One shot to amend something that bugs me about Lancelot's death.
Merlin watched the flame flick around his friends cloak and sword.
Gwen beside him had tears cascading down her cheeks.
Slowly the crowd around them dispersed.
Arthur came up to the pair and put a hand on their shoulder's
"Come on..." he said quietly
Merlin shook his head and stepped away, his eyes dry but his heart breaking. He wouldn't leave his friend. Gwen leant against Arthur but didn't move.
Arthur sighed and watched the flames consume what little of the knight they had been able to bring back. The cloak was gone and he tugged on Gwen again, who sniffed but let him. He tried to grab Merlin as well but the boy avoided his hand, shaking his head.
"Merlin… come on" Arthur pleaded his friend. He hadn't seen Merlin this upset since the Dragon-lord died, and even then it wasn't this bad.
Merlin just shook his head "I want to stay. Someone should."
Arthur sighed but conceded defeat. He led the sobbing Gwen away to her house.
Merlin watched the flames for hours, as they consumed the sword and the platform the set-up had been placed on. It turned from a bonfire to a pile of flickering twigs.
But he stayed.
And watched. He watched as the last flames turned to glowing embers. As bright as Lancelot's soul. Soft and gentle, but bright and clear for all to see. And so strong.
However like Lancelot, they faded.
He stayed.
And watched. He watched as the final ember turned black and he was left alone in the dark once again. Cold and harsh, but still there taunting him like the moon above, sneering at his slim form from behind the clouds and through the ashes.
He turned away and walked. Nowhere in particular. He just walked.
Merlin had this night, but life had to continue tomorrow.
The final ember had gone out, but not the final hope.
He just hoped he would find another light soon. Before the darkness consumed him as it had Lancelot.
This hurt to write but I had to. Gwen may have loved Lance to an extent but she loved Arthur more, she chose Arthur. Merlin only had Lancelot when it came to his magic and his secrets. Merlin had so much more to lose yet it was Gwen who stayed. I'm sorry for any days I may have just ruined.