Chapter 1:
Merlin's bones ached. He was old and growing tired as each day passed by. He didn't look like he had aged a day since Arthur had died. Of course, that was because of his magic. His dark hair was still ruffled and out of place but instead of having those heavy lines on his face from smiling, there were deep and sunken lines from having not smiled in what seemed like an eternity. Those once bright eyes were always misted over, as though he wasn't actually quite there.
Merlin missed Arthur. He missed going out together on hunts in the woods, he missed hanging around with his best friend, he even missed polishing Arthur's boots. His life felt empty and he just wanted his friend back. Thinking about it made him feel nauseous- Gaius would say not to dwell on the past, but the thoughts always appeared in his mind. When he looked at anything beautiful, it only reminded him of Arthur. Everyone he loved is gone, all he has left is memory.
After watching his whole world die around him, everything seemed pointless. He had watched magic die and Camelot cease to exist. The love of his life was gone, and Merlin was still living without him. Each day was a struggle to even wake up in the morning. As he walked back to his little cottage by the water, he couldn't help but notice a light playfully dancing on the blue oasis.
Arthur was returning.