Title: If…If…If…If...

Summary: "If Merlin had taken a left turn in the forest instead of the right, then, he would have arrived in Camelot a day late. But he didn't."

Warnings: Might possibly and probably confuse you and spin your head.

Genre: General . . .?

A/N: Second story! Whoohoot! Well, not actually a story and I'm not actually proud of it. But it just won't leave me alone! Probably won't get a review but that doesn't matter. This was fun to write!

Disclaimer: Of course I own BBC Merlin. I wrote the episode where Arthur and Merlin first kissed. I wrote the episode wherein Merlin accidentally spilled a love potion and everybody's crazy about him. I also wrote that episode where Merlin defeated Morgana and Mordred by lifting a single finger. What? Those didn't happen! ? Strange . . .

Enjoy~

~*~S*L~E*E~P*Y~*~

If . . . If . . . If . . . If . . .

If Merlin of Ealdor had taken a left turn in the forest instead of the right, then, he would have arrived in Camelot a day late.

If Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot decided to stay in his room instead of going out with his knights, then, he would have never been in the town market that day.

If Gaius the Physician had thought Merlin would be safer in the infirmary rather than going out to deliver potions, then, he would have never pass the town market that day.

If Arthur had not been such a prat and abused his servant in front of the whole town, then, no one would have stood up against him.

If Merlin had not been a kind-hearted and courageous boy, then, he would have never stepped on that practice target to stop the servant from picking it up.

The first banter would have never happen between them.

They would have never crossed paths.

But they did.

Merlin did take the right turn.

Arthur did go out with his knights.

Gaius did make Merlin deliver the potions.

Arthur was a prat.

Merlin was a kind-hearted and courageous boy.

So, obviously, they did cross paths.

If . . . If . . . If . . . If . . .

If Thomas had not been caught and executed that day, then, Merlin might have never known that magic was banned until it was too late.

If Arthur had been staring at a different direction, then, he wouldn't have seen the insolent idiot walk by them.

And they wouldn't have met for the second time. And that was that.

If the mother of Thomas had been unsuccessful in her plan of disguising as Lady Helen, then, Arthur's life would not have been threatened.

If Gaius had decided that Merlin should not need to attend to the banquet, then, Merlin would not have been there to drop the chandelier on Lady Helen.

If Merlin didn't act fast enough, then, Arthur would have been killed with a dagger imbedded in his chest.

If Uther had not been a gracious enough king, then, he would have never rewarded Merlin with the job of being Prince Arthur's manservant.

They would have never changed each other's lives.

They would have never experienced such deep friendship.

Except they did.

Thomas had been caught and executed right in front of Merlin's eyes.

Arthur had seen the insolent fool passing his way.

The mother of Thomas had been successful.

Gaius did take Merlin with him in the banquet.

Merlin did act fast enough.

Uther was gracious enough.

They did change each other's lives. They did have the deepest bond among all that came before them or that of which will come.

If . . . If . . . If . . . If . . .

If Merlin had ignored the strange voice in his head that was calling his name . . .

If the Great Dragon was killed instead of imprisoned . . .

If Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot was not the Once and Future King that will unite all of Albion. . .

If Merlin of Ealdor was not Emrys, the most powerful warlock of all time . . .

If their destinies had not been entwined . . .

Then . . . . . . that doesn't matter now, does it?

Because Merlin did follow the voice

Because the Great Dragon was imprisoned

Because Prince Arthur was the Once and Future King

Because Merlin of Ealdor was Emrys

Their destinies were entwined.

Then. Now. Forever.

~*~S*L~E*E~P*Y~*~

"Somewhere, deep underground or soaring high in the open skies, a big golden dragon laughs as I managed to confuse my readers." Was a temptation to add but, oh well.

Constructive criticisms are very much welcome! Flames . . . well, it's alright as long as you've used the word, "Forbearne" to produce it.

~Vividpast