We've reached the end. This chapter's longer than the others, and I hope you like it.


"I have magic," Merlin admitted quietly.

Arthur raised a brow, "Don't be ridiculous, Merlin."

Had he been hit in the head?

"I'm not being ridiculous," Merlin insisted.

"Merlin, you're not a sorcerer. I would know," Arthur said. God, that sword to the stomach really hurt.

"I use it for you, Arthur," Merlin said, face scrunching up with tears.

Arthur seemed sceptical so Merlin turned to the fire and created a small dragon out of the flames. He turned to Arthur as if to say 'see?' but the King looked shell-shocked.

"All this time, you've lied to me," Arthur's brows knitted together, "who knew?"

"My mother and Gaius. Lancelot found out. Will from Ealdor. Aggravaine before I killed him…Uther when you brought him back," Merlin listed quietly.

Arthur blinked. He'd killed Aggravaine?

"Mordred," Merlin continued, "from the very beginning, and-"

"Morgana," Arthur practically spat, "you told her?"

"I was under a spell, Arthur," Merlin said desperately, "I would never betray you or Camelot."

That much wasn't a lie. He was still not himself when he blurted out his secret.

"Leave me," Arthur commanded, turning his body away from him. It was a bit difficult to do as he was slumped against a log.

"Arthur," Merlin said quietly.

"Go, Merlin," he said harshly.

Merlin stood and slunk over to his spot. Gaius had gone to collect more firewood, and Gwen and the knights were safe in Camelot. The battle was over. He'd saved them, but Arthur lay dying, Mordred was dead, and Morgana was who knows where.

Where was she?


Gaius thought it was a lost cause to try and get Arthur to Avalon to heal him. Merlin had to try anyway. Gaius had told Arthur how important Merlin was, and Arthur seemed to listen. Arthur was the Once and Future King, and his friend. Slowly, but surely, he had come to accept that Merlin had magic, and it felt like a weight had been lifted off of Merlin's shoulders.

"You cheated," Arthur said, realising that magic is what nearly tripped him up when they had fought all those years ago.

"You were going to kill me," Merlin tried to smile.

"All this time and you never asked for any recognition," Arthur said, sounding nearly affectionate.

"Not why I did it," Merlin attempted a smile. He couldn't though, when his friend was near death.

Arthur was growing paler by the minute, and they still had to cross the lake to Avalon.

"Well, well, well," came a taunting voice, "look who we have here."

Damn. Why did she always seem to pop up from out of nowhere? He had wanted to find her alone, so they could talk like civilised people.

"Morgana," Arthur greeted his sister, "I s'pose congratulations are in order?"

Merlin looked between the two Pendragons, his heart beating mile a minute.

"You think I wanted this, Arthur?" Morgana said in a low voice, "we grew up together. I cared for you."

"You have a funny way of showing it. You used to be so sweet," Arthur shook his head, trying not to let the pain mar his voice.

"Until everyone I held dear turned their backs on me. You don't know what it's like to be afraid of being hated for who you are," Morgana shook her head.

Arthur glanced between Merlin and Morgana. He was Uther Pendragon's son, the son of the man who started a war on magic. Of course she'd be afraid, Merlin too.

"I would have accepted you," Arthur said.

"Would you have?" Morgana snarled.

"Eventually," Arthur said, turning his gaze to Merlin.

Morgana gave a bitter laugh, "Of course. Now you know why you're not dead yet. Your precious Merlin keeps saving you."

"Morgana," Merlin's voice was soft, "it's over."

"No," she shook her head, still looking at Arthur, "I hate you."

"I deserve it. I should have stopped father from killing innocents. But you're no saint either, Morgana. You killed, too," Arthur said quietly.

"No, I'm a High Priestess," Morgana's lips quirked into a hint of a smile.

Arthur closed his eyes, "Before I die, I beg your forgiveness. Truce?" he asked.

"Arthur, what-?" Merlin said in confusion.

Morgana remained quiet, surprised by the offer. Arthur outstretched his hand to shake hers, and Morgana wondered if it was all a trick.

"Arthur, no. You can't die. It's your destiny to bring about peace in Albion and legalise magic!" Merlin tried to step between them.

Morgana whirled around to face him, eyes dark. More things kept from her.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"The Great Dragon, Kilgarrah, told me it was my destiny to protect Arthur so he could bring magic back to the kingdom," Merlin said.

"More secrets," Morgana laughed, bitter taste on her tongue, "how do you know it wasn't his way of wiping out the Pendragon line?"

Merlin looked baffled, as if he'd never even considered that. Kilgarrah had been a friend, though. A cryptic, vague friend.

Arthur snorted, "I'm not even surprised anymore."

The two siblings shared a moment of camaraderie, and Arthur cleared his throat.

"Morgana, I said once I'd sacrifice my place on the throne to see you live another sunrise. I stand by that," he said.

He clutched his stomach in pain and Merlin rushed to his side. Morgana looked at the two of them, lost. Had he really said that? Was her quest for vengeance all for naught?

"We must get him to Avalon at once," Morgana said decidedly. Merlin and Arthur stared at her, stunned.

She looked at Merlin, "Get him up."

Merlin helped Arthur to his feet, and Morgana held Arthur's other arm. She tried to smile at her brother, and Merlin felt his chest constrict.

They placed Arthur in the boat, and squeezed in next to him.

"Morgana," Merlin said quietly.

"We'll talk later, Merlin," she said, eyes focused on the island in the distance.

She could live and die peacefully knowing Arthur was safe. If it was his destiny, so be it. Had she known, maybe she wouldn't have been so angry at him and Uther and everyone. Maybe. She liked to think she hadn't been too far gone at one point. Had she known, she might've helped Arthur and Merlin so people with magic could live freely and peacefully. This was the only thing she could now to help those with magic now that her army had been decimated.

Avalon was the place where all things produced themselves. The fields there had no need of the ploughs of the farmers and all cultivation was lacking except what nature provides. The ground of its own accord produces everything instead of merely grass, and people live there a hundred years or more. Some called it the afterlife, or land between worlds, a bit like the Isle of the Blessed. It was where life and death met, where the injured healed, or where lost souls went to rest. It was the only place Arthur could be saved.

"Couldn't Aithusa heal him?" Morgana asked softly, "she saved me once."

"You weren't stabbed with a sword forged in dragonfire," Merlin answered. If only saving Arthur would've been that easy.

The boat hit the shore, and Morgana got out first.

"I summon the sisters of Avalon and beseech them to help my brother, King Arthur," Morgana said regally.

Merlin helped Arthur up, but the King's eyes were lidded and his breathing was laboured.

Eight women wearing flowing dresses and robes appeared: Moronoe, Mazoe, Gliten, Glitonea, Gliton, Tyronoe, Thiten and Thiton.

"Arthur Pendragon is no friend to the Old Religion," the first one, Moronoe said.

"He is destined to bring peace, allowing all people to live without fear of persecution," Merlin said, trying to convince them.

"Emrys," one of them, a redhead by the name of Gliten smiled, "trying so hard to fulfill his destiny."

Morgana scowled, "You may be the sisters of Avalon but I am the last High Priestess in the mortal realm. Save Arthur, and magic will be restored to all the lands in Albion."

Tyronoe, the blonde, smiled.

"We know," she said, stepping aside to let them through.

Morgana and Merlin exchanged a glance. Had they just ensured their help and Arthur's life?


Arthur sat on his horse on the way back to Camelot. Morgana was seated on Merlin's horse, and Merlin walked alongside them. Arthur cast a look to his sister and manservant. They had saved him. Magic wasn't evil. Uther was wrong. It was Uther who had hardened Morgana's heart. If he had accepted her, she wouldn't have been so hurt and crazed…and oh God he remembered what Sarrum had done to her. He almost allied himself with the man who tortured his sister. It would take time to for them to get past their issues, but he was willing to try if she was.

Merlin kept glancing at Morgana. It had been Arthur who saved her by accepting her, and she in turn saved Arthur. He really had nothing to do with it. Merlin had seen her kind, generous side when he was doing her bidding (amongst other things) so he knew she wasn't too far-gone. By showing her kindness and friendship, he had saved her, or at least softened her heart for Arthur to get through to her. It was just one big cycle of saving. Her brother's acceptance was the first step to helping her.

Morgana veered the horse to the left, and Arthur glanced at her.

"Camelot's the other way," he told his sister.

"I'm not going back," Morgana blinked, "I'll be home."

"Camelot is your home," Arthur said decidedly, "you'll return with us."

"Do you think your people would accept a murderous sorceress back with open arms?" Morgana scowled.

"Those people loved you more than me once, and will do so again," Arthur said with such certainty Morgana thought he'd lost his mind.

"On one condition," Morgana said.

"Name it," Arthur nodded.

"I'm imprisoned first for my crimes," Morgana said.

"Morgana, no," Merlin stopped walking and stared at her, "you've paid enough."

"We've all paid," Arthur said quietly, "name another condition."

She licked her lip, "I must be punished."

"We could put you in the stocks and throw vegetables at you," Merlin suggested, remembering his first day in Camelot.

Morgana laughed, a genuine, happy laugh. Merlin's heart swelled.

"I must apologise to Gwen, to the knights," Morgana choked back more laughter and turned serious, "I've caused so much destruction."

She had made Gwaine fight her men with a wooden sword. She kept them hungry, starved. She tried to kill Gwen, she shot arrows at innocent people. She was certainly Uther Pendragon's daughter.

"No more than Uther," Merlin rolled his eyes, walking along once more.

"Fine, different condition," Morgana shook her head, "you make Merlin Court Sorcerer. You'd be dead a thousand times over without him."

"Done," Arthur said easily, surprising both sorcerers.

"Morgana can be Court High Priestess, then," Merlin suggested.

She smiled softly at Merlin, "I don't think they'd trust me."

"They will," Merlin assured her.


This was how it was supposed to be. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere sat on their thrones, pardoning Morgana for her war crimes.

The court watched in amazement as the High Priestess grew teary eyed. She wore a simple blue dress without the finery and silk of her old outfits, but she looked more like the Lady Morgana they knew and loved. Her hair had been brushed and hung down her back in loose curls. A small, simple circlet of silver flowers rested atop her head. It didn't match the beauty of the King and Queen's crowns, but she didn't want it to. She was never meant to be a Queen, or a princess.

"Thank you, my lord, my lady. I am sorry," Morgana knelt before them.

"Welcome back, Morgana," Gwen smiled at her old friend, and Morgana smiled back. Everyone deserved a second chance, after all. Gwen was still concerned, but Morgana's words had been simple and heartfelt. She believed her. When she stood in front of the court she didn't see a High Priestess hellbent on destruction, or the Lady Morgana. She saw her friend, Morgana, Gorlois's daughter.

Morgana took a breath. Good God, she had tried to kill Gwen, sweet, lovely Gwen. Merlin looked at her with those blue eyes and she lost it then and there.

Her shoulders wracked with silent sobs, and Merlin rushed to her side.

"Shh, it's okay," Merlin whispered, pulling her away from the prying eyes and curiosity of the court, "we're all okay now."

They left the throne room, hiding in the alcove. Morgana cried freely. High Priestesses cried, after all.

"I'm a monster," Morgana clutched Merlin's shirt in her hand and cried into his chest.

His hand ran up and down her back soothingly. The softness of the satin and cotton felt different under his fingers than the rough spun dresses she wore in her exile.

"You're not," Merlin soothed.

"I'm filled with hate and contempt and rage," she laughed sadly.

"No," Merlin backed away and lifted her chin so she looked him in the eye, "you saved me. You saved Arthur. You saved an entire kingdom."

"I only did it so I could practice freely," Morgana bit her lip. Her, and other magic users. She'd lost sight of that when she wanted the throne.

"Bull," Merlin smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Morgana moved her hands to his shoulders and stood on her toes. She kissed him and Merlin grinned.

"This is improper, my lady. Anyone could see us," Merlin said quietly.

"Shut up, Merlin," Morgana tried not to smile.

He pulled away, "Arthur's going to proclaim me Court Sorcerer."

"Your destiny's fulfilled," Morgana smiled.

"Yeah, it is," he took her hand and squeezed it.

They walked back into the throne room, hiding in the corner, fingers still intertwined.

"Merlin," Arthur called him over.

Merlin reluctantly let go of Morgana's hand, and she nodded, urging him to go.

"My lord," Merlin bowed in front of him.

"I proclaim you, Merlin, known as Emrys to the Druids, as Court Sorcerer and Advisor," Arthur said, smiling at his friend.

Gwen, too was smiling, as if she had known all along. Merlin wouldn't have been surprised if she had.

Gaius clapped his hands together out of pride, and the Gwaine took up the applause. Percival, Elyan, and Leon joined in, and soon the court did. They all liked Merlin well enough. They were surprised when the King announced Merlin was a sorcerer who had been keeping Arthur safe for all these years, but they accepted it.

Merlin's gaze travelled to Morgana, who was clapping, small smile on her face.


It had been nearly two months. For two months Merlin had been sneaking from his room at Gaius's (because he didn't want to live in the castle, thank you very much) to Morgana's chambers late at night. Some habits were hard to break. Eventually, word got to the servants who tittered about and cast him knowing glances, but they knew better than to inform the King, or so Merlin hoped.

Morgana had been isolating herself. Every time she would walk in the palace or outside she'd be assaulted with images of the destruction she had caused. She confined herself to her old chambers, which were surprisingly untouched. Her dresses were in her wardrobe, her vanity the way it looked the last she'd seen it. Even the room smelled the same.

There was a knock on the door and she opened it.

Merlin stood before her, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet.

"My lady," he greeted with a small grin.

Morgana peered into the corridors, then grabbed Merlin, pulling him inside. She pulled on his stupid brown jacket (why he wouldn't accept the new clothes fitting of Advisor she didn't know) and tossed it to the floor.

"Whoa," Merlin put his hands up in surrender, "I came here to talk."

"Talk fast, then," Morgana crossed her arms.

Dammit she was wearing her nightdress, all thin and gauzy and silky.

"You rarely leave this room," Merlin started.

She raised a brow, "Neither do you."

"Yes, and Arthur now insists on a wedding because of the servants' idle gossip," Merlin rolled his eyes, "but that's not the point."

Morgana wrinkled her nose. Arthur may be the King but she still wielded more power in her pinky than all his knights combined.

"Merlin," Morgana pouted.

"You shouldn't coop yourself up. I know you're trying to punish yourself since Arthur and Gwen won't, but you've paid the price, already. You don't have to prove anything," Merlin said softly, and kissed her cheek.

"I killed people, Merlin," she shook her head. She had to wake up and deal with that at all times.

"Me too," Merlin said, "and I carry the guilt every day. That doesn't mean we stop living."

Morgana looked over his shoulder.

"Maybe I should stop," Morgana mumbled, "I've caused too much trouble. I'm evil. Who's to know I won't…"

Merlin held the sides of her face with both hands, forcing her to look at him.

"I am not going to lose you, not again. You're not evil, I know you're not," Merlin pressed his forehead to hers.

"But-" she tried to protest.

"No. Evil is made, not born. Circumstances made you lose sight of that, but you're good, Morgana, I know you are," Merlin said quietly.

Morgana shook her head and took a step back.

"No," she whispered.

"Damn it, I love you," Merlin confessed loudly, leaving Morgana silent. "I loved you when I first saw you, but you were a Lady, the King's ward, and I could never…" he shook his head, "and then you told me you had magic and I wanted so badly to tell you that I did too, that you weren't alone, but everything, everyone kept telling me you were evil. I tried to tell them you weren't, that you had a good heart. If I hadn't pushed you away…" he looked at her, lost.

"If you hadn't pushed me away I still might've turned up like this," Morgana said in a small voice, "there's no certainties."

Merlin let out a small laugh, "I hated you when you kidnapped me. The first time. But not really, I don't think I could ever really hate you. And now, now I'm in love with you. I know you. I know you crinkle your nose when you don't get your way, and that you close yourself off because you want to seem strong. You are strong. Please, Morgana, just let me love you."

Morgana stayed quiet. Merlin's heart started to hurt because she wouldn't even look at him. He'd ruined it. Him and his stupid feelings had ruined everything. She mumbled something, and Merlin couldn't hear.

"I love you," she murmured in a low, soft voice, "I…I kidnapped you because I hated you. I wanted to kill you, but I couldn't bring myself to."

She took a breath. Merlin knew how that felt. How many times had he not been able to go through with killing her? Did she just admit she loved him? He must be dreaming.

"I thought the enchantment was the only way to have a friend, to not be alone anymore. I never planned to fall in love with you. I'm in love with you, Merlin, and it scares me. I was terrified you'd hurt me, or that you'd die. I'm still terrified. I'm not Arthur's only enemy, you know. You protect him, but who'll protect you?"

Her eyes welled with tears, and she blinked them away. She couldn't cry, not now.

"You don't have to be afraid. I know you'll protect me. I'm here. I'll always be here," Merlin inched closer to her.

Morgana hugged him close to her, and he let out a breath of relief. They were both broken, but they could help fix each other. It would take some time to heal all wounds, but they could do it.


So, we've reached the end. Thank you so, so much for reading, following, favoriting and reviewing. It means a great deal to me that people like this. I'm in the midst of writing (another) modern AU at the moment, but won't be posting til it's essentially finished. I don't know how long that will take, but I'm just putting it out there.

Once again, thank you for your support and lovely reviews.