After the death of Arthur, going back to Camelot was the hardest thing Merlin had ever done. He walked back alone and in complete silence. Morgana and Mordred were gone and no longer posed a threat, but still Merlin couldn't smile. His friend was gone and life just wouldn't be the same without him. He would miss all the friendly banter they had together and when he returned there would no longer be a purpose for him to get up. There was no chainmail to polish, No floor to scrub or sword to sharpen. Without Arthur his life no longer had a purpose.

When he eventually returned to Camelot a few days later, Gauis had stayed true to his word and his favorite meal was waiting for him, but Merlin couldn't force himself to eat it so he simply left it on the table.

In the days that followed he had to confess everything which had happened to the whole court and pass on that their beloved king was dead. Everyone was in silence that day and the land was still like it was mourning the loss of Arthur. Though life in Camelot returned to normal and Guinevere was crowned the new ruler of Albion. Merlin was also given the title of Court Wizard after he confessed his powers to Guinevere who accepted him for who he was. Finally magic was allowed in the land for good and sourcerers and knights alike simply lived alongside each other in peace and finally the land prospered.

But through the years Merlin changed and allowed himself to age. His powers grew with his age until sourcerers from all over came to him for advice and help. He also made sure to spread the story of the once and future king to everyone who would listen to make sure the story was never lost in time. Merlin watched as Camelot flowered with Guinevere in charge until the very day she died. After that everything changed and the true story of Camelot was lost.

Though if there was one thing that never changed it was the anniversary of Arthurs death. Every year no matter the conditions Merlin would make the long and painful journey to Avalon where he lost his only true friend. He would settle by the waters edge and talk for hours to Arthur, but of cource there was no responce. The water stayed still and silent like a ghost only listening to Merlin talk. When talking this was the only time Merlin allowed himself to change into the form he was when everything changed. No white beard and long hair, just the young man he was when he was Arthurs manservant, a nobody.

Centuries past and still every year Merlin would travel to Avalon and talk with Arthur. He told his dead king of the wars that had happened and won, he told of the new technology appearing and things known as cars which were used instead of horses. Every year he would just sit by the lake and talk and joke like the young man he was once before. And every year which passed his longing for Arthurs return grew stronger.

It was another year about to pass without Arthur and as usual Merlin was tiredly making his way to the lake where his friendship finally came to an end. With every step forwards he took his heart throbbed as the memories of the fateful day come flooding back to him. Striking Morgana through the heart, Arthurs last request as he died in Merlin's arms and as Merlin cast him off in the boat to wait until he was to rise again. He still knew it was going to happen someday. Arthur was going to rise again just like the Great Dragon said the day he died.

Settling down on the bank of the lake, Merlin tugged his sneakers and socks off before dipping his toes in the water. His teary eyes stared out into the distance as he sat for a moment in silence. His knees were tucked up to his chest as he hugged them tightly with both arms so he wa all hunched up. No one ever came down to the lake and so he was always alone to say what he pleased.

"Hello again, Arthur," Merlin managed to choak out, a sob catching in his throat at his friends name. "Its been another year without you and so much has changed in that time."

Blinking away the tears from his eyes, Merlin quickly glanced behind him as his toes wiggled in the cold water. "Its the year 2012, December 24th. Christmas Eve." Smiling slightly Merlin choaked back another sob before looking back out at the lake. "You would love Christmas, Arthur. It is the time of giving and everyone goes around giving each other gifts. The children are always happy around this time and every night lights shine out across the cities and villiages all around the world. I would love to finally spend a Christmas with you."

Pausing to allow himself to sniffle loudly, Merlin wiped his nose on the sleeve of his hoody as he cuddled his knees with his other hand. "I never get any gifts," Merlin countinued, pausing again to sob loudly. "But if I could wish for one, just one single gift, it would to have you back...I miss you Arthur."

This time the tears were too much for him and Merlin burried his face in his knees as he cried, each sob shaking his entire body. He felt so alone, no one cared for him anymore, not since Camelots downfall years and years ago. He missed Guinevere, Gauis, Leon, Percival and all of his fallen friends who died protecting Arthur. He was the last survivor of Camelot and when he was dead the great legand would die with him.

Sniffing again, Merlin prised his face from his knees before blinking a few times. He was just about to continue talking again when a ripple in the center of the lake caught his attention. Any normal person would set the cause to being a fish, but Merlin knew there were no fish in the lake.

Getting to his feet as another ripple cast outwards, Merlin walked forwards until the cold water was sloshing around his ankles. He stared intently at the center of the lake when suddenly there was a great surge upwards of water and something emerged from the watery depths.

Merlins heart almost jumped from his chest as he saw a flash of red which made him wade forwards until the water was around his hips. Could all his painful and lonley waiting be finally be coming to an end?

Biting down on his lip with worry Merlin watched as the water finally settled and where the rippled once were instead was the confused face of none other than Arthur Pendragon, the once and future king.

"ARTHUR!" Merlin yelled before he even realized the words had come from his own mouth. Without a second thought in his mind, Merlin lunged forwards into the water and began to swim towards his beloved king and dearly missed friend.

Within a few powerful strokes Merlin was at Arthur's side with one hand under his arm to stop him sinking from the weight of his chainmail. Arthur still wasn't saying anything as Merlin began to wade back to shore with his hand grasped around Arthur like he was never going to let go. Water dripped from his hair and clothes, but he was to overwhelmed to even notice. Arthur had returned to him, all his waiting was not in vain.

Finally reaching the shore, Merlin collapsed to his knees so Arther was cradled tightly in his arms. Merlin didn't know if water or tears were dripping from his face as he held his king in his arms. His heart felt like it could explode with happieness as the realization that he was never going to be alone again hit him. Merlin had waited for Centuries for Arthur to return to him and he still couldn't beleive that day was today.

"Arthur its me," Merlin choaked out as he stared tearfully at the man in his arms. "Its Merlin."

"Merlin," Arthur repeated, frowning as if his voice and the name was foreign to him. Slowly the king raised his wet hand from his side before it rested on Merlin's equally wet cheek. Merlin nodded his head slowly as his fingers curled round Arthurs hand to hold it there.

"Merlin!" Arthur exclaimed this time, sitting bolt upright and pulling his long lost friend into a tight hug. Merlin hugged him tightly back, his face pressed into his kings shoulder, tears of joy rolling down his face. "I thought I would never see you again."

"I waited for you, Arthur," Merlin sobbed. "Every year I came to this place and talked to you in the hope you would come back."

Arthur patted his old friend on the back before pulling away from Merlin's wet embrace. "Thank you," Arthur returned with a tear in his own eye. "Thank you."

With a smile of pure delight Merlin fell into Arthur's embrace again and just allowed him to hold him there. His king had finally returned to him.

Finally pulling away from the hug, Merlin wiped a tear away from his eye before helping Arthur to his feet. "Lets get you home," he said softly as he put one arm around Arthur's shoulder. "You have a lot to catch up on."

With one last look back at Avalon, Merlin began to lead his king back home, shoes in hand, knowing that his long wait was over and there was finally something to live

This was the best Christmas he could possibly hope for.