A/N: Almost at the end of this arc- hope you've been enjoying it :)
Merlin sat at the Round Table- in his seat- still not quite believing he wasn't dreaming.
Arthur had just made him a lord and now he was sitting at the king's right hand as they had a small celebration with friends. There had been a feast, of course, but the freshly-appointed Royal Adviser had been unable to relax under the new pressure to socialize.
The ceremony had gone about as well as could be expected for something that hadn't been rehearsed beforehand. Well, aside from Merlin tripping on the steps and sprawling onto the dais after Arthur had motioned the warlock forward to his new place beside the thrones (only because he hadn't been quite sober yet, of course).
"So, Merlin," the blond leaned against him, spilling mead in the process, "what land would you like? I'll give you your -*hic*- choice."
"Land? What would I do with land, Arthur?"
The king slung an arm around his adviser's shoulder, inadvertently sticking his nose in the other man's over-sized ear but not appearing to care. "You're a noble now, Merlin- you get land! Can't have my best friend living like a penniless peasant."
He couldn't help it, the former servant's face split into a wide grin at hearing the words 'my best friend'.
"But I am a penniless peasant, Arthur- even if I have a title now."
The royal scoffed. "Nonsense! You're- the most, *hic* noble man I know!"
Merlin couldn't have smiled any bigger if he'd used magic. Arthur would be kicking himself for this if he remembered in the morning.
"You'll have per-manent chambers in, in the castle- you and Hunith, but-" he paused to belch, " but you'll also have a manor and full staff."
"Arthur, you don't-"
"It's the least I can do for you, old friend."
Remembering his mother's words, Merlin gave in.
"Then... there is a lake nearby that is of particular significance to me..."
"Excellent!" Arthur slapped him on the back, "We'll make it official tomorrow. But for now- drink!"
It wasn't long before Merlin, Arthur, and the knights who hadn't passed out on the floor were dancing on top of the table, singing tavern songs as the warlock sent balls of multicolored light floating about the hall. The golden age had truly begun.
