Chapter Text
Autumn had come to Highclere.
Gold and brown leaves carpeted the road. Oak and alder trees swayed in the wind, their branches bearing more autumnal colours every day.
Ritsuka brought his bicorn to a halt. The beast snorted and pawed the ground, annoyed at having to bear a rider, but it otherwise obeyed. Another set of hoofs stopped next to his, this set far less reluctant about its rider, and a low whinny rumbled from its throat.
“What's wrong, father? Something on your mind, or are you just getting old again?”
The former Chaldean flashed a weary smile at his daughter. Baobhan Sith grinned back at him just as another gust rustled the hem of her dress. Ritsuka took a long, deep breath, savouring the feel of it all.
“It's not either, sadly. I'm just feeling nostalgic for somewhere I haven't been in a long, long time.” Ritsuka nudged his mount into a canter and Baobhan followed. “Even if I was only here a few years, it feels nice to be back. Or maybe I am just getting old and senile.”
Baobhan threw her head back and laughed. “How old even are you, anyway? You kept throwing those parties to keep track, but we haven't had one in ages. I bet you wrote it down in one of those diaries you like to keep, so come on, spill it.”
“Honestly?” Ritsuka shrugged. “I lost track a long time ago. Or maybe recently. Didn't your mother tell you about it?”
“Probably,” Baobhan replied. “But so what? It doesn't really matter for what you and mother are planning. I just don't want to miss a chance to poke fun at you.”
Ritsuka tilted his head to concede the point. Even after all the time they'd spent together, Baobhan was still merciless when she got the chance to poke fun at him. He still couldn't tell if it was because of who she was, or if this was just something every parent had to deal with no matter how old their children grew.
The conversation lulled and they rode on. As they drew nearer to the crest of the hill, Ritsuka found himself scanning the landscape more and more.
Ever since they'd returned from Avalon, he'd been unsure what to expect. Parts of Britain looked like the Reverse Side had already started to re-emerge, over-writing the ruins and remnants of humanity with Phantasmal Species and mystics. In other places the process was slower, the land still marked with ruined towns and broken monuments.
Morgan and he had certainly planned for that. Though if he was being honest, Morgan had done most of the planning. He'd mainly been there to provide support and offer a second opinion if she wanted it. Not that he'd expected anything else, or even minded.
Protecting Britain had always been Morgan's dream. He was simply happy to stay by her side and make sure things ended right this time. And not how Fairy Britain had ended.
After what seemed like forever, they finally reached the top of the hill. More golden landscapes stretched on, and Ritsuka smiled. For now, at least, he could only hope.
Morgan leaned against a nearby tree and watched the day roll past. Sunlight glinted off the lake, sprites flitting across its surface, and she couldn't help but smile.
“Morgan!” Came a familiar voice from nearby. “Your Majesty! Where are you? It's not fair, disappearing on me like that!”
Grass rustled as Morgan slid down the rough bark and landed with a soft thud. She swept her hands down her skirt to clean the stray blades of grass and dirt away, and relaxed. She didn't need to respond. The voice's owner would find her soon enough.
Around her, Britain carried on. Tranquil, serene, a perfect day in the middle of autumn. Even after spending years in paradise, it still didn't compare to this moment. Nothing in her whole life seemed to compare.
Except for memories of her husband, of course. Nothing even began to compare to those.
Morgan let her eyes drift shut as she sat there. Behind her, something rustled in the bushes. From the corner of a slightly-opened eye, Morgan caught the familiar pink-eared cap and eager face of her friend poke through the foliage.
“There you are,” Habetrot sighed. “I've been looking for you all morning, Your Majesty. Can you please not vanish like that again? I was worried for you!”
“Forgive me, my dearest friend.” Morgan gave a slight smile and patted the patch of grass next to her. Her comrade frowned and shook her head, immediately caving and settling down next to her. “I couldn't help myself. Today simply felt like a day for wandering.”
“Could you at least do it somewhere you've told me about first?” Habetrot replied, trying and failing to sound annoyed. “I've only got small legs you know. And my spinning-fish can't go through woods that well, so I had to come and find you on foot.”
A few more grumbles followed, but nothing serious. Morgan knew her friend too well to think she was actually angry at her. More likely, Habetrot was simply put out by not being able to accompany her at every waking moment.
Despite her title of 'guardian of brides', her dearest friend seemed equally fussy over married women. Ever since she'd heard of Morgan becoming pregnant, she'd hung around her like a hawk, constantly on the lookout for anything and everything that might be the slightest bit out of place. But for all that it was tiring at times, Morgan knew that Habetrot was merely trying her best to help.
“So, so, did Ritsuka send you anything today? Has he found anything yet?”
“Nothing substantial, Habetrot. Merely the odd Phantasmal species here and there. A few odd sprites and pixies that seem to have come alone or in small groups.” Morgan blinked and looked over the lake again. “I find myself uncertain if I'm glad of what he says, or if I'm disappointed. Or if I'm worried how much it might change when he sends his next letter.”
Beside her, something rustled. Morgan turned and found Habetrot had already fallen asleep.
The fairy queen smiled. For now, all she could do was be patient. And hope.