AN: Hello! Sorry for not updating or posting sooner. Life has been hectic.
I had been planning to write this for almost a year now, so I hope you guys enjoy it. There was Song Lyrics in here, but I had to remove them. So listen to the song is Truth Beneath the Rose by Within Temptation to understand the broken up Merlin portions.

`~;~`

Merlin gives up on Arthur after the execution of a young girl for using magic to keep a man from taking advantage of her.

Merlin had always stood at Arthur's side, but this was the last straw.

Destiny had kept him here too long, Arthur was not the salvation of magic. Merlin could no longer defend him.

Merlin had killed his own kind for Arthur, only to be hated by everyone.

Heaven, destiney, Kilgharrah, they all caused him nothing but pain.

They had convinced him to stay and protect Arthur and Camelot, but at what cost?

Merlin knew he had done some unforgivable things, but Merlin still wished for mercy.

Merlin could no longer tell the difference between the world of magic from that without and strength was in short supply.

Merlin felt nothing as he confronted Arthur and revealed everything.

Merlin felt only relief as Arthur plunged Excalibur into his chest. The prince's eyes showed pity and sadness. Arthur forgave him and ended his pain. The truth set his heavy soul free.

`~;~`

Arthur buried his friend in the forest. Everyone came with him. Gaius was heartbroken, but happy that Merlin was finally free. Gwen cried in her brother's arms. Percival was barely keeping himself together while he held a distraught Gwaine. Leon stood in the back with tears

pouring down his face.

Arthur visited Merlin's grave often. He would sit there and tell Merlin the things George had done that was driving him mad. He would discuss what the council had tried to pull this time.

Sometimes he just cried.

Arthur had lifted the ban on the anniversary of Merlin's death. The kingdom was at peace and Albion united, but Arthur mourned. For it had taken time, but the truth lay beneath the rose on the grave. All magic had died with Merlin, but now it was back. Emrys was returning.

`~;~`

AN: This is the end of this one-shot. There is no continuation or second part. Just so you guys know. But there will be other songs.