Title: Freedom

Author: Arisprite

Rating: T for slight implications of suicidal thoughts. But not really.

Summary: On the day he was to be named Court Sorcerer, Arthur found Merlin atop the highest ledge in the city, rambling about birds.

A/N: So here is my drabble/ficlet/oneshot/miniature story catch all. I have a few of these already written, and will be updating them when I get the chance. They aren't drabbles technically, since I paid no attention at all to word count, but there you go. Just snippets. Let me know if you like them, and if you want more!

197. Freedom
Merlin sat upon the upper ledge of the city wall, one leg hanging off the drop, and the other hugged to his chest. He was looking out over the city, Camelot, his home for years. Never before had it looked so inviting, even on that first day, coming over the ridge from his home, his naive eyes taking in the amazing sight. For today, King Arthur would name him Court Sorcerer, and all the troubles and cares he'd lived under for so long were gone.

Well, if not gone, different. He still protected Arthur from harm, but no longer was it from the shadows, with no recognition. His life was still busy, still stressful and occasionally mad and painful. But he wasn't struggling to do it all alone, not hiding himself from those closest to him. Now he was noticed in the streets, by peasants and nobles alike. People of all walks of life praised his name, and knew of his deeds in the path to bring Arthur to this point. His destiny, Arthur's destiny, being fulfilled before his very eyes. It awed him.

"Merlin?" The voice of his King came from behind him.

"Sire," Merlin greeted, not turning.

"What are you doing up here?" Arthur sounded slightly nervous of the fact that Merlin was basically hanging off the top of the tallest structure in sight. Merlin hid a smile.

"Don't worry, Arthur. If I fall, I can just turn into a bird." Merlin murmured, nonsensically. He wasn't sure what he was feeling today, but it made his tongue loose, free in a way it never had been before.

"Can you do that?" Arthur asked, coming closer, and settling on the ledge next to him, though he kept his feet firmly on the ground, his back to the open space. Merlin shrugged.

"I've never tried it."

Arthur chuckled, but it was to hide his fear. Merlin knew he was making him nervous. Made him nervous; his powers, so great, and unknown had been a lot for Arthur to take in.

"Well, perhaps today isn't the best day to try it."

Merlin turned to Arthur, a smile filling his face, so great he couldn't contain it.

"Arthur, if there were ever a day to fly, today would be it."

Arthur met Merlin's shining eyes, and finally, finally understood.

I hope you liked!