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On arrival back in the UK the couple and their protection officers were picked up by the ones that had gone ahead. The Yacht had been back two days. Arthur and Merlin collected a few things from the yacht to take back with them. Their cameras and films etc. Arthur also took back the picture of Merlin as he liked to hang it at the estate when he was there. He also picked up his drawing books intending to do some when back on the estate. Merlin collected his work and laptop as well. The Joulette and the scooter where already in the vans for return. Percy and Gwaine were pleased to be reunited with their wives.

Once the men got back home, they threw themselves into their work. The dead of Sally had hit both of them hard. They made sure to keep busy. The had already planned to go to Equator. Columbia and the Galapagos in twelve months. And they had several trips planned in the motor motorhome. They also kept in close contact with Grettir and his family.

Before any of that they had a meeting with Lance and his team. Arthur summed up the plans for that year.

“We are going to build a further 350 homes this year, on 10 sites. Also I want to develop the small hubs in 8 more UK dependences taking it up to 14 if you count the Shetlands, helping them with renewable energy sources, 3 are purely conservation projects. And several more are a mix. The foundation is also becoming a major donor to the world disaster response. After talking to you we are training 6 teams to include Medics, rescue and restructure. I have got both Alitor and Grettir’s foundations involved as well. Although it might be a hold with Grettir’s. Wait for their people too contact you.  In a smaller note I have funded the British Hedgehog Society in Merlin’s name, in honour of our anniversary.” 

The meeting lasts two days as details of everything were finalised so the office could start to sort out the details.

The couple went on a short break to the Somerset level and Slimbridge before settling in to get more work done. The Dragonlord was out with the film crew once more to one of their conservation projects so the men heard back from them with updates.

Merlin had a surprising letter one day and was absolutely stunned. He went to show Arthur immediately suspecting a hoax’

“Arthur, look at this and tell me it’s a hoax please” he shoved the letter into his husband’s hand. Arthur read the letter and looked at the envelope.

“No, its right, no hoax, you deserve it” the blonde beamed “You deserve to be recognised.”

“But…” the raven-haired man stuttered.

“Merlin it’s an OBE not a death sentence. You deserve it. If you look you were nominated by the hospital and the King himself. You can’t get better than that”

“But its for work you have done as well!”  Merlin complained.

“No, we paid for it and I already have the highest honour and you never complained about me getting that. If you read the citation its for ALL the work you have done for the hospital. Also, your work with Smile and also the other teaching you do for the islands. You do a lot of work and deserve it. Far more than some of the people who get it.” Arthur bent and kissed his husband “Now don’t you dare refuse it! But you have to keep it secret until the Kings official birthday”

Merlin looked stunned still so Arthur picked up the phone rang the number and spoke to the office

“Merlin Emrys Pendragon accepts his nomination for the OBE, He will attend with his husband. He is a wheelchair user for you interest. He thanks the King and the hospital sincerely for this honour but I think you have broken him!” Arthur smiled at something they said back before quoting the reference number and them putting the phone down.

He hugged Merlin “You so deserve it my little falcon. Take it with grace and remember it will help get publicity for your charities.”

Later that day the King rang and spoke to both Merlin and Arthur. He said he wanted to make Merlin a ‘Sir’ But the committee felt that was overkill as you are already a duke. I hope you wouldn’t be upset. But you do truly deserve it for all you do for others less fortunate.” 

Merlin thanked him with Grace and Arthur told the King he had broken Merlin. The king then said “Tell him sorry but he has to accept the honour from me personally”

Once Merlin had chance to process what had happened, he was pleased but still not accepting he deserved it. Then he had to decide who he would take with him. He wanted 4 but could only take three. Arthur of course but did he take Hunith and Freya or Hunith and Balinor. He had several months to decide.

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They got back to work but then the biggest shock of their lives happened. Arthur had a phone call one evening to tell him that there was a fire at Sunseeker and the Ygraine had been destroyed beyond repair. It was believed the yacht in the same store was having work done and a heat device had been left on and by the time the fire was spotted it was too late. Even the sprinkler system in the shed and on the yachts hadn’t been able to cope. To make it worse the fire was all over the news channels. Arthur was devastated Ygraine had been his baby, his dream for so many years. The good thing was no one was injured in the fire.

Sunseeker said it was all insured and they would be able to start on a new boat once the insurance was paid out. Arthur was unsure in that moment if he wanted to replace her. The following days was spent talking to insurers, investigators and both the management company and the crew. Arthur told all the crew they would continue to be paid as they were on leave anyway and not to look for new work yet until he had made a discission.

Arthur and Merlin talked long and hard. They had loved their travels but had seen most of what they had wanted to see. Having said that the still had a long list. But would it be the same on a different yacht? Yes, they could have something similar built but it wouldn’t be the Ygraine. It would also take anything up to five years.

During this time both Alitor and Grettir contacted them, offering sympathy’s and also the loan of a yacht if needed. Alitor also offered temporary or permanent jobs to any crew if they wished.

Arthur rang him “Thanks for the offer, the crew are still on paid leave at the moment. But once we have decided what to do, I will let you know. I am only thankful no one was hurt”

“Do they know what happened” Alitor asked

“Yes, it seemed the crew of the yacht stored next to mine was doing some maintenance and a machine was left on in error in lower tank areas. It overheated, the fire dampener system had been switched off due to the work and not reset at night. The explosion from the fuel tanks caused the damage. It was pure incompetence on several people part. But what’s done is done.”

Alitor was incensed for his friend “Besides your yacht did you lose anything irreplaceable?”

“Luckly no, we had taken my books, Merlin’s work and even the painting I did of him, we moved all the collections from our travels to the estate during the refit. Yes, there was some artwork and a few other bits like the huge fossils but its sad but not devastating.” Arthur told him.

“The painting of your mother?”

“It was a copy; I have the original here thank God. I was worried the salt in the air might damage it” Arthur admitted “I am sure we will think of something but no lives were lost.”

After talking some more Arthur left it at that. He had been offered a yacht if they wanted to do the planned trip, the Galapagos had already been booked so he would have to make a discission soon.

Tristan came to talk to Arthur some of the crew, who were not away, were going in to see if anything could be salvaged but it was doubtful. “The crew all are gutted, we have no intention of going anywhere until we know what you want to do” he paused “Nimueh has heard and sends her condolences. She said they will be back in a month and Sunseeker have offered a different storage shed so don’t concern yourself about them”

Arthur frowned “Tell her I will keep the Dragonlord whatever else happens. The film crew use her and I can always charter her. She isn’t suitable for Merlin unfortunately”

“You could have her refitted” Tristan suggested but seeing Arthur face didn’t think that was likely.

 “Once the crew are all about, we will arrange a meeting and decided what to do. I will tell you now as it stands, I don’t think I will rebuild. I do have offers of loans of Yachts with or without crew. So everything is very much up in the air. I would like to do the next trip at least as it is all planned.”

“Even without the loans the insurance should pay for a charter.” Tristan told him

“I wouldn’t go with a different crew” Arthur was firm about that.

Both men felt it was the end of an era. They also felt that with global warming getting worse maybe the time had come to not sail the world. But instead concentrate on their charities. But it was a hard decision to make. Within a few days they had a report, nothing whatsoever was salvageable from the Yacht. Or even the shed. That would at least be rebuilt. Arthur was working on the charities helping to forward his plans for the year. The arm of the foundation that Morgana was overseeing for the youngsters rejected because they were gay was also doing well. The foundation as a whole was efficient and meeting its targets.

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The date for the investiture was fast approaching and Merlin had to decide who he was taking. He decided to speak to Freya. Shy as she was, she might not want to go anyway. Swearing her to secrecy he told her about the award.

“I can take three people, clearly Arthur will go but I want Mum and Dad and you to go” he told her.

“No way!” Freya told him “Me at the palace with all those people. Take your parents and I will do a party for when you get back” she looked at Merlin “That’s the first time I have heard you call Balinor Dad.”

Merlin was shocked “I guess it is” he admitted

“Bury the hatchet Merlin, it’s been years. Accept him, it will please Mum as well” Freya told him “They would love to go with you.”

Merlin rang his mother later in the day. Balinor answered “Hello son what can we do for you, Mum is down the shops”

“Hello Dad, actually I can tell you but its secret for now, I have been awarded an OBE and want you and mum to come to the palace with me” He went on to give the date.

“Congratulations son. You deserve it. Of course, we will come with you” Balinor has hesitated when Merlin called hi Dad but didn’t mention it. “Mum will be chuffed, when can she tell people?”

“Not until I tell you sorry” Merlin told him. “Arthur says I have to be careful”

Hunith rang her son when she got him and was so proud of him.

Meanwhile Arthur and Merlin refused to go down to Poole to see the wreckage. It wasn’t something they thought would he helpful at all. Arthur did receive all the insurance reports but tried not to dwell on the photos. It was such a sad end to a great Yacht. 

Two months later Arthur and Merlin had a meeting with the full crew. They came to Camelot.

Arthur stood up in front of them.

“I want to start by saying a thank you from Merlin and Myself for the wonderful service you have given us, we consider you all lifelong friends. We have decided not to get another yacht. We had 22 good years on her and visited most of the places we wished to go it, at least once. We will take at least one more trip on the Avalon with you as crew if you want to. Grettir had loaned me the yacht while his crew are on down time. We will go to the planned trip. If you wish to come, please let Tristan know asap. Afterwards we have secured you new jobs if you want them. If, however, you still wish to work for us I offer you all jobs on the Dragonlord, estate or charity.”

Arthur smiled at Freya “Freya has agreed to work for us in the kitchens here as Audrey is retiring and Kara wishes to spend more time with her son and she now has another on the way. But on one condition that she works with her present head chef so I have offered that post to Isolde and also to Eria they have both said yes. As we will be home there will be more than enough work!” he smiled.

 “Clearly Tristan needs a job and I have offered him one as HR manager for the house and charity staff and he has accepted. Mithian has a job as house manager, in fact I have jobs for you all if you want them. I have given a list to Tristan so please speak to him. Some will be similar to what you do now but land based but of you fancy a change that can be managed. The charity work we do is being increased significantly in the next year.” Pausing to let the murmuring go down “Anyone who wished to stay in the yachting business I have been asked to offer you jobs with either Alitor or Grettir.  Or you will have excellent references for a job of your choosing as well as a generous severance package. You may also stay in your flats rent free for the foreseeable future if you wish. Now lets have lunch and then we can talk some more”

Tristan walked up to Arthur “You have been a great boss and we have all enjoyed our time with you and wish it could have continued for longer. Both Isolde and myself don’t wish to move to another owner, we aren’t getting any younger and probably wouldn’t have stayed in yachting with anyone else, having been totally spoilt. I suspect most if not all of the crew agree with me”

Arthur had a tear in his eye. Merlin spoke for the first time. “You are all friends, and always will be. If you don’t want jobs now, they are open ended.”

Over lunch everyone discussed their options. Most deciding to look at the jobs on offer. By the end of the day Josh was head of housekeeping and also would act as a waiter for events, he was joined by Bridget and Gilli. Tyr and Morris were taken on as maintenance for the house. To Arthurs surprise George asked if he could work as a relief Captain for the Dragonlord, to keep up his ticket, but when not needed for that in any capacity where he could be useful.

“I worked on yachts before you and was always treated differently by the owners or charter guests as I was not in the mould of what they expected. You have always treated me as a person on my own right as has Captain Tristan and Captain Black.” He told the Pendragons. “It has been a pleasure to work for you both.”  

Arthur was touched “I am sure we could fine something, I also know Mr Alitor expressed an interest is you as a relief captain, I will speak to him and see what we can come up with, if you are interested. It seems a shame for you not to use your skills. Maybe between us both we can sort out something. But if you prefer just working for me that’s also acceptable, Give it a thought.”

Elyan and Ewan both accepted posts as engineers within the development branch of the charity. It would also mean travelling to the small islands to help maintain the solar systems etc.

Elena was going to work as the Occupational health and first aider for the charity and estate. With the charity offices all now based on the estate it suited her.

In the end only Benga and Jo decided to look into the other opportunities for Grettir and Alitor. The relief crew all decided on the jobs that Sunseeker had offered them. Wanting to stay in Poole

As previously decided after a long talk with Captain Black Arthur decided to keep the Dragonlord for the film crew and also charters to the poles. He knew his niece would make good use of her, and so could the rest of the family if they wished.

The time for the presentation of Merlin’s OBE came around and Arthur and Merlin together with Merlin’s parents went to Windsor castle. Merlin was overwhelmed with it but proud. Arthur was prouder than when he had received his own award. As for Balinor and Hunith they couldn’t have been prouder. Balinor finally happy now his son was calling him Dad, something he thought he would never hear.  They got back to Camelot for a fantastic buffet that Freya and Isolde had got ready and all their friends including the previous crew attended.  Gaius and Freya made sure to look at the medal and get a photo with Merlin wearing it.

The men continued to work hard before they set off on the cruise in the Avalon, It was bitter sweet. Hunith and Balinor sailed with them and Morgana, Leon, Leons, Gwen, Lance and their two children met up at the Galapagos and enjoyed the holiday. The old crew all sailed with them. But it was so different and made the men certain they had made the right decision. 

When they got back Arthur found they had been paid for the insurance for his beloved yacht. He was so upset. Merlin found him about to take a hammer to the scale model of the Ygraine. But managed to stop him.

“You will regret it. We have so many happy memories of her let her stay in one piece. If you want, we will put her away until you can face it”

Arthur kept her out in the room containing all the treasures and mementos they had collected on their travels. The Dragonlord model with her.

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They used some of the money to get another RV but kept the old one as well so the protection officers had somewhere comfortable. Also the staff were allowed to use both, providing Arthur and Merlin’s mattress was changed of course. They had many happy times bird watching around the UK. They even took them to Ireland by ferry. Alitor and Grettir visited at least once a year and often tried to get the men to go on trips with them on their yachts but the offer was never taken up, it was just not the same.

Leona married Alitor’s grandson linking the two families and giving Leon someone to hand over to when the time came. Tom Gwen and Lances son followed his uncle and became a leading light in the green energy drive.  Rosie took over the foundation once her father retired. Philip, Mordred and Karas son in time took over from his father.

The ending to the story was sad but somehow fitting. Merlin had been unwell for a time and they knew it wouldn’t be long before he passed. He was 67 years old and had had a wonderful life. Leona and her husband had moved into the newer part of the house. And one morning when the doctor came to check on Merlin, she took him up to the men’s bedroom. Where the doctor found both men dead in bed. Merlin had died during the night; Arthur had died later. His body still warm when they found them. Arthur cuddling his dead husband. The autopsy showed no reason for Arthur’s death. His sister and niece felt he had died of a broken heart not willing to live without the love of his life. Merlin’s parents had both passed the year before.

The wills were read. They had both written two depending on who died first. Merlin’s left everything to Arthur with a few bequests to his friends. And asking Arthur to care for everyone. He had written a letter to Arthur which wasn’t opened but buried with them. He also asked that the book he had written about Arthur be printed and added to the family records, Arthur had left bequests for everyone. As expected, he had left the business and estate to Leona, now the Duchess of Somerset.

Merlin and Arthur died within a week of each other buried near lakes and woodland they created.

Books bound and kept Leona arranged for story to be told of her uncle’s love, All the staff had enough for a house and more in some cases. Half his fortune went to the foundation in Ygraine’s name asking that Merlin’s name be added. He had also asked the book he had written about Merlin be printed and put in the family records.  Neither wanted the others story to be forgotten. They were buried in the same grave cuddled together to rest together for all time, The grave was overlooking the lake and nature reserve they had created. Next to the graves of Hunith, Balinor and Gaius ashes was also there. Arthur left a letter with Leons where he asked if they wanted to all their friends could be buried near them.

Their tombstone carried their names the dates and ‘Soulmates who could not be parted’

Leon had a bronze statue made of them from a photo taken on their wedding day so Merlin was stood proud next to his husband without the wheelchair he so hated, and copies made of the painting Arthur had commissioned for the family gallery. One was placed in the foundation offices the others sent to the islands they supported. Making sure they would never be forgotten. Uther’s portrait remained turned to the wall. Forever remembered for what he had done to his son.

Some twenty years later Leons used her contacts to have a film made of the men’s lives. It was a box office success and raised millions for the foundation. She remained proud for her family and told their story at every opportunity.