Caer Melot Nuadh (kʰayr mel-ot new-ah)

A Family

In the heat of the Battle of Camlann, which began on May 18, 530 AD, the land of Albion was engulfed in chaos. The battle raged for thirteen days, culminating in a dramatic and fitting end as Halley's Comet lit up the sky on May 30. The battlefield was a tumultuous scene, with bloodshed and valor marking the final stand of Arthur's forces. Among the chaos, Artorius, known to many as King Arthur, and his son Duran fought valiantly. However, as the battle drew to a close, both were gravely injured. Myrddin Emrys, the sage whose wisdom had guided Arthur through many trials, had foreseen this day. He knew the fate that awaited Arthur and had prepared a plan to save him. As Arthur fell, wounded and exhausted, Myrrdin intervened, using his magic to transport Arthur to the mystical isle of Avalon, a place of healing and sanctuary. Simultaneously, Sanddef, a loyal knight and protector of Duran, saw the young prince fall and, driven by duty and desperation, carried him towards Avalon. The island of Avalon, with its healing properties, was a beacon of hope. But as Sanddef reached the island with the injured Duran, Avalon began to transition. The mists enveloped them, and the island itself seemed to recede from the world of mortals. Unbeknownst to Sanddef, Myrrdin had orchestrated this transition to save both Arthur and Duran. The island of Avalon was not merely retreating into the mists but was becoming a permanent part of the mystical realm of Tir na nOg. As the mists cleared, the inhabitants found themselves in a new land, one where time stood still and the burdens of their past lives were lifted. Tir na nOg, the land of eternal youth and peace, welcomed them with open arms. The transition was both bewildering and awe-inspiring. Arthur awoke to find himself in a place of serenity and beauty, far removed from the battlefield. Duran, under the care of Sanddef and Emaré, a gifted healer they met upon their arrival, began his recovery. The realization of this new land dawned slowly. Myrrdin revealed to Artorius that this had been his plan all along—to save them from the cycle of strife and to grant them a new beginning. While the sage had orchestrated their arrival, the relationships that blossomed were beyond his foresight. In Tir na nOg, the bonds of love and companionship grew stronger. Artorius found solace and companionship in Patroclus, the Greco-Roman warrior who had also found refuge in this timeless land. Their home became a haven of peace and reflection, where the burdens of leadership and warfare were replaced by the simple joys of daily life. Meanwhile, the bond between Duran, Sanddef, and Emaré deepened. The throuple found a unique harmony in their relationship, one that was nurtured by the tranquility of their surroundings. They built a home on a smaller island near Avalon, creating a space that was both a sanctuary and a testament to their shared experiences and love. Their life in Tir na nOg was one of balance and fulfillment, free from the mortal taboos and constraints they once knew. As the family of Caer Melot Nuadh settled into their new lives, they embraced the ethos of Tir na nOg. Here, partners known as Cathbhráithre (pronounced: kʰath-brəith-reh) found in each other a reflection of their greatest strengths and a shield for their vulnerabilities. This profound union was celebrated and cherished, and it became the foundation of the relationships within the family. Myrddin, though not directly part of the family, remained a constant presence. His counsel and wisdom were invaluable, guiding the family through their new lives and helping them navigate the complexities of their new home. His foresight had brought them to this land, but it was their love and unity that truly defined their existence. In this new realm, the family of Caer Melot Nuadh found peace and purpose. They built their homes, not as kings or princes, but as common people living in harmony with the land and each other. The memories of their past lives were honored, but they no longer defined them. Instead, they embraced the eternal present, finding joy in the simple moments and strength in their bonds of love and companionship. As the years passed, the family thrived. Artorius and Patroclus' home became a place of wisdom and reflection, while the island home of Duran, Sanddef, and Emaré was filled with laughter and love. Myrrdin's presence continued to be a guiding light, his plans having set the stage for a future where peace and harmony reigned. In Tir na nOg, the family of Caer Melot Nuadh found not just a new land, but a new life, one where the promise of eternal youth and the absence of pain allowed them to truly live.