Summary: They failed the former quest... Will the Round Table be able to recover the mistake in the epic battle following the events that left Morgana Queen of Camelot, Arthur and his allies in hiding, and Uther suffering in prison?

Details/Disclaimer: Merlin, and anything from the series, including characters and items, belongs to the BBC.

This is the 'threequel' (my word! xD) to It's So Good to Not Have to Hide, and the sequel to The Rise of a Queen. The latter MUST be read beforehand.

Part Three (the final part) of The Rise and Fall of a Queen.

Enjoy!

Tazz~


The Fall of a Queen

Epilogue: Thoughts of a Golden Age (Word Count: 488)

Merlin stood on the battlements, as he did every year. He looked out over the city, over the land beyond and thought Arthur did this. Arthur brought this age of gold.

Arthur joined him then, as he did every year.

"How long has it been now... ten years?"

His soft voice broke the stillness of dawn on the anniversary of peace - today was a holiday for all, except for a few servants who would join in the festivities later.

"Ten years... Yes, that sounds about right. Eight since Gwen's coronation, and your marriage. Seven since the return of magic. Five of peace. Three since the prince was born."

"Ten since father died... Morgause, Mordred and Morgana, too..."

"And Aodhán..."

"And Aodhán" Arthur echoed in agreement. The two were silent for a moment.

"Ten years..."

"Well, come on," Arthur said decisively. "Let's go! No use standing around here."

"Yeah..."


The festivities were brilliant fun for both commoner and noble alike. Food was free for all, and the wine flowed generously. The Round Table stuck together, despite having wives and children. They only had fun like this once a year now - the rest of their time was spent with duties and other court necessities. Today was their day – an annual hunt, all eight of them (Gaius had passed by now, unfortunately, but he died peacefully) and then they would spend the feast laughing together over anything at all.

Music seemed to come from the air - one of Druids' tricks, naturally - and merriment was everywhere. The only time of sadness on this day was the commemoration to Aodhán and all the others that had fallen. It didn't taint the atmosphere for long though - people could both celebrate and grieve at the same time, especially after ten long years.

The celebration was famous everywhere - people travelled from all over the united Albion to Camelot just to take part in it, and to, of course, fight in the tournament. All the tournaments were open now - both commoners and nobles could take part. There was a second, smaller one for sorcerers - one Merlin vehemently refused to take part in - and those fights always left those who were watching amazed without fail. The spectacle was seen by all.

After the feast, entertainment would be performed by Camelot's own Court Sorcerer, Merlin, and everyone would smile at the sight of the night sky being lit with different colours, made by the same magic that had saved them again and again.

Even after the holiday was over, life was wonderful and prosperous for those who lived in Camelot, and even outside it, there was little crime and poverty. Arthur's era was named appropriately, and would be spoken for centuries to come; the Golden Age of chivalry, when magic existed, a the greatest warlock of time would stand by the side of the greatest King as equals, as friends.


There! Finally, complete! Almost two months... I can't believe I used to update every day xD

So, yeah, stereotypically happy ending. Arthur's kid is called Thomas, Merlin isn't looking for anyone and The Round Table peeps have found people who's names I don't know xD Including Lancelot. Who had a kid named Galahad. Who also finds the Holy Grail.

Apparently.

Or maybe not. After all, Mordred was meant to kill Arthur, but he's pushing up daisies now (I wish! )

So, really hope you liked that story! :D Special thanks to Stripysockz and BeckyBoo12221 who keep reviewing almost every chapter I release. Also to TheRandomOneStaringAtYou for their review of every chapter of this story – wouldn't mind if you headed over to my others ;D And thanks to all my other reviewers too :3

Thanks for sticking around guys :3 If you want to read more of my other works, feel free to (Shameless self advertisement – everyone does it xD)

Review = love.

EDIT: There! I re wrote it :D Back to updating other stories X3