

As the children left with Gwen, Lorie turned to Fira. She grinned widely. "Let me see the dress!"

Fira chuckled and together the two women went to the backroom. What had once been Merlin's now was Fira's. She missed his company. She felt guilty for not telling anyone but the King and Queen and Lady Lorie about the marriage ceremony tonight, including Merlin, but the idea of surprising her friends pleased her too much to change it.

Lorie and Fira looked at everything they had prepared for the ceremony tonight. Lorie loved the dress, crafted of pale blue silk and white lace. The faerie woman sat Fira down a few hours later and, using her magic, did the bride's dark hair with sparkles and jewels and gentle curls.

After doing her hair, Lorie tied the woman's corset tight and helped her into the dress. It neared time for the feast. Fira trembled, scared out of her mind but joyful beyond belief.

"I've got to get going!" Lorie smiled fondly at the younger woman. "Gwaine is expecting me I'm sure."

Fira nodded. "Thank you, Lorie."

"Hang in there," Lorie urged her. "It's not long now."

The woman ducked out the door and hurried down the hallways and corridors until she came to her quarters. She smiled when she got inside and found Clarissa and Geralt dressed to the nines.

"I'm impressed, Gwaine," she chuckled. "You got them ready!"

"Gingalain's sleeping," Gwaine told her quietly. "I've sent for Eric to be here during the feast."

She nodded. "The boy's good with him."

"Now, you better get yourself ready." Gwaine laughed lightly as Lorie nodded quickly. "I mean, I like you the way you are but everyone else?"

"Hey!" Lorie batted him on the arm.

Within the hour, Lorie and Gwaine and their two older children made their way quickly to the throne room for the feast. Clarissa didn't enjoy feasts very much; she found them too loud. But Geralt loved the attention. He got to sit with Jonathan and Juliana, but more often than not, he would sneak over to sit with his dad and the Knights of the Round Table.

Gwaine and Lorie took their seats quickly by Leon and Percival and Elyan. Galahad stood talking with the King at the side, but soon the feast began. Arthur stood, raising his glass in salute.

"Friends," Arthur smiled. "Seven years ago today marks the day magic became free in Camelot once more."

Gwaine glanced around to try to locate Fira. He expected her to be standing by Merlin, but she was not. Confusion was evident all over his face.

"The struggles we have gone through since that day should not be minimized," Arthur continued, "but it has all been worth it. Now more than ever, magic is accepted in this great kingdom. And tonight, we celebrate something else which is living proof of the importance of that law."

Galahad got up from his seat beside Percival and smirked at the knights' confusion. He made his careful way to where Arthur stood, now in the center of the tables. He waited beside the King.

The room fell so quiet, a pin would've sounded had it hit the ground. All of a sudden the doors swung open and Fira stepped in holding a bouquet of Calla lilies and roses. Galahad smiled wide, tears in his eyes.

The knights sat, shocked. Gwaine turned to Lorie open mouthed and accusations written all over his face. She merely laughed and nudged him.

"Today we celebrate a marriage that reflects the changing values of this kingdom of Camelot. Fira, Dame of Camelot and Sorceress and Galahad, a knight of this realm who has stood by me through darkest hours, are to join in matrimony." Arthur nodded for Fira to come forward.

Slowly she walked, eyes remaining fixed on Galahad as tears sprang unbidden to them. At one point she glanced over at the other knights and found them all beaming. She nearly laughed. Returning her gaze to her husband to be, she continued until standing across from him.

Arthur began the ceremony. "This noble knight and fair dame have pledged to be married this day, and we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore if any one can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm; let them now speak."

Fira glanced around and waited on bated breath. She still had plenty of enemies in the court, women especially who detested her for her magic. Would any of them speak?

No one spoke up.

Arthur continued to recite the proceedings. "Sir Galahad, do you pledge unto yourself before God and these witnesses to be her protector, defender and sure resort, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, with all thy worldly powers, to cherish and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

Galahad looked at Fira and nodded. "I do."

Arthur read Fira the same promises. She smiled at Galahad, a tear falling down her cheek. As the final question was posed, she nodded.

"I do."

Arthur smiled and handed them each a ring. "As they give and receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the covenant made between them."

Galahad and Fira exchanged rings carefully. They were crafted of silver, engraved with the words "magic and love" in the old language. They sparkled in the lights of the feasting hall.

Arthur smiled. "By the Power Vested in me by my station of Kingship, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

They kissed and a great clapping roared up in the hall. As they broke apart, Fira meet Merlin's gaze. He nodded with a grin and a short laugh. That was all the comfort from her oldest friend that she needed. Galahad took her hand in his and they moved to sit down at the knights table. As they took their seats, servants brought in platters of food and laid them out on all the tables.

"You sneaky bastard," Gwaine laughed at Galahad as he sat down on his right.

"It wasn't my idea to keep it a secret," Galahad protested, laughter on his lips. "That would be my wife."

Fira laughed long at their faces where she sat. "And I couldn't have done it without Gwen and Lorie."

Gwaine and the other knights looked at Lorie, absolutely hurt. "What?"

"Who do you think got her into that dress?" Lorie laughed. "Of course I knew."

Leon rolled his eyes at Gwaine before turning to Fira and Galahad. "My sincerest congratulations."

"Thanks, Leon," Fira smiled with a nod.

Elyan spoke up too. "Guess I'll have a new neighbor now."

Fira wasn't sure about that. As Court Physician, she found herself expected to live in those specific chambers. She didn't know the rules of leaving them.

"Hopefully," Galahad answered for her. "There are a few things that need to be figured out first."