AN: So this the place where I will post all of my Merlin short stories and drabbles. This first one is new, but all the other ones are already posted on my account. When I publish a new story, I will publish it on here as well as separately.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy!
It wasn't often that Merlin thought of Ealdor.
In the beginning, it had been too painful. Feelings and memories wrapped up in the ache of what he had left behind. He had missed everything, His mother, his best friend Will, and the simple life they had led. One day bleeding into the next, cares forgotten and worries left behind.
It had all been so much simpler then.
In time, the pain fled and acceptance settled into its place. He was meant to be in Camelot. He was meant to save Arthur. It was better to go along with the show. Thinking of Ealdor would not take him home, it would only let pain worm it's way into his heart.
He was meant to serve the Pendragons now.
It took a long time, but eventually, his mind shifted the meaning of home. He was no longer sending letters home to Ealdor, He was merely assuring his mother of his continued safety and happiness. Ealdor wasn't home, Camelot was. This shift, while subtle and unnoticed by most, marked the beginning of Merlin's true growth.
It was his destiny to protect his friend.
There were moments, during the hard times, when Merlin felt the strong desire to leave Camelot, and take his mother far away. But he found those wishes stunted in their growth by the desire to stay. To see what would become of those he cared about, and lead them to a higher goal.
Fondness replaced Longing, hope replaced fear, and love replaced the pain of distance.
Merlin was happy. Merlin was home.
There was nowhere he'd rather be.