|READ ME|

" Ok, so people are getting confused here- You need to know that this fic is set after my last fiction, 'after all these years'. I'm about to tell you what happened, so If you do wish to read it then I wouldn't read the rest of this paragraph. SUMMARY: Basically, After the ending of the 5th series of Merlin, he was on his own living in a small cottage beside the lake. Just as he had given up all hope, Arthur returned to find Merlin screaming in staggering pain as the magic used to bring Arthur back to life was returning Merlin back to his younger looking self. Kilgharrah then suddenly appears outside to tell them he can take them back to find out how to restore magic back to the 'modern land' which had been forgotten in time through the very earth. Kilgharrah takes them back through time, (There's more complicated reasons as to why this happened but you would have to read it to find out ;) ), and they turn around to see Camelot which is very upsetting for Merlin since he has waited over 1000 years and once watched it perish. They venture to the crystal cave where they meet all those who died including Gwaine, Elyan, Merlin's father and Lancelot. Merlin finds out how to restore magic and it's through love and the fact that both Arthur's soul and Merlin's are intertwined. Here, Merlin also shows Arthur all the time's he had saved his life and his destiny in the crystals using magic. After saying a final goodbye to the Merlin's father and the others, they have many heart warming and realizing conversations by the campfire. They then venture back to the hill over Camelot and Merlin uses his magic in a very very powerful and epic scene where he restores magic to the land. Realizing, after a massive hug, they were still in medieval Camelot, they return to the citadel, burst though the doors to the hall and find Gwen, the remaining knights of the round table, and Gaius running to greet them in relief and it's all very heart warming. Arthur gets rid of the law against magic and announces Merlin's greatness to the court. While Merlin and Gaius as having a long catching up session and loving scene together, they are called to the hall. It turns out to be a ceremony and Arthur knights Merlin Court Sorcerer of Camelot. The end. x So here it begins: "

All was quiet. All was calm, and all was peaceful. It had been no less than a mere 4 days since they returned; since Merlin was named Court Sorcerer, and since King and Queen were re united. The Kingdom was now protected, no Morgana, no Mordred, no anyone. All they had to fear was the occasional bandit passing by, and even they were no match for the Knights of Camelot. Considering just over a week ago Merlin had given up on life, slouched in his hut alone and 1,556 years old, he couldn't be happier.

"Let's have you lazy daisy!" He bundled aimlessly into Arthur's chambers, "Oh, Gwen sorry, I didn't see you..."

As he approached the window ready to draw the curtains, he swiveled round to find both King and Queen staring silently at him looking rather disturbed. He moved his eyes down the bed an observed the situation. They in fact were on top of each other.

"Oh." Merlin immediately felt incredibly uncomfortable as Arthur nodded in reply. Perhaps he should have waited a little longer to awaken his master. Deciding he was definitely not wanted in the room, he slowly strode towards the door with a huge deviating smirk across his face.

"Well that was awkward." He whispered to himself, and roamed down the corridor.

As he approached Gaius's chambers, the dull aroma of porridge emerged from the room. Merlin stumbled through the archway and flopped himself down on the Physicians mattress.

"Merlin? Aren't you meant to be with Arthur?" The old man strolled over and sat next to the sprawled figure on the bed.

After a few seconds pause and a sigh he replied, "Er... They were busy. I might just go back to sleep for a bit."

He chuckled sarcastically, "I think you've had enough centuries to rest."

"Very funny. Do you need me to run any errands? Collect herbs or something then?"

"No thank you my boy, just eat your breakfast." He smiled gracefully.

"No one needs me any more..." The servant groaned, "Not that I'm complaining, I was on my own for so long I should be used to it... I just expected things to be as it was."

"Well you did defeat Morgana and bring peace to the land so I'm not surprised. Besides, not to worry Merlin, It's only been 4 days so I'm sure something to crop up. It wasn't all adventures back then." He ruffled his hands through the sorcerer's jet black hair. Standing up, he gestured toward the steaming bowl of porridge set down on the table.

"Thanks Gaius." Grinning, he too began to make his way over to his ready made meal. He had a family here. People who love him, care for him and need him. His mentor was right, he wouldn't change a thing.

An hour had passed and Arthur, evidently missing his servant, ventured down to his chambers. Gently pushing open the door, the King entered; only to find Merlin slouched over the small wooden table and his face flat in a bowl of cold porridge. He slowly stepped closer to the sleeping mess, and stared. With his best attempts not to burst out laughing, he quickly stumbled away to the pillar and lent his body so that he could continue watching Merlin sleep. Suddenly Gaius appeared from behind the shelves.

"Sire?" He inquired, which made Arthur jerk his head with shock and bang it on the stone wall. Making few grunting noises he moved out the way so the Physician could pass.

"What's wrong with him?" He tilted his head to Merlin.

"I expect he is just worn out. That magic he performed whilst with you used up a lot of his energy. After all, there is no other man that could have possibly pulled that off, and even so, without dying."

"Mm.. He seemed fine this morning?"

"Magic can indeed do strange things. One moment you have an outburst of energy, and the next you are drained so much where you can barely move. In Merlin's case, I suspect the condition is multiplied," He took a pause whilst placing some potions on his desk, "I have noticed his behavior since the day you returned. There is no need to worry Sire, the affects should ware off completely within a week or so."

Looking concerned, Arthur made his way to the mattress Merlin had previously lounged himself on, "As long as you're sure Gaius," he proceeded to take a seat, "I know he's been through a lot. I still can't quite get to grips with it. He is amazing, and I treated him like dirt..."

"Believe me Arthur, he may have risked a great deal for you, but he has no care for how you treated him. He is only glad you are alive and well. You must put your mind at rest."

Abruptly, Merlin's hand twitched and he lifted his head looking flustered. His expression clearly displaying a 'what the hell' face as to why he was covered in stone cold porridge. Seeming confused and bewildered, in an attempt to rise from the chair, his foot got caught in the leg of the table- causing him to fly towards the ground, bringing the stool with him. Scrambling to his feet, he caught sight of both Arthur and Gaius laughing endlessly, eyes watering.

"Who knew the great Emrys was so clumsy, you absolute idiot!"

"What did I say? It's just one of my many gifts."

The three smiled sharing relieved looks. It was certainly true; nothing had changed.