"Thank you…" Arthur whispered.
One teardrop spattered onto Arthur's nose. He smiled one last time as his eyes drifted out of focus. His heart stopped, causing Merlin's heart to explode with despair. The nearby creatures shuddered in fear for they could sense Merlin's great magical potential as well as his great sorrow. Every creature held their breath in tension as they awaited his reaction.
The warlock's body rattled as he unleashed a silent but powerful wail, screwing his eyes shut with the force of his grief. Something inside him cracked and magic surged to the surface. His face contorted with anger and he slammed his hands onto the plush, green grass, instantly reducing the vegetation into dust. Frost shot out of his fingers and spread rapidly over the ground, into the trees, under the lake, and into every living thing within his magical reach. Trees, grass, birds, fish, and deer; every ounce of life was squeezed out by the frigid power that he unleashed. As the world around him withered, Merlin raised his arms and absorbed the spirits of life that he had forcefully taken. His eyes snapped open, the gold color not only radiantly beaming from his eyes, but also glowing from his skin, permeating into his lifeless surroundings. He possessed the spirit of the very earth in his vibrating fists. He thrummed with a power he had never before dreamed of experiencing. Merlin let out an anguished roar and plunged his hands down on Arthur's chest, transferring the life force into his unbeating heart.
Arthur's back arched and pure light burst from his body. The warlock gasped, feeling the intensity of the energy as it shattered across the earth. The sheer exuberance of the moment outshone even Merlin's own magical radiance.
Suddenly, the light disappeared and Arthur's body thumped back onto the desolate ground. Merlin gulped in anticipation and scrambled out from underneath him. A groan escaped Arthur's mouth and he jerked awake, panting in surprise. Their eyes met, never parting as Arthur slowly brought himself up to a sitting position.
"M…Merlin."
The warlock bristled with joy, releasing a guttural, "Arthur!" He wrapped his arms around his king, sensing relief diffuse around both their bodies. Arthur released a short laugh and melted into his best friend's hug. Tears cascaded down Merlin's face as he clutched Arthur in his arms.
But Arthur's shoulders tensed abruptly and he breathed, "Merlin?"
Merlin drew back from the embrace to stare at Arthur, noticing that the king's eyes were not focused on his, but wandering around the lifeless world. "Yes, Arthur?"
Arthur took in the colorless landscape. Where strong trees used to stand, withered poles remained with limbs bent in horrible shapes. Cheerful critters that darted around were replaced by mangled skeletons that were littered across the dusty ground. The beautiful Lake of Avalon was reduced to a black expanse of ice. The dry land was devoid of all life except for two very lonely souls. His eyes finally strayed back to meet the warlock's.
"Oh Merlin, what have you done?"