Divergence of Destiny
Author's Notes: Since I've been reading an alarmingly large amount of Merlin FF, I thought I'd try my hand at writing one. So many possibilities. Anyway, this won't be a long story and I hope it's received well enough.
This take place post finale.
The sun has set and the light of the moon blanketed the night sky of the Kingdom of Camelot, the brightest city of Albion. At the cities' center stood Camelot's great castle where two familiar figures stood side by side on a balcony overlooking the city.
"I worry about him," the Queen confessed quietly beside her trusted Knight.
Sir Leon nodded. "It's to be expected. Tomorrow marks a day that affected us all, Your Majesty."
The Queen says nothing, allowing the silence show her understanding. Even after seven years, the Battle of Camlann and it's aftermath stayed close in their memories. Those first few weeks were hard and painful, with heavy days and sleepless nights until one morning, she felt a change in her that lifted her spirits and gave her the strength to move forward.
"We should not fret over him, Your Majesty. He is as strong as he is wise. "
The Queen smiles, softy and sadly. Her dear friend is all those things and more, and yet, in ways even she could never understand, he lost far more than any of them.
"The night has settled in and it's time I partake in it, Sir Leon. Enjoy the evening, I will see you in the morning."
Sir Leon nodded once more and watched his Queen leave. As Guinevere reached her desired location, she stopped short of entering her most cherished room as she caught sight of her oldest friend and the small precious little soul cradled in his arms. The sound of his soft whispered voice emanated through the room as he relayed another story of one of his adventures with her beloved husband while her daughter listened with rapt attention.
Her worry slowly ebbed away and was replaced with warmth and happier memories, and when he finally caught onto her presence, his eyes showed with brightness. He then looked to Elizabeth conspiratorially, "Look who is here, Princess."
The Princess of Camelot looked up, her eyes lighting the room better than any candles would.
"Mama!"
Guinevere finally crossed the threshold as Elizabeth climbed off her Godfather's lap and met her mother halfway, her small lithe arms wrapping lovingly around Guinevere when she knelt down to reach her.
"Are you behaving, my darling?"
Elizabeth's eyes shined with innocence only a child could genuinely achieve. "Yes, Mama." She turned to her favorite companion other than her mother. "Uncle Merlin was telling me a story about Papa."
Guinevere quirked an eyebrow toward the Warlock. "Was he now?"
Merlin did not look the least bit worried, and he shouldn't be. She'd heard his stories during nights as this one, and while he never lied to young Elizabeth, he had the foresight to understand that she was just a child and details were better left until she was older. Still though, Guinevere enjoyed teasing him.
"Time for bed, my love."
Elizabeth nodded, content for the evening and even more so after hearing another tale from her Godfather. As she settled her into bed, tucking the blanket up to her chin, Guinevere kissed her daughter goodnight. Merlin stood up from his chair and followed his Queen out when a small murmur from behind called their attention, "Uncle Merlin?"
Merlin turned, "Yes, Princess?"
She said but one word enthusiastically.
"Dragons!"
Guinevere smiled with barely contained mirth.
Merlin on the other hand was more than happy to oblige, his kind otherworldly blue eyes swirled momentarily to gold and a pair of miniature dragons carrying the forms of Kilgarrah and Athuisa appeared from the fiery hearth blazing in the fireplace, they leaped across the air until it settled above the princess' bed. It's presence soothing as well as magnificent in all its magical splendor like a lifelike dream in physical form, keeping her daughter company throughout the night.
It was moments like these that remind Guinevere how beautiful magic could truly be, and even after all these years, the magic Merlin possessed and the ease and the innocence in which he uses it left her in a constant state of awe.
"You spoil her," she says, more out of observation than criticism.
Merlin returned her words with a contented smile, "She is the princess."
She knew this to be true, but Guinevere also knew it was one of the small ways he can show a young mind like her daughter that magic is not something to be feared. Like all things, it should be respected, not abused.
"Thank you."
Merlin shook his head. "There is no need to thank me, Gwen."
"That is the reason why I do."
At the tavern nearby, Camelot's Knights gathered together to bring toast to their fallen brothers-in-arms and the King they loved and served. The quietest of their group and the last of the original group of Knights of the Round Table, Sir Perceval, raised his goblet and gave a short speech and shared a brief but memorable memory of his time when his friends were still with him.
Shortly after, he is joined finally by Sir Leon and the ever present Court Physician Gaius, who only ever joins them in the tavern on the eve of when Camelot finally achieved peace. They said no words to each other this night, their grief and triumph a shared experience that words were never needed to acknowledge it.
Instead, they sat together reliving their own memories, and they did this together.
In the far off distance, the Lake of Avalon rippled. The air swirled and the leaves swayed. Along the shore, a blossom of magnificent light appeared and when it was gone, on one knee a man remained and when he stood up on shaky legs, his bright blue eyes opened toward the stars.
He took a deep breath and let the fresh air console him. Carefully, he looked to his surroundings and found the familiar lake of Avalon and his quickened heart steadied to a normal rhythm.
By habit, his right hand settled on the hilt of Excalibur, a powerful sword tucked safety in its scabbard. He stayed in place for another few moments, clearing his mind for the journey ahead. For better or for worse, it was time to forge ahead, and hope his quest was not for nothing.
He secured his cloak around him and pulled his hood over his head and let his knowledge of the land lead his pathway toward home.