Epilogue:

(five years later)

King Arthur Pendragon stood next to Guinevere, his wife and queen, and looked proudly at the garden the fairies and elves had build and gifted him. They were standing on the balcony and watched their two children, a boy and a girl, playing with Merlin's son. At the thought of his companion, the King's heart felt heavy. Five years ago, they had travelled towards Avalon with Merlin's body being carried by Kilgharrah. The warlock's body had been placed in a small wooden boat, which Morgana had set aflame and Balinor and Freya had pushed it to swim towards the island. Magical creatures, knights and people had been gathered. Many had shed tears and even the sky had wept the loss of one of the greatest people the earth has ever wandered.

"Arthur," Gwen's voice broke through his dark thoughts.

"Yes, my love?"

She looked accusingly at him. Arthur sighed, there was nothing he could keep from his wife. "Let us go down," and the King nodded his agreement.

The children were wildly running around, chasing each other and playing a game. Apparently Igraine, the older of the siblings, was the brave queen in distress, Myrddin had to play the knight in shining armour because his sister told him to and Balin was the great wizard, who protected his queen. It had been a sweet gesture of Freya to name her son similar to his grandfather, but then again, Arthur had more or less done the same. His daughter was named after her deceased grandmother and Myrddin was the original form of Merlin. Gwen had come up with the name and the King would deny that tears had started to form in his eyes at the idea.

Arthur spotted the great dragon lazily lounging under the shade of dome big trees, probably dozing and with Freya and Morgana sitting close by. They seemed to work on something related to cloth, but the King was not quite sure. Balinor was playing with the children. He had been declared the villain and the older male had succumbed to his fate with a sigh. He was currently duelling Myrddin and dodged the attack of his wooden sword only to be hit by Balin's magic. The boy definitely had inherited his father's gift, but he was not yet able to cause any damage. That or Balinor had taught him a few things. With a scream the long haired dragon lord fell down to his knees.

"You will pay for this," he growled playfully and lunged forward, sending his captured grandson into a fit of giggles. Of course Myrddin immediately came to his rescue and once again Arthur was reminded of his old friend.

He still could not believe that it had been five years since Merlin had died in his arms. In this time a lot has changed in Camelot, in the mind of the people and in Albion. The kingdoms were starting to accept each other and they worked together against a new threat that was spotted on the horizon. Balinor and Kilgharrah had spotted a fleet of ship at the coast of Albion during one of their patrols and the fleet was soon to be identified as an enemy who planned on conquering new land. They had not made any move yet, which was probably due to the fact that the great dragon had threatened them with his fire, but the blonde King had a certain feeling every time his thoughts turned towards those new enemies.

"My Lord," a voice suddenly said and all eyes, including the dragon's, turned to look at Gaius, who was running gasping towards his King.

"Gaius, has something happened?" Arthur asked worried.

The panting man shook his head, "You have to see this. Come, all of you." The present exchanged worried glances, but then they started moving. Balinor fetched his grandson, who clung to his beloved grandfather's neck. Myrddin was picked up by Arthur and Igraine wanted to be carried by Gaius, who complained about being too old for this.

"What's the matter?" Gwen inquired, when they reached their destination atop the castle's fall. Gaius just motioned downwards, where a lonely rider was waiting.

"He will not speak to any of us," one of the guards explained, "He wished to speak to the King only." Arthur nodded in understanding and gave Myrddin to Gwen.

"Who are you and what's your business here in Camelot?" the King asked but not unkindly.

"King Arthur Pendragon," the slimy voice of the man sounded. Only now did Arthur spot the symbol of the man's shield. He was one of the men, who had been spotted and threatened by Kilgharrah and Balinor. The blonde motioned for Gwen to take the children and to go, leaving only him, Gaius and Balinor behind. "I am here to deliver the words of my king."

"Speak then," the blonde exchanged worried glances with the two older males at his side.

"King Avery asks you to surrender you castle and estates to him. Many lives could be spared if you would just surrender and you should be certain, that not even your pity dragon will be able to stop us. We possess many powerful sorcerers of our own."

Before either man on the wall could reply anything, a new and all too familiar voice disrupted the conversation. "Many powerful sorcerers you said? What about warlocks?"

Irritated the brunette in his white armour turned his grey stallion to look for the newcomer. "And who might that be?"

The newcomer bowed slightly, "My name would be... Merlin. Your 'many powerful sorcerers' however, will probably know me better under the name of Emrys," the male's eyes shone with hidden mirth.

"What status do you have in this kingdom?" the slimy voice asked, completely oblivious to whom he was speaking.

"Merlin would be my court magician," the King provided. The knight gazed up at the blonde, who looked all too smugly for the brunette's liking.

"What shall I tell my king?" the knight inquired eventually.

"Tell him, that I do not care for the number of his men. Camelot will not surrender and you will find that no kingdom in Albion will."

The brunette grimaced and then shot Merlin a dangerous and angry look as if it were his fault that King Arthur had not simply surrendered, "You will regret this decision!" and with that he rode away.

"Lower the gates!" the King ordered and the three males immediately ran down.

The young warlock was engulfed into a pair of strong arms as soon as he had dismounted from his riding animal. The King was secretly surprised that Balinor had moved that quickly despite his age. Merlin was apparently surprised as well, for he hesitated before returning the embrace. It was an endearing sight of father and son embracing each other like this, but Arthur felt not one ounce of jealously. He had his two children after all and Igraine and Myrddin definitely made up for Uther's lack of warmness.

Next in line was Gaius, who hugged the returned warlock just as enthusiastic as Balinor had. And finally it was Arthur's turn. He simply grabbed the thinner male's arm, Merlin had wanted to bow in a mock greeting, and crushed the warlock against his chest.

"You have been missed," stated the King.

"And you too." No more words were needed for now.

After what seemed like an eternity the two men parted again. "How?" the blonde asked and dragged the warlock behind him through the busy and rather clean streets of Camelot. The little group easily dodged and avoided the busy people and the full market stands during their brief journey to Camelot's heart.

"I don't know," Merlin answered and Arthur could see the honesty in his words, "Magic probably."

Arthur shook his head at that. "I am just happy to have you back, my son," Balinor stated and Merlin edged closer to the long haired man's side, who threw and arm over his shoulders. Gaius too had a hand on the warlock's lower back.

Arthur, who had slowed his steps to walk beside Balinor, said, "Did you just... woke up?"

"You could say that," the warlock hesitated, "It took me a moment to realise that I was in the crystal cave, a place where all magic is born." He had added the last part for Arthur, "I don't even know how much time has passed since... well... I only know that I am needed in Albion again and somehow I have the feeling I already met the reason."

His three companions nodded. "Five years," Gaius provided and he continued at the inquisitive look Merlin sent him, "It has been five years since you died."
Merlin swallowed audible and he even paled, "Freya and my child?"

"His name is Balin," this time it was Balinor who answered.

"He and Freya have stayed in the castle, near Gwen and my quarters."

"Your and Gwen's quarters?" Merlin asked confused, "Why do I have the feeling that I have a lot of catching up to do?"

"Well," Arthur started, but he was interrupted by a yell. "Merlin!" Freya's voice could be heard from afar and the blonde King guessed that questions could be asked later, just as their answers could be given later. For now, it was just important that Merlin had returned to his rightful place in their midst and from the look of it, Arthur was not the only one who thought so.

I am partly relieved and partly sad that this is the last chapter of my Merlin fanfiction. I would like to thank all my readers and reviewers. I would likely not have made it this far without your support. So, thank you! :)

I hope you will find the Epilogue to your liking as well and who knows, maybe we will read again in another fanfiction! ;)