*Peeks out from behind laptop* please don't hurt me. I know it's been a long time since I updated this but I've been pretty busy and I lost inspiration for this particular fic for a bit. But it's half term now so HOPEFULLY I'll get another chapter done soon. But I make no promises :P

This chapter is dedicated to KatieElizabethRose because her review was just so damn lovely ^.^ Thank you so much!

I don't own things, blah blah

I hope you like it ... It may be a little rusty, I apologise in advance

Enjoy ^.^

Arthur waited for his moment, Merlin was standing at a respectful distance with a water jug, not even seeming to listen as the other council members put forward their business and discussed it as appropriate. Arthur's leg began to bounce nervously under the table, and when it was his turn to speak he stood, hands flat on the table, doing his best to exude confidence.

'My lords' he said 'I have been doing some serious thinking lately and I have a proposal to put forward. Over the years it cannot escape your notice that we have endured many attacks from sorcery and people with magic, However, we have only been attacked since banning magic from Camelot and it has come to my attention that not all magic is used for evil, it can be a force for good and I propose that we lift the ban on sorcery'

there was uproar, heated mutterings and some full on shouting erupted around the table

'But sire!' one particular protester said 'what about those that have used magic to try to overthrow you? We cannot allow that corruption to plague the streets!' Arthur glanced at Merlin who was still standing there, now watching the pandemonium, although still expressionless.

'My good lord' Arthur said, looking back to the wizened old man 'Morgana is dead. She was the rallying force behind the majority of attacks on Camelot. And the other individuals were seeking revenge for their loved ones destroyed in the Great Purge. Although their methods were wrong, their reasons were just, we ourselves would want revenge if those we loved were killed wrongly. I personally have performed that very act. And I am a king, sworn to protect my people, king and peasant are both people, as are peasant and sorcerer, and so by that logic, king and sorcerer' he looked at Merlin again, unable to help himself. 'Lifting the ban on magic would not meat that I would tolerate any attacks of sorcery to the kingdom. Dark magic will be treated as it always has, however, magic can also be used to help crops grow larger and faster, it could prevent the danger of a drought. Magic could help Camelot to prosper. If people no longer starve, there will be less theft, less fights, less crime in general and we could reduce taxes or increase wages and we could focus our resources on other things. The repairs we need to make to the citadel defences will be made stronger by the use of protective enchantments and our army will benefit from having magic on our side in the event of battles. Many of the neighbouring kingdoms allow magic already, and they prosper in a way that Camelot has never known. The smaller, outlying villages will lose less people during the winter, we will have ample supplies for all. We could unite with those kingdoms, share supplies, set up trade. I can see only positives to this proposal' he finished, passionately, watching as the information sunk in around the table, he then sat and watched the lords talk among themselves, discussing Arthur's words and judging his conviction. He then turned to his manservant once more and looked at him with a mixture of longing and sadness 'I did this for you Merlin' he whispered quietly, feeling another stab when Merlin just looked back, glassy eyed, not caring what his king had just subjected himself to. There was no turning back now, if the lords didn't agree then they could overthrow his authority which would not only be humiliating but would lower his reputation, making him less likely to be taken seriously and some would even question his ability to rule. But if they did, it would mean great things for them all. For better or worse, he had committed to this. For Merlin.

He made his way back to his chambers with Merlin in tow, he ran his hand through his hair, exhausted, it had taken a lot more persuading for the most stubborn of lords on the council, and when they finally all came around, he didn't feel the triumph he had been expecting. There was pride certainly, this was probably the most monumental decision of his ruling, but there was a sadness underlining everything. Even after the past few days, he had hoped to see a little glimmer in Merlin's eyes, just something to give him hope that he hadn't lost his best friend forever. He watched as Merlin polished the candlesticks, lost in the alternate world of fantasy where Merlin would look at him, grin and launch himself at him, breathless with gratitude and happiness where they would stay in a tight embrace. Arthur sighed as he came back to himself and left his chambers, making his way to Gaius' for an update.

When he walked in, Gwaine, and Gaius looked up from their books. There was paper strewn everywhere, the shelves surrounding the room were almost empty and their usual contents was strewn over the floor and table.

'Anything Gaius?' he asked, he sounded desperate, even to himself. Gaius shook his head sadly.

'I have Percival searching the library with Leon' he said 'So far, nothing relevant.'

'The Cup of Life?' he suggested

'Would restore his health but not his mind' Gwaine said from his cot 'I already suggested it'

'Right', the king felt a boy again, looking for answers from someone so old and wise that he naturally assumed he knew everything. The first time he had discovered this not to be true he had been shocked deeply and almost disappointed.

'If Merlin was himself, he could summon Kilgarrah' Gaius sighed

'The dragon?' Arthur said, feeling his stomach sink 'I tried to persuade him to do that on the way back from the Isle, but he refused. He said it wasn't in his destiny to see Kilgarrah again' he had told Arthur this with tears in his eyes, singing praises to the dragon that had almost destroyed Camelot, telling him of how many times he had helped, his advise always being sound even if Merlin didn't follow it all the time due to his natural kindness. Gaius' eyes became tortured, presumably he had been fond of the dragon too. Then his face cleared and his eyes gleamed

'Gwen came in before, she helped research for a while and told us of your proposal. I'm proud of you Arthur' he said 'No one else could have convinced that council. You did well m'boy'

'Thank you Gaius' Arthur muttered humbly, sitting down 'What haven't you read yet?' Gaius gestured to a small pile of papers and a book

'We'll have to relocate to the library tomorrow.' he said 'I can get Geoffrey to help I'm sure, he's as fond of Merlin as anyone.' Arthur grabbed the book and began to read, he left much later, when Merlin returned, having finished his chores. He entered his own room to see his evening meal laid out on the table. Nothing missing, nothing nibbled on. It was a sad sight.

So what do you think? Please review and let me know. I know I deserve your criticism for the long wait I made you have :'(

Love Tibbins xx