A/N: Hey guys! It's last chapter time! Stick around for the epilogue though!
I apologise for the lateness of this chapter - as I said on my profile, I finally caught up with myself and so had difficulty writing this chapter. I wanted it to be perfect, and so now I'm pretty pleased with the outcome. Hopefully the epilogue will be on time this week, though I can't promise that.
Mediatrix kindly mentioned that she thought this story should be longer, Thank you very much, firstly! Now, in response to that - I was actually thinking of a way to make this story longer, but I already have two multichaps running for a different fandom. However, one day I may choose to make a sequel to this - and hopefully it'll be longer. I also have an idea for an alternative ending which was an idea given to me an a much earlier review! So, would you guys be interested in a sequel? Or in this alternative ending? Tell me so in a review and I just may write them!
I don't own Merlin.
7
Merlin observed the Prince with his watchful, wise eyes. He had seen a lot in his short time in this world; battles and peace, love and hatred, fear and compassion. He'd experienced more than he knew most people double his age could ever dream of – he'd faced bandits, witches, dragons, Kings. He had challenged some of the most powerful beings in existence.
But yet, as he stared at his friend, the Prince (who was stood by the window in Gaius' room, looking out across his kingdom in silence), he couldn't, for the life of him, decipher what he was thinking. That frightened him more than any war he had faced, any monster he had defeated, any impossible tasks that he had miraculously accomplished.
He, Arthur, and Gwen had made their way to Gaius' chambers with the constant questioning from Gwen being the only reason anyone was speaking. Gwen seemed to be coming to terms with the thought of her love and one of her closest friends both being sorcerers and she was coping quite well – not that Merlin had doubted that she would. Gwen was a wise, benevolent woman, and very understanding. She was also incredibly curious – one thing Gwen seemed to have lost since Morgana's betrayal was her innocence; her sweet, bubbly attitude that Merlin had come to associate with Gwen from the second he met her. After her father was killed, and then when she had later come to realise the darkness that encased the world at times, the maidservant had admittedly lost some of that innocence and bumbling nature that was so fascinating to most of the people she knew, including both Merlin and Arthur.
But, now that attitude seemed to have returned, and Gwen was eager to discover as much as she could about Arthur and Merlin's magic; she had spent the whole trip to the physician's chambers trying to ask Arthur questions about his magic – how he had got it, when he first realised he had magic, if it was easy to do. She did so rather animatedly, which amused Merlin slightly. It was like she was that bubbly teenager again, and Merlin appreciated seeing it.
However, Arthur had been cold with the subject, despite the apparent wonder that had lit his face while he shown Guinevere his magic. He had answered with only one-phrase answers, and so once Gwen realised that Arthur's tale of magic was a short one and once she believed she had asked far too much from him, she turned to Merlin and started asking him the questions. Merlin had found it to be a great experience to finally share everything he had been hiding since the day he arrived in Camelot. It was invigorating to share his secrets with one of his best friends, and not fear what was to happen to him. Merlin no longer feared that Arthur was going to him – he trusted his friend and hoped that his own knowledge on the matter of magic and his comfort towards the Prince's current situation would save him from execution. Merlin also knew that Arthur was a man of honour, and he wouldn't dare to tell his father of Merlin's magic unless he was willing to also admit to his own and throw himself into the flames. Merlin was determined to not let that happen.
Gwen was clearly even more interested in Merlin's tales, and even Arthur had shown interest in a couple of them. As Merlin had explained some of his early adventures – like when he had animated Valiant's shield and saved Arthur from the Sidhe – Arthur would make small comments such as, "That was you?" or "You told me something different at the time.", (this particular comment was said not with malice or disgust in his friend's deception; just with surprise), and even he, towards the end of their walk, seemed interested in Merlin's story. However as they had reached Gaius' chambers he had retired back inside himself and, while Merlin had woken his carer and filled him in on basic details of Arthur's situation, he had stayed perfectly silent.
Gaius had definitely been shocked to hear of Arthur's situation, to say the least. Merlin explained hastily, while Arthur stared out of a window and Gwen found herself a seat so to not get in the way, about Arthur's dream of his execution, of Algar, and finally he added (hushed, hoping that Arthur wasn't paying much attention anymore) about how he had revealed his own magic to the Prince. Gaius had been taken aback by this too, but he understood why Merlin had done it – to protect the Prince. Merlin regretted deeply that he hadn't come to Morgana's aid when she had discovered her magic, before it was too late. His foolishness on the matter had cost him a friend, and Camelot an ally. He wasn't going to dare to allow the other side of his coin fall down a similar path to his greatest enemy.
Merlin finished his story with a sigh, and Gaius was silent for a few seconds, taking it all in. Merlin spoke again, one thought clouding his mind, "Gaius, how did this happen?" He asked, "How did…" He trailed off, gesturing his head towards the back of the Crown Prince, who snorted at Merlin's silence, clearly understanding that Merlin was treading carefully around him.
"I'm not a wimp, Merlin." Arthur muttered, "You won't hurt my feelings." He added, almost mockingly, "Say what you wish."
Merlin continued to speak, though carefully, "How did Arthur get magic?"
Gaius considered it for a moment, "It's possible it was Nimueh's doing." He concluded. Merlin remembered Algar coming to a similar conclusion and his eyes widened.
"You think Nimueh did this on purpose? Maybe as revenge?"
Gaius shook his head, "I wouldn't say that, Merlin. When Arthur was born, Nimueh and Uther were good friends. It was only afterwards, when the Great Purge began, that Nimueh would have any reason to try and take revenge on him." Merlin noticed the words that had died on Gaius' throat, and they filled him with a solemn ache. "It was only afterwards, when Ygraine died…" Merlin wondered if Arthur had noticed too. He hoped not.
"So it was an accident?" Merlin clarified.
"Most likely," Gaius admitted. "Nimueh was a powerful sorceress, she knew what she was doing; but it is possible that her strong magic did leave some kind of mark on Arthur."
Arthur snorted for the second time in less than a minute. He still gazed out of the window, though, not getting truly involved in the conversation. Merlin saw Gwen staring at him with an aching look in her eye – she wanted to reach out and comfort him but she didn't seem to know how. Merlin knew exactly how she felt. He turned back to Gaius.
"So, what do we do now?" He asked, "I mean, we can't tell Uther – we don't know how he'll react."
"I'd like to think that we do." Gwen said, standing up from her seat, "Uther may have a stubborn heart, but surely he wouldn't execute his own son."
Merlin was not as certain, "I'm not sure, Gwen. Even if he didn't decide to execute Arthur, he would surely be affected by his only son having magic; the one thing he's fought all these years."
Gwen frowned, "But he loves Arthur!"
"The law bends for no man, Guinevere." All eyes turned to Arthur, who had spoken rather loudly considering his absence in the conversation so far. His arms were still folded and he was still not facing the others present. His tone was a little solemn, but he was gravely sure of what he was saying. Merlin could only catch one side of his face and so only one eye, but there was something clouding that eye – a dark memory, perhaps. Maybe he was recalling his dream, where he had been stood on his execution platform. "Not even the King's son."
Gwen's eyes widened, "You couldn't possibly think that, Arthur."
"It's been this way since I was born." Arthur said, "My father is very strict with his laws – he'll never change them; not for anyone."
Gwen's shoulders sunk, and Merlin could tell what she was thinking. If the law was to bend for any man, it would certainly be Arthur. "Will you tell him?" She asked carefully. Arthur sighed, considering his answer vigilantly.
"I am loyal to the throne of Camelot." He mused, "But I fear of what such a revelation would do to him. After Morgana's betrayal, he's never quite been the same. I worry that if my father were to find that I am another one of his children cursed with magic, he would never be himself again."
Merlin felt the word 'cursed' stab in his chest like a physical injury. "Magic isn't a curse." He defended quietly. Arthur let out a low, sad chuckle.
"No." He whispered. "It isn't. As a child, I would imagine magic as a monster. A plague which enveloped its victims – pulsed through every vein, every thought. It twisted and shaped its hosts until there was nothing of the original person left – just a shell, filled with anger and hatred and that unnatural force which made them do impossible things." He finally turned to face those present, and his eyes were unbelievably soft, "I was in denial when the concept of my magic was given to me. I thought that, should I accept it, the magic would take me as an easy target, and I'd be conquered, like Morgana was."
"But you haven't been." Merlin finished with a small smile. Arthur returned it, shaking his head.
"No." He agreed, "No, I haven't. My magic doesn't feel like a curse. It hasn't blackened my thoughts, my feelings. In fact, it's the contrary – everything has just felt so… bright, so clear. It's like the magic enhances the senses."
Gwen was smiling now, too, but her smile was more real and true than either of the men, "So that's why it's been so bright around you recently."
"I suppose so." Arthur nodded, and then his expression turned solemn again, "Yet I doubt that my father would believe in that, no matter how much I tried to convince him. After Morgana's betrayal, he would expect me to do exactly the same to him."
Gwen sighed, "So I suppose secrecy is the only option."
"For now." Arthur concurred. He then shot a wary, yet sarcastic, look at Merlin. "Maybe Merlin can teach me; he's been doing it for years."
Arthur's comment settled uncomfortably over the room, and he turned his back again on his company, staring out of the window. Merlin didn't know whether to feel guilt at the pain he'd clearly given to Arthur by lying to him for so long, or to be angry that Arthur wouldn't understand why his secrets had been so necessary from the start. What was he supposed to do? Introduce himself as a sorcerer to the young, arrogant Prince, the second he laid eyes on him?
Before Merlin could voice his thoughts, the Prince was on his way to the door, avoiding eye contact with everyone in the room. "Thank you for your help, Gaius." He was almost businesslike in his thanking; emotionless. Deep down Merlin just wanted to yell at him, but he knew that this wouldn't aid in their situation; just release a little of his anger. It wouldn't help in the long run. Merlin was pretty good at storing his anger and frustration – he'd had so much practice over the last few years, he could be considered an expert.
He didn't stop himself from blurting out a small-sounding grumble of, "Arthur," but it was useless in stopping Arthur, who shut the door behind him about half a second later.
Merlin's disappointment radiated into his magic, and all around the room.
Guinevere watched the despair etch onto Merlin's face, and felt her heart sink for him. Just when she'd thought that Arthur was warming up to Merlin and accepting his magic, she was mistaken.
She couldn't believe Arthur; his immaturity, his obliviousness to how Merlin would react to his sudden exit. She watched Merlin as his shoulders sunk and a frown fell onto his usually-happy face. She knew exactly what he thought – that Arthur had turned on him.
She was determined to not make it so.
"Merlin," She spoke up carefully. Merlin looked up at her, trying to give her a soft smile, and Gwen could see the Merlin she had known before finding out about his magic across every inch of his face. This both comforted and irritated her – why couldn't Arthur see it? This Merlin and the Merlin they had both grown so close to were the exact same person, just with a little more power than one would expect from someone who had his bumbling, excitable attitude.
She gave him her warmest smile, and his grew in response, "He will come around, Merlin." She promised. "I will make sure he does."
Merlin nodded. Gwen wasn't sure if he was convinced or not, but she was fairly certain he at least had faith in her, even if he didn't have faith in Arthur.
And so Guinevere left one sorcerer behind her in Gaius' chambers and followed another out the door and down the corridor. She was shocked, but impressed, at how well she had handled news of the man she loved and her best friend both being sorcerers. She had never been as opposed to magic as the likes of King Uther or maybe even Arthur himself, but she was certainly not a supporter of those sorcerers who plotted revenge on the King for the death of their kin. Regardless of the fact that King Uther had killed her father for supposedly consorting with sorcerers, she had never once believed that revenge was a necessity.
Then again, she wasn't desperate. Perhaps these sorcerers had nothing to lose, but she was not in such a situation. Prior to her betrayal, she'd had Morgana. And even after that, she had Merlin. She had Arthur.
She shook her head. Merlin and Arthur. Sorcerers. She had to let out a short laugh about it. Sorcerers! Now that she had time to think, Merlin's power was obvious. Gwen hadn't forgotten of the dragon attack; of how a lowly servant had returned from a deathly battle, wearing no armour and with no training in combat, where many trained knights had fallen. Perhaps Merlin had truly been the one to deal with the dragon. In that case, then Merlin had saved Arthur. Again. If it wasn't for Merlin's powers, Gwen would be without her love; Camelot would be without an heir.
No, Gwen thought. She knew it stretched further than that. She had listened to a handful of stories while they had walked to Gaius's chambers. It wasn't just Arthur Merlin had saved. He had saved her, before, on a number of occasions – one example he gave was the time when he had become an old man and taken the blame for a fictional crime which she was accused of. She had always wondered why the stranger had taken the blame for the crimes Morgana had woven together, and now she understood that it had not been a stranger but a friend. Her protector. Camelot's protector. As she was led to believe from his stories, Merlin had saved her, Arthur, Uther, Gaius, and the whole of Camelot several times over. Every citizen owed him their lives.
As for Arthur's magic, well, this didn't clear anything up – it didn't connect dots which had sat separated for years. It only brought up questions. Questions which had been answered, questions that hadn't. Gwen couldn't deny that she was shocked to hear that Arthur had been born of magic; yet it sounded like something Uther would do, in his desperation to protect his almighty kingdom. It just didn't really make sense; Arthur and magic were pretty much pole opposites. And yet, these two opposites were now one.
The thought suddenly made Gwen laugh, because it made her think of herself and Arthur. How different were they? They worked well together, though. Gwen hoped that, one day, Arthur would grow to cope with his magic in the same way he had grown to love her, and she knew it was possible from that gleam in his eye she had picked up on when he had shown her that beautiful spell. It was that little spark that reminded her of the small sparks of kindness he would demonstrate amongst all that arrogance when Merlin first arrived. If Arthur could accustom to being friends with his servant, could fall in love with an ordinary peasant who was far below his station, and could make the miraculous transformation from arrogant and selfish to benevolent and understanding, he could most definitely accustom himself to the mysterious, yet beautiful art of magic. Gwen knew she would help him, and Merlin most definitely would. They would both stick by his side for as long as they would live.
She caught up to the Prince in the corridor that his chambers were found in. Seeing Arthur seemed to remind her of that solemn look on Merlin's face, which made her almost angry at the Prince.
"Arthur!" She called after him. Arthur turned at the sound of her voice, and his expression softened a little, before hardening once again, and he turned his back on Gwen again, his pace quickening. This just infuriated Gwen further, and she quickened her own pace in response. Before Arthur could shut his door on her she slipped in the door and folded her arms, staring coldly at him. Arthur visibly shuffled under the maidservant's gaze – something he wouldn't have shown should his ego be as inflated as it used to be.
"Guinevere." He sighed.
Gwen huffed. "Arthur." She began. She didn't know where she was going with this, but she just needed to make Arthur realise just how stupid it was of him to leave Merlin in such a way.
"What can I help you with?" Arthur asked monotonously, walking over to his desk. He started to distract himself with some insignificant sheet of parchment, clearly making a substantial effort to keep his eyes away from Gwen, because he just might melt under her gaze if he dared to look.
"Well, first of all, you could stop acting like a child and look at me while I'm trying to talk to you." Gwen lashed out in a way that shocked the both of them. She remembered a time when she had spoken in a similar manner to the Prince before, though – when he had stayed at her home during the jousting tournament about two years ago. He had been behaving just as immaturely back then.
Arthur was startled to say the least, but he complied with Gwen's demands and placed the sheets back on the desk, and kept his focus on Gwen. At least he was putting this juvenile behaviour behind him, for now. Another thing he had been able to do after Gwen had exploded at him two years ago.
"Please, Guinevere," He said in a gentle, almost-wise tone; the tone which made Guinevere believe that someday he could and would become a great King. "Continue."
In return for Arthur's maturity, Gwen had calmed her vehemence for now, at least, and she took a deep breath in, and then breathed out with her next sentence. "You shouldn't have done that to Merlin."
Arthur's shoulders and strong expression slumped at the mention of his manservant's name. He bowed his head, closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head sharply.
Guinevere frowned. "Arthur, you've frightened Merlin. You walked out on him – he probably thinks that you don't trust him."
"I know." Arthur groaned. Gwen blinked.
"You know…?"
Arthur kept his head bowed for a moment, seemingly in thought, before he lifted it to speak to the maidservant. "I'm trying. I truly am, Guinevere. But it's… difficult to look at Merlin and see him as something completely different."
Gwen's eyebrows furrowed, "Different?"
"Guinevere, he's a sorcerer." He said. There was no disgust in his tone, which was a good sign – he couldn't really be disgusted at something he was, anyway. "He's always been without skill, and now he can do magic. He's always been weak, and now he's stronger than any of us. He's always been a clumsy fool, and now he's wise and powerful."
"He always has been." Gwen corrected lightly. "You just didn't know."
"Because he lied." Arthur added.
"He had no other choice."
"I know." Arthur exhaled tiredly. "It just makes me feel like he didn't trust me. He thought I'd turn him in."
Arthur had now visibly saddened. He rested a hand against his desk, almost as if he needed supporting, and Gwen realised that now was not the time to start yelling again. Instead, she approached her love and enveloped him in a gentle hug. Arthur held her in his arms in return, breathing softly into her ear.
"I think you need to talk this through with him." Gwen decided gently. "You need to patch things up – show him you're not afraid of him."
Arthur chuckled, "Afraid? Of Merlin? Never."
Gwen smiled at the return of Arthur's overconfidence and arrogance. At least he was joking around, too.
Gwen kissed his cheek, smiling. "Go prove that to him, then." She told him. "Make sure he knows."
Arthur nodded, before leaving the room. Gwen watched him go with a smile, before deciding she needed to get to King Uther and continue her duties.
Her thoughts, however, were on her best friend and her love, and the future that she saw for them together – as the great King, and the Sorcerer; his most trusted friend.
"Merlin."
"Arthur?"
Arthur watched Merlin jumped up from his seat, eyes wide, innocent, and clumsy. Arthur almost smiled to himself. Guinevere had been right – Merlin was the same bumbling idiot he always had been. He was just… a dangerous, powerful, wise bumbling idiot.
When Merlin got a hold of the situation, however, he seemed less of the clumsy, hilarious young man Arthur had grown fond of – instead, he seemed almost… shy. Arthur knew Merlin well, and Merlin was the very antonym of shy. Arthur felt guilt ache in his chest, because he knew that it was his fault. He approached Merlin slowly, holding up his hands in an attempt at a peace signal. Merlin noticeably eased up at his friend's gesture, and that put most of Arthur's guilt to rest.
Merlin gave Arthur a straight glance. "What can I help you with?" His tone was as impassive as his glance, and Arthur wished he could stop it. Well, that's what he was doing here, anyway.
"Nothing, Merlin." He said, shortening the distance between the two of them even more, forcing a smile onto his face. "I just needed to talk to you about something."
Merlin blinked, unsure. "About what?"
Arthur had to consider how to answer for a good few seconds. "About… your magic." He tried, "You."
Merlin clearly tensed again, but he kept a brave face in his speech. Arthur just wanted to grab the boy, shake him, and tell him that he was being stupid; yet he knew that a violent approach in this situation probably wasn't the best idea. "What about it?" Merlin asked.
"Well, first of all…" Arthur stumbled at this point. How was he supposed to admit he had been wrong? That wasn't something he enjoyed doing; especially not in front of Merlin, who wouldn't let anything like that go. Arthur mentally prepared himself for the sarcastic comments that he could see coming. "I just wanted to say that I'm sorry."
Merlin's eyes widened comically. Arthur could just see a smile toying at his lips; hear the beginnings of a snort. But Merlin, uncharacteristically, kept his control. "About leaving earlier?" Merlin asked, "Arthur, it's okay-,"
"No, Merlin, it's not." Arthur responded, his tone an impressive mix of strength and gentleness. Maybe that's what Guinevere was talking about when she mentioned the King she expected him to become – strong-willed yet understanding, tough yet caring. Arthur couldn't help but admit that he wished for the day when he would become that man, because he knew he was determined enough to become him. "It was immature of me to do that, but I just needed time to think things through, and now I've had it. That, and Guinevere talking some sense into me." He sighed. Something was bubbling away in his chest – possibly his magic. His magic was, after all, very fond of Merlin – just like it was with Guinevere – and why shouldn't it be? Not only was Merlin a good person; he was also a pretty impressive sorcerer.
Like a child, his magic reached out curiously, probing around as if it was searching for Merlin's magic. A warm glow suddenly radiated around him, and Arthur knew it was Merlin straight away – there was no-one who could make him feel happy in that way. Guinevere could, maybe – but this connection wasn't love. No, it was more like… almost as if Merlin was him. His other half.
Maybe Merlin felt the connection between their magic, too, because he noticeably relaxed his shoulders and grinned gently; that famous Merlin grin.
"It's incredible, isn't it?" He asked softly. Arthur raised an eyebrow at him, and he explained his point further, "The feeling. It's comforting, isn't it? Like you have something there to help you; to guide the way."
Arthur smiled, "I suppose you're right." He then smirked, "For once."
Merlin laughed, Arthur's jokes lightening his mood. "At least I'm not an ignorant prat."
Arthur scoffed, "Where are your more colourful insults, Merlin? I'm beginning to miss them. Clot-pole? Dollop-head?"
Merlin shrugged, "I dunno if I'd get away with them anymore. You're a threat now, with your magic."
Arthur snorted, "Are you saying I wasn't a threat before?" Merlin nodded innocently. "Merlin, I'm a trained warrior!"
"And I'm a trained sorcerer." Merlin retorted, "I'd defeat you easily."
Arthur found Merlin's atypical arrogance amusing. "That would hardly have been fair. I would've been caught unawares – and you'd have given away your little secret."
Merlin's expression dulled a little at the thought, "Yeah," He muttered, bowing his head for a moment, "Arthur, I'm sorry." He said, "I should've told you sooner."
"No, you shouldn't have, Merlin." Arthur replied strongly, "There was no need for you to. You needed to be comfortable with it. Although, I'll tell you one thing I thought about earlier, when I left."
Merlin's curiosity perked, "What's that?"
"I don't think I'd have turned you in to my father, if you had told me before." Arthur admitted. Merlin conspicuously smiled in relief.
"Really?"
Arthur nodded, "I'd have been mad at first, no doubt. But I'd have warmed up to the idea, like I have now. I trust you, Merlin – you're my friend."
Merlin grinned again, "And you're mine." And then he chuckled, amused, "Prince Arthur – friends with a sorcerer." He hummed, mocking confusion, "Who'd have thought it?"
Arthur laughed, and then mocked Merlin's tone, "Arthur Pendragon – a sorcerer. Who'd have thought it?"
The two friends chuckled, their magic cheering excitedly, for the two sides of the same coin were finally linked. The two men's magic responded to each other, weaving together like it was knitting together a beautiful tapestry – the friendly hum of blue with the proud glow of red – and it lit the room with a splendid light show. Merlin folded his arms in pride while Arthur considerably reddened. He chuckled.
"I'm gonna have to learn to control that." He considered. Merlin's jaw dropped.
"You want to learn magic?" He exclaimed, "This day is just one surprise after another!"
"I only want to learn to control it." Arthur explained, and then he smiled at his friend, "Would you be able to teach me?" His tone turned sarcastic as he added, "Oh, mighty Sorcerer?"
Merlin put on a face of deep thought, "If I do, will you stop insulting me?"
Arthur pretended to think for a long time, "But it's just such an important part of our relationship!" He protested.
"Can I throw things at you?"
Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Merlin, remember; I am still the Master here, and you will show me respect."
Merlin shook his head, humming, "I don't think so." He sang, "After all, I'm the teacher and you're the student."
Arthur cringed, "I don't like this."
"Well, you're gonna have to grin and bear it." Merlin said, and then added a very ironic bow and a respectful, "Sire."
Merlin's magic now calmed, having accustomed to the other half that it had waited so long for. Arthur's magic, having lost its other half, dwindled and faded, hiding sombrely inside Arthur's core. The moment seemed to quieten the two men, and they stood in respectful silence for a few seconds, both absorbing the changes, both admiring the strength of their friendship and their trust in each other.
"So, what now?" Merlin asked after a few moments of silence. Arthur considered this; he was unsure himself.
"I say we go about our day normally," Arthur began, "You can stay my manservant – if you like. You can even move into the servants' chambers beside mine. If I have a magical…" He cringed, "…episode, it would help if you were there."
Merlin shrugged, "Good idea, I suppose. Your first magic lesson could be tomorrow, in the large open space outside of Camelot."
Arthur scoffed, "Merlin, I'm still the Master. You obey me."
Merlin pouted, "So I'm still your servant."
"Is there a problem with that?"
Merlin shrugged, "I think I should have a title more… fitted to my stature."
Arthur snorted, "Merlin, your stature is still servant; just… servant... with magic. And you're also my secret magic teacher. Besides, if I gave you an official title to do with your magic, my father would have both our heads."
Arthur frowned a little at the thought. Merlin seemed to notice, and so he put his hand on Arthur's shoulder – a gesture he must've picked up from Uther and Arthur himself as it was a sign of compassion for both men.
"One day, you can tell him." Merlin promised, "I wouldn't want you lying to your father."
Arthur gave a small smile, "That's the last thing I want."
Merlin smiled, nodded, and removed his hand from his friend's shoulder. Arthur gave a small sigh of acceptance, and the room was silent once again until a knock at the door shocked both men. Arthur shook his head in defiance to his small outburst of weakness.
"Enter." He called. A guard – one of the ones from the night before – entered the room and his face relaxed considerably when he spotted Arthur.
"Sire, the King was calling for you." He announced, "I supposed that you would be down here after your injury last night."
Arthur had almost forgotten about his injury. In fact, it didn't even hurt any more. The Prince wondered carefully if Merlin had used magic to heal it, and assumed that was probably the case. It sounded like the kind of stupid, selfless thing he would do – risk revealing his magic to help heal someone. He'd done it plenty of times before, so it seemed.
"Tell him I will be with him once I've finished here."
The guard nodded at Arthur's orders and left the room. Arthur turned to Merlin to find the man was smiling at him.
"Good luck." He smirked, "Here's a tip for controlling your magic – ignore anything he says about magic being evil. You won't feel a thing."
Merlin chuckled, but there was something hollow about it. Something told Arthur that Merlin had done exactly this on a number of times just to hold himself and his belief in the Pendragons together. In an attempt to comfort, Arthur copied the movement Merlin had made earlier – he touched his friend's shoulder, shook it gently.
"Merlin, I promise you – one day I will be King. And on that day, your- our kind… they will be free." Merlin's eyes brightened with hope, "But until that day, I promise that I will do everything in my power to protect the innocent sorcerers of this land. We won't have to live in fear one day, I promise you."
Merlin's reaction was of relief, of happiness, and something told Arthur that Merlin had been waiting to hear that from Arthur for a very long time.
"Thank you, Arthur." Merlin whispered gently.
"No, Merlin," Arthur said with a smile, "Thank you."
Arthur then turned on his heels, heading towards the door to meet with his father. He stopped at the doorway, as something tugged him back. He saw Merlin smiling at him, and could feel the bright, blue energy swirling around him. Reaching inside himself, Arthur tried to locate his own magic. When he did so, he forged a hand out of its tendrils, and reached out to Merlin's magic. Merlin's magic jumped at the chance to see Arthur's again, and it reached out, swelling in glee.
The prophecy was finally in motion. The world of magic would be saved again, by Emrys and the Once and Future King – men of legends.
But now, these legends were mere boys – only at the first pages in some of the greatest history books known to man. Arthur's magic gave Merlin's a playful shove, and Arthur himself grinned at Merlin. "You should probably get started on your chores." Arthur suggested, turning his back and beginning to walk out, "Just because you're some magical being doesn't mean you can laze around all day."
Arthur was sure he heard a mumble of, "Prat," but didn't turn around to scold Merlin. For he was Merlin – the man who could get away with calling the Prince such things. The man who would stand by Arthur's side forever.
His magic was still almost dancing at that thought. Its Master and Emrys. As one at last.
THE END
A/N: There we go! :D I hope you enjoyed it! And remember to tell me if you'd be interested in any spin-offs and sequels - it may be some time before I do a full-length multi-chapter sequel, but I'll let you know when I do!
And as for my Merlin-fic as a whole, I have a one-shot planned, which I'm really excited for. I'll give you one clue - evil!Arthur! Yes, I'm excited :P It's based off of a YouTube Merlin video named 'A Change of Destiny', which you should so check out if you can :D
And of course we still have the epilogue to go! Until next time! x
~Amy x
