« In a land of myth and a time of magic … » I would own Merlin's rights and be able to use english like my maternal language. Sadly neither of those things are true. I hope you'll enjoy though. Snapepotter.
The Coming of Arthur
« Is there anyone around this table who would join me ? », Arthur asked, and
suddenly the entire room became charged with an emotion Merlin couldn't name. She looked around, first, at her Prince, then Lancelot, knowing he'd be the first to rise and pledge his life to Arthur. He did not disappoint.
- « You taught me the values of being a knight », he said, « the code, by which a man should live his life, to fight with honour. For justice, (he looked at Arthur) freedom (then Merlin), and all that's good (and finally Gwen). I believe in the world that you will build. »
He smiled then, somewhat sadly and Arthur raised his chin in response, accepting the silent challenge. I won't disappoint. I'll take care of her, it meant and Arthur would respect this particular oath with all he had. Merlin knew it but it didn't make it easier for her to witness. Loving Arthur while he pinned for Gwen was hard, but conforting Lancelot when he was so clearly, so damn honorable, broke her heart. The tension around the table thickened, broken only by Eylan who stood up and began to talk.
- « Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you. » The Prince pursued his lips while listening, the emotion clear in his eyes and Merlin felt herself, tearing up in response to his words. Beside her Gaius smiled his approval. Then came Leon's turn and if he spoke very little what he told Arthur was something Merlin herself could have said.
- « I have fought alongside you many times... There is no one that I would rather die for ».
- « I think we've no chance », Gwaine muttered just loud enough to be heard, bringing a smile on everyone's face. « But I would'nt miss it for the world. »
« Your ennemies are my ennemies. » Percival added, smiling.
Gaius stirred beside Merlin and looked at Arthur with such dignity that, an instant, everyone forgot he was just a frail, courageous old physician. Merlin felt a surge of affection towards him and resisted the impulse to hug him while Arthur smiled happily. Silence fell upon the room and she shared a smile with Lancelot before listening to Gueneviere's words :
- « You know the answer. »
Merlin grinned but said nothing, waiting for Arthur to call her, because he did not need her to talk. He damn well knew she would stick to his side, like a pain in his ass, like a lioness, fighting like his lionheart. He rolled his eyes but didn't disappoint.
« Merlin ? », he asked, lips curving.
- « No, I don't really fancy it », said she. « You don't have a choice Merlin », he replied and something in the tone of his voice told her that she had the choice, that he would not oblige her to follow. She stood, nodding and they shared a look that said it all.
« I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me, in Camelot's hour of need. » And then he frowned, before saying : « I will do something that my father won't approve of ».
A moment later, Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival and Eylan were kneeling before him, heads bowed in respect and Merlin was once more struck by the rigntness of it all, her magic singing in her veins. Arthur then knighted each of the men, touching their shoulders with his sword and gifting them with a title in return before letting them raise, now part of the bravest army in the world.
Merlin nearly chocked trying to muffle a laugh at the look on Gwaine's face when the prince faced him. He had spent his whole life trying to escape that and she did not need her magic to understand he was feeling a little bittersweet to end up as a knight all the same. She looked at him smiling with mirth, a little envy and something akin to pride for his achievements, before turning when she felt a hand on her shoulders. It was Arthur, looking at her with a strange glint in his eyes.
« Tell me Merlin... Did you learn to walk on your knees yet ? »
Confused, she looked around them, at Gwen embrassing her brother, Gaius congratulating Lancelot and Leon chatting with Gwaine. The meaning of his question struck her then, and she sank to her knees, eyes closed, her bowed head spinning. She let him touch her shoulders with his sword and something fierce raised in her, fulled by Arthur's voice telling her to arise, Lady Merlin.
She stood, a little wobbly on her feet and hid her wet cheeks behind her long hair, not knowing what to say to convey what she was really feeling. Suddenly, it didn't matter anymore and she was wrapping herself all around him, muttering thank you's like a prayer, hoping he'd understand. He did.
