Disclaimer: IDOM
Chapter 20: Of Speeches and Revelations
This is why we do it, this is worth the pain
This is why we bow down and get back up again
This is where the heart lies, this is from above
Love is this, this is love
Love is why we do it; love is worth the pain
Love is why we fall down, get back up again
Love is where the heart lies love is from above
Love is this, this is love
- The Script 'This Is Love'
Dinner was excellent; everyone had a good time as they finally got acquainted with each other. Considering everything that had happened recently, they all needed a good time, a stressless time. It was good to relax and laugh it all off.
It started off with just basic information; the Knight's backgrounds, how everyone had been, what exactly happened after Merlin had left Ealdor in a rush of wind.
"What happened?" Hunith asked her son, her blue eyes wide and her voice losing that ever present softness and patience as her instinctual motherly concern took over. They had just finished the real explanation and to say that Hunith was a bit concerned was an understatement. "Merlin! Are you sure you're alright?"
Merlin lovingly took his mother's hand in between his own. "Yes mother, I'm fine," he stressed. "Kilgharrah just said it might hurt a little for a little while, like a regular bolt would but otherwise I'm perfectly healthy, I promise."
The others at the table watched the exchange with small, endearing grins on their faces. They might not have known Hunith long, but it was like they'd known each other for years. She was just that kind of person; very open and very kind. They could already tell she was always worried about her only son and it was rather heartwarming.
Hunith gave her son a skeptical look, searching for the glint in his eye that said he wasn't telling her the whole truth. She knew that Merlin would never lie to her but he would stretch or try to hide the whole truth from her to protect her, mainly from worrying. When she couldn't find it she squeezed her son's hand and nodded, turning back to her food.
Merlin grinned as the crinkles that Hunith got along her brow whenever she was worried disappeared. It was nice to have such a mother as Hunith; loving, kind, concerned, and Merlin was grateful, but he also liked it when she was less worried than usual and took pride in it when he could help her, like now.
Gwaine grinned as he spoke up, "So, who does everyone think 'Emrys' is now?"
Everyone snickered as their smiles grew. It happened to be a point of amusement as the servants spread the news that the infamous 'Emrys' had been protecting Camelot and that he'd been living in the same place for who knows how long. They'd been right when they said there'd be speculation; everyone was guessing who this sorcerer would be.
Some of the smarter servants had even known that he'd of had to been close to the King for a while based on how strongly the King had defended the man during the council meeting. No one had got a good look at this 'Emrys' when he'd come to heal Arthur's father but they'd connected it to the same sorcerer who'd put a love spell on both Arthur and Gwen years ago. It was obvious to them now that he'd used some sort of spell to keep his identity hidden, and that newer rumor had nothing to do with Percival and Gwaine up to their old tricks while helping the other rumors spread.
So, at first, everyone had thought it might be Sir Leon given his history with the Druids and how he'd always managed to survive through everything; first with the dragon attack, then twice with the Immortal Army, and then a whole slew of other times. Leon himself had gotten a kick out of this, laughing quietly when he'd pass a group of servants that would instantly snap their jaws shut when he passed. In about an hour, though, they'd all gotten over Leon, saying it couldn't be him because of his past of growing up as a royal; there was no way he'd have been able to study magic in Camelot.
The next person they'd gossiped about was Gwaine. He was the troublemaker of the group, but would that make him this sorcerer? He wasn't a noble, as far as anyone knew, and had only come to Camelot a few years ago, giving him ample time to study magic. But then they thought that he was too handsome to be a scruffy, sharp-tongued old sorcerer, even in disguise, right?
They hadn't really dwelled on the Percival or Elyan really being Emrys, largely because Percy was, well, too...large, and they didn't think the brother of the Queen would be a sorcerer, many of them had known him as a child before he'd left Camelot.
Then there was the King's servant, Merlin. He'd always been close to the King, saving his life the first week he'd been in Camelot. Could he be this Emrys? Like Leon, he's always managed to survive through impossible situations, even being kidnapped by mercenaries and coming home scotch free. And there was the fact that he was the physician's ward and apprentice, the same physician who'd always had knowledge of magic, advising King Uther on such subjects regularly. Surely the boy had the opportunity to study such books, right?
But no, the boy was too scrawny. How much power could he hold in his slim form? Merlin himself walked into one such conversation on his way to fetch his and the King's dinner from the kitchen. He'd heard most of the conversation from behind the corner he was hiding behind until he almost couldn't hold back a loud laugh when the conversation turned to how it couldn't possibly be him.
So, not wanting to give himself away, he quietly backed away and found a small alcove along the wall and sank to the floor, drawing his knees against his chest and laying his head against his bony knees and proceeded to try and stifle his laughter. This was how Gwaine had found him not two minutes later and thinking that Merlin was crying with the way his shoulders shook, seriously asked what was wrong and what had happened. Merlin had raised his head, and quickly covered his own mouth with his hand to stop himself from laughing again.
Gwaine had given him a highly confused look and Merlin explained what had happened, which resulted in Gwaine hooting with laughter himself in the middle of the corridor which only made Merlin laugh harder. After a few moments, with both wiping tears out of their eyes from laughing too hard and with aching guts they parted ways, Merlin heading towards the kitchen once more and Gwaine headed to...wherever Gwaine went. Though right now it was a good guess that he was headed off to tell the Knight's the servant's newest rumors.
After that, everyone had speculated it was their own Court Physician, Gaius. He'd used to practice magic and he was very close to the King; a second father some would say. He was the logical choice to be this Emrys right?
"I think their sticking with Gaius as Emrys," Merlin laughed.
Gaius groaned and rolled his eyes. "I can't even walk down a corridor without someone staring at me. It's all very odd."
Everyone laughed and was soon taking drinks of their wine to help their throats, their stomachs beginning to ache. Then the broached a more serious subject.
"So...tomorrow's the big day," Arthur stated, a hint of sobriety edging his voice as he ran his hand through his dirty blond hair.
Merlin's face took on a nervous smile as butterflies took flight in his stomach. Tomorrow was the big day; the day he'd been working so hard for, the day he'd always dreamed of. How could he not be nervous about being there for it? It seems as though you're always nervous when you finally see your dreams fulfilled, kind of ironic.
"Yep," Merlin answered shortly.
Arthur smirked, of course Merlin was nervous. Gwen gave him an encouraging smile while Hunith took his hand with a smile of her own.
"You'll do fine Merlin," Hunith said resolutely.
"Yeah!" Gwaine threw in, "Think of it, tomorrow you'll be Court Sorcerer and First Advisor to the King."
The group snickered while Merlin felt a blush creeping up his neck. "Thanks, Gwaine," he replied sarcastically but with a smirk on his own face, "that helps so much."
Hunith squeezed her son's hand, smiling proudly. "Merlin, you'll do fine. I promise."
Merlin looked at his mother and nodded appreciatively.
Arthur smiled and squeezed Guinevere's hand, earning him a squeeze and a smile back. Around his mother, Merlin seemed completely stress-free, even now. It was hard not to be carefree with Hunith; it was as if she just melted your worries away, and now that Arthur knew just how much stress Merlin was constantly under, he was glad to see a genuine smile on his face now, no matter how short of a time it would be for.
The rest of the night they talked about anything and nothing at all and pretty soon Merlin found himself walking his mother to her guest chambers after saying goodnight to everyone. His boots clicked along the floor as he walked with his arm rubbing against his mother's shoulder.
"Arthur was talking about adding a hat to the whole 'Court Sorcerer' costume," Merlin remarked.
Hunith giggled thinking of the story from the time Arthur had had Merlin wear a hat to a feast for Bayard and how much Merlin had hated it. "And what did you say?"
Merlin grinned mischievously, a devious sparkle in his eyes. "I told him I'd make him lose all his hair before he's able to get that hat on my head."
Hunith laughed outright, but still managed to slap her son's arm. "Merlin!"
He only laughed with her, his teeth showing and his eyes crinkling with the effect of his smile. "Gwen's supposed to drop off the cloak tomorrow morning before the announcement."
"She's such a good girl," Hunith smiled approvingly. They'd finally reached Hunith's chambers and were standing outside the doors. Merlin nodded as his smile wavered.
"What wrong?" Hunith said concerned, placing her open hand against the side of his face.
Merlin shook his head. "Just...tomorrow. I'm nervous is all."
Hunith gave her son an endearing smirk. Merlin was always nervous about something or other. "Tomorrow is your day, Merlin. You have nothing to be nervous about. All your friends will be there to support you. You deserve this...more than anyone. Oh, you've grown so much my son. Your father would be so proud of you."
Merlin pulled his mother into his arms as her eyes began to water, a lump in his own throat. He held her tight as she returned the tight hug proud of her son. Then she pulled away and swiped at her eyes.
"You need to get some sleep for tomorrow," Hunith told her son, taking on her motherly role again.
Merlin smirked and nodded, pulling his mother into one last hug. "Goodnight, Mother," he said, pulling away.
She smiled and kissed the crown of his head. "Goodnight, my son."
The morning came quicker than Merlin would have liked and he found himself being gently shaken awake by his guardian.
"Come on, Merlin, today's the big day!" he sang happily.
Merlin groaned and rolled over, his legs hiding under the warm blankets, his white shirted torso exposed. He pulled the blankets up to his shoulder only to have Gaius speak up again.
"Merlin! Come on, Guinevere's going to be here soon!"
Merlin groaned again, but still threw his covers off and sat up, all with his eyes closed. He ran his hand through his raven black hair, making it stick up in the front before both of his hands roved to his eyes, his palms grinding his eyes until they opened to reveal a beautiful set of ocean colored eyes. He reached out with both arms and stretched, letting out a wide yawn.
"That never gets old," a new voice said.
Merlin's newly opened eyes, brighter than usual from just waking up, swirled around to find his mother leaning against his doorframe. She wore one of her regular dresses this time, a light blue with a braided brown belt. Her eyes were happy and sad at the same time while she rested one arm around her waist and the other hand against her collarbone.
"Oh," Merlin said smiling, his voice kind of horse from sleep, "good morning."
Hunith chuckled lightly. "Good morning. Sleep well?"
"Surprisingly."
"Not surprisingly," Gaius added, folding his hands in front of him with a grin on his face, "I slipped a sleeping draught into your wine last night."
"Gaius!" Merlin scolded. It seemed like Gaius was drugging everyone nowadays just so they could get a good night's sleep...well, him and Arthur anyway. Both were grateful nevertheless. Especially considering the butterflies that had been in Merlin's stomach the night before; he probably wouldn't have gotten any sleep if it hadn't been for Gaius...though, know that he thought about it,...he should have at least suspected something like this.
Hunith laughed and suddenly Gwen was standing behind her with a bag in her hand. "I'm here!"
"Oh, good morning, Gwen," Hunith said, embracing her.
"Morning, Hunith," Gwen smiled, returning the gesture. She did the same with Gaius before giving Merlin a hug as well, not caring that he was still in his pajamas, that was just how they were.
"Come along, Hunith, you can help me make breakfast," Gaius suggested.
Hunith have her son one last endearing smile before following her uncle out the door, shutting it behind her as her footsteps echoed down the steps.
Guinevere sat on the bed next to Merlin, setting the bag beside her as she folded her lavender skirts underneath her. She was wearing a slimming ankle length dress that looked as if it was made partially of silk. The shoulders were slightly puffed out and had a decorative strip of material at her low neckline, at the ends of the puffed up sleeves, and then at her wrists. A decorative silver belt and two sections of her hair crisscrossing her head completed the look and made her look every bit of the Queen she was. Merlin felt completely bland in his dingy white sleeping clothes.
Gwen smiled brightly, bringing the bag she had carried in onto her lap. It was a plain leather bag, made with new quality leather. "This," she said, "is for you."
Merlin grinned as he took it into his lap, it was so like Gwen. "What's in it?" He asked with glee. It obviously had more than a few things packed into it.
Gwen laughed at his childish excitement. "Open it," she encouraged.
He flipped open the lid to see a light blue bundle of cloth covering the top layer. He quickly set the bag between him and Gwen as he gently pulled out the bundle. He unraveled it to reveal that it was a light blue colored tunic, obviously made of very fine material. Merlin gaped as he evaluated the piece of clothing. The material was tightly knit and smooth to the touch, simple yet elegant.
Merlin looked up happily at Gwen to thank her, only to have her giggle slightly at his expression and say, "There's more..."
Merlin set the tunic down on his bed and looked into the brown leather bag again. Next, he found a section of cloth, grey, probably made more out of silk than anything else and instantly knew it was a new neckerchief. His were all getting old and moth ridden. He knew, and apparently Gwen had too, that he'd be needing to get a new one soon.
"For today," Gwen smiled. "Now, Arthur can't complain if you're wearing one fit for a king anyway."
Merlin laughed and set it on top of the new tunic and then unfolded a black bundle of cloth; new trousers. Gwen just gave him a whole new outfit for today didn't she? He examined the new trousers and discovered that they were made of the same material that Arthur's own breeches were made out of. Right beneath that he found a long leather belt, a new brown jacket, and a brand new pair of knee-high boots. He was already giddy with glee when Gwen announced something.
"One more thing," she said ominously.
Merlin grinned wider with anticipation as he set the trousers, belt, and boots aside. He reached into the pack one last time and brought out a giant clump of material. It was deep blue and Merlin had to stand up before he could unravel it all.
A cloak.
It was a deep midnight blue length of smooth yet rough looking cloth with bottom seams that dragged against the ground. Embroidered on the left shoulder, like any other cape or cloak from Camelot was a golden dragon poised to fly, standing out starkly against the deep blue of the cape but with a certain grace. The color of the cloak brought out his kaleidoscope eyes and his raven colored hair, matching both remarkably well.
Smiling like an idiot, he found the brooches of the cape and swung it around his body, laying the brooches against his collarbone, and finding that instead of a normal crosshatch decoration there was a special design on them; a hawk...a merlin in flight. Merlin laughed at how well the symbol fit. He clipped either side together until it hung without his assistance, deep blue against his white night clothes.
Gwen giggled happily when he twirled and the edges swung out, brushing against her skirt and the bed. He even flicked the large hood up for good measure. Smiling, Gwen stood up and helped him adjust it so that the center was just over his forehead. It cast his face into shadows and made his cheekbones look even more prominent. You could hardly see his eyes, but Guinevere was sure you'd be able to see them when they were glowing gold.
"It makes you look mysterious," Gwen remarked. "It's very becoming of you, Merlin."
Merlin just laughed as he pulled Gwen into a hug. "Thank you, Gwen. It's wonderful."
She stepped back smiling, and accepted the thanks. "I'd better let you get dressed, but I want to see how it looks before I leave." She walked to the door, her purple skirt skimming the ground and her brown hair bouncing.
Merlin laughed. "I'll be out in a minute!"
Gwen walked out the door grinning as her heels clicked on the steps. Merlin shut the door behind her and regarded his new set of clothes. Grinning wider, he stripped himself of his sleeping clothes and quickly but carefully put on his new black breeches and light blue tunic, not surprised to find that they both fit perfectly; Gwen always had been good judge at sizes regardless of how much a person had grown.
Next he fastened the belt around his skinny waist, looping the extra underneath the belt, bringing it back up, and then sliding it into the hole he made so the extra hung off center. He slipped on his boots and tucked his trousers into them. He tied his new gray neckerchief around his neck, satisfied at how it hung, and then shrugged on the brown coat. Liking how everything fit, he smiled before he once again swung the cloak around his neck, fastening the merlin brooches in front of him.
He looked in the mirror and was stunned at the transformation. Gone was the old raggedy serving boy and instead, in his place was a man who looked like royalty. Merlin smiled as he saw his face and was amused to find five o'clock shadow covering his jawline. Saying a quick spell and watching his own eyes glow gold the black stubble quickly dispersed and left only smooth pale skin. His blue eye sparkled with mirth as he centered his neckerchief and righted his hood so that it lay flat against his back. Merlin ran a hand through his unruly short black hair and flattened it against his head. He was ready.
Grinning to himself, he unlatched his door and sauntered down the steps, adjusting the sleeves of his coat until they smoothed out. He looked up and saw his mother's hand over her mouth and her eyes wide with astonishment. Gaius' eyes were amused and he had a fatherly sparkle in his eye as he set a bowl down on the table. Gwen's eyes were proud and happy as her smile widened.
"How do I look?" Merlin asked, twirling as he walked up to them.
Hunith was the first one to speak as she laid a hand on her son's face. "Very handsome," she praised, Gwen and Gaius hummed their agreement, smiling brightly. Merlin hugged her for all she was worth and thanked her.
"Does everything fit well?" Gwen asked. "Anything need fixing real fast?"
"No. Everything fits perfectly," Merlin replied. "Thanks, Gwen. Though I think I might put a few spells on it though."*
Gwen giggling, "Alright then," then turning to the woman next to her, "You're turn, Hunith." Hunith smiled at her, amused.
"What about breakfast?" Merlin asked concerned. "Have you eaten?"
Hunith sighed happily and laid a hand on her full stomach. "Don't worry, Merlin; Arthur's taking very good care of me. I had a servant knocking at my door first thing this morning carrying a whole tray full of food."
Merlin laughed, making a mental note to thank Arthur later. "Good."
Guinevere smiled and then pulled Hunith out the door, leaving Merlin and Gaius by themselves to eat their breakfast. They sat down across from each other as usual but Merlin had to sweep his cloak behind him as he sat.
"Nervous," Gaius asked with a smile as he noticed Merlin's grin falter.
Merlin himself smirked, nothing ever got past Gaius. He put his index finger up close to his thumb as he held his hand up. "Maybe a little."
The tips of Gaius' mouth turned upwards as he blinked. It wasn't a surprise that Merlin was worried, this was the day his dreams came true. "It's a completely normal reaction, Merlin."
"I know," Merlin said, taking a hesitant bite of his chicken. "But...what if something goes wrong? What if the people are opposed to it? What -"
"Merlin!" Gaius interrupted. "Everything's going to be alright, just...have faith."
Merlin took a deep, calming breath and nodded his head. Gaius was right, his friends had already got him this far.
"Eat," Gaius suggested, "you don't have much time anyway."
Merlin rolled his eyes. "That helps."
Gaius laughed and took a drink of his water.
The next half hour was a blur; finishing breakfast, going to Arthur's chambers and being praised for his new clothes, making sure Arthur was ready, meeting up with the his mother again, who was now dressed in a very regal looking purple dress, and then meeting up with the Knights as everyone took their place on the balcony that overlooked the courtyard, which was crowded with people. It seemed like there wasn't a nook or cranny that wasn't that wasn't filled, even fathers' shoulders were being filled as little ones were hoisted up. All looked up attentively at their king, only whispers being passed as they waiting for Arthur to begin.
All of Camelot must be here, Merlin thought, butterflies soaring in his stomach. He felt his mother's hand squeeze his on his right. Gaius, dressed in his favorite green robes with a long, sleeveless brown jacket, stood at his left, and then the knights splayed out on either side of them as they stood a few feet from the railing. Gwaine was right next to his mother and give Merlin an encouraging nod. Merlin grinned nervously at him, taking a deep breath as he looked ahead.
Directly in front of Merlin, standing next to the balcony railing was Arthur, looking every bit of the King he was as he held himself proudly, back erect with his chin up. He was wearing his normal chainmail, newly polished, and red cape. He had his ceremonial sword sheathed at his side and his golden crown flashing in the sunlight atop his head. He was holding hands with Guinevere who was also wearing a sparkling, though smaller, crown on top of her dark curls. She cast a glance behind her to smile at Merlin before Arthur started his speech.
"Citizens of Camelot," Arthur began. A very common opening, Gwen had helped him write this speech, Merlin didn't know what to expect this time.
"I've gathered you here today to make an announcement, as I'm sure you've all heard...an announcement regarding magic. But first let me tell you a story, the reason why my father, King Uther, feared magic, the reason for the Purge, and why I want to change these ways. My own eyes have only recently been opened thanks to a true friend here today, and I want each of you to see the reasoning behind my decision before you yourselves make your own decisions."
Here, Arthur paused to let that sink in. His bright blue eyes flickered to Merlin, who gave him a thankful and approving smirk as well as an encouraging nod, before Arthur turned to face the crowd once more.
"Anyone who was old enough to remember a time before the Great Purge remembers this kingdom as prosperous. When my father won this kingdom and freed it from its tyranny, he brought it up from its knees, rebuilding both the Camelot and her people and making this kingdom plentiful. Camelot was finally at peace. Crop stores were overflowing and her peoples living without fear, children once again playing in the streets without fear, squealing as they chased one another."
Arthur took a breath as his words painted the perfect picture.
"And in that time, magic users and non-magic users lived in harmony with one another."
Arthur couldn't hear it but the crowd gave a small collective gasp.
"In fact, one of the reasons my father was able to conquer this kingdom was because of magic."
Another gasp.
"Most of you don't remember, but for those of you who do, there was a sorceress named Nimueh who'd fought at his side, helped him claim this kingdom as his own. He had welcomed her to his court years before, befriending her, and she became one of his closest advisors aside from my mother, Queen Igraine, and Gaius, the Court Physician, his closest friend.
"But then something changed. My mother could not conceive a child, an heir for this kingdom. My father, in his desperation, turned to magic for answers, for help. He asked Nimueh for help in conceiving an heir. She explained that in order for a life to be given, a life must be taken in return. For me to live, someone had to have died. That is the price of such magic."
A gasp, this time louder, from the crowd.
"My father hadn't understood the terms, not being a magic user, or, in his desperation, ignored them, thinking the need for an heir too great. So a child, I, was conceived, and throughout my mother's pregnancy, she slowly grew weaker and weaker. As I grew stronger, she faded.
"My father, Gaius, and Nimueh all tried their hardest to help her recover, none of them knowing that the price for me was her. Nimueh might have made the deal, but at the time, she hadn't any power over who died for my sake. So, after my mother gave birth to me, she died, a life for a life, the price was paid.
"It was this, my mother's death, that begun the Great Purge. King Uther, out of his grief, turned against magic, the very thing that was the cause of my mother's death, and its users. He became dedicated to ridding the earth of it, killing hundreds of people in his unjust quest in the worst of ways, only sparring his friend Gaius, whom he made vow to give up magic.
"That act was also what brought up all these different enemies of Camelot. People, who out of grief themselves, wanted revenge for their dead loved ones. Mother's and father are killed and children left orphans, if they managed to escape. Whole families killed, not only here in this city, but also in the forest. Dozens of Druid camps were raided, their inhabitants killed, people who hadn't even known of the deal between my father and the sorceress. And their families, friends, wanted revenge. And when they tried to enact it, they too, were killed. And it began a vicious cycle of bloodshed for the past twenty five years. And then because of their want of revenge, because of this bloodshed non magic users were turned against magic, began to fear it, for the wrong reasons."
The crowd was looking at their king with avid attention, hanging on his every word as they flowed from his mouth.
"So Camelot was attacked, over and over again. But...there was one person, one sorcerer who, even though he too was hurt due to my father's actions, protected us, Camelot as a whole. And it's only because of him that Camelot still stands today. I believe this wholeheartedly. His name? Emrys."
Merlin felt a blush creeping up his neck and tears pressing against his eyes as everything slowly came together. Hunith gave him a proud smirk as a lump entered her own throat and Gaius folded his hand in Merlin's for support. The knight's all leaned forward to give him a smile and a nod, silently saying they agreed with Arthur. Gwaine even clapping him on the shoulder behind his mother's back. Merlin's joyous smile slowly widened as Arthur continued talking.
"Emrys is a sorcerer foretold by the Druids to return magic to the land after bringing it out of a dark time. He is also foretold to be the most powerful sorcerer to live or who will ever walk upon this earth, and is said to unite the lands of Albion, the land the poets speak of, alongside the Once and Future King. He has also taken up the mantle of the Last Dragonlord and is lord to the world's two known last living dragons."
The crowd gasped. Dragons? But...the last one was slain by Arthur, wasn't it? And two?
"Yes, this sorcerer, this Emrys, is who protected Camelot and her peoples through so many hardships. He's battled Camelot's enemies, both magic and non-magic users, beasts and monsters in his valiant quest to rid this kingdom of the evils which plagued it."
"When I was bitten by the Questing Beast, Emrys sought to preserve my life by giving his own. He traveled to the Isle of the Blessed and found Nimueh, who now knew of Emrys' and my own destiny as the Once and Future King. She agreed to help, drawing water from the Cup of Life, making the same life for a life deal.
"But even then, Nimueh was treacherous, she hadn't told Emrys that she couldn't take his life, because of his great future, and instead tried to take the life of his mother, and then the life of his father figure when he tried to exchange his life for Emrys' mother. There, in the end, Emrys defeated and killed Nimueh, thinking she had killed his friend. And so, indirectly, both his mother and father figure were allowed to live. A life for a life."
Arthur was trying very hard not to use Merlin's name, nor Gaius' or Hunith' but telling this particular story, it was difficult not to, and unbeknownst to him, the crowd had already begun to figure it out. Not the whole thing, but their minds had fussy ideas about who it was. They cancelled out their thoughts of Gaius being Emrys as he was too old for his mother to be alive and now had a ward of his own rather than have a father figure.
Mary the cook was the first to connect the dots. Merlin. Her heart leapt into her chest as she came to this final conclusion and she knew in her heart it was right. Merlin's mother had come to Camelot, gravely ill, shortly after Arthur had been bitten by the Questing Beast. Merlin's father figure was Gaius, who, as said, had practiced magic. Merlin would always be willing to give his life for a friend. Merlin is Emrys
"And then, if you've grown up in Camelot, you all know the bedtime story we tell our children, the story of Cornelius Sigan, the stuff of nightmares. Sigan had indeed found a way to conquer death and when he came back for revenge, making stone gargoyles come to life, and Emrys defeated him, only just beginning his journey he defeated him and once again saved Camelot.
"Then with the attack of the dragon, it was Emrys who commanded it to leave. Yes, the dragon still lives. Emrys saying that I'd defeated him to held Camelot live in peace. But is no threat to Camelot, like others he only wanted revenge for his fallen kin. Emrys tamed him; he is Camelot's ally and helped Emrys defend Camelot a countless number of times in the past."
Another gasp. So the Great Dragon really did live then. But an ally to Camelot? That would take some getting used to.
"And then with the witch Morgause. My own sister, the Lady Morgana, had joined her, her half-sister, in her quest to conquer Camelot. You all must remember the year she'd gone missing...and then that blessed day when we found her alive in the woods. Then remember how Camelot was attacked shortly after, my father losing his mind days before. All of this was the work of Morgana and Morgause. Do you remember how it was supposedly Morgana that had single handedly turned the tides of that battle? It wasn't, she only took the credit in order to stay undercover and play her role as Uther's loving ward, or daughter as we now know. But no. It was Emrys who had turned the tides of battle, saving Camelot again. And he didn't stop there.
"The next main threat was when Morgana and Morgause conquered Camelot, even for a short time, using the Cup of Life to create and Immortal Army and killing scores or Camelot's citizens, innocents. Once again it was Emrys that defeated her, spilling the blood held within the Cup of Life and killing each of her 'immortal' soldiers. He then defeated Morgause, wounding her before she and Morgana could flee.
"And then again more recently when Morgana took Camelot again, this time with the help of the Southron army. Many of Camelot's people had had to flee, myself included. And when I'd nearly given up hope that I'd be able to reclaim my kingdom, that I'd ever be the King that Camelot needed, Emrys was there to restore my faith, as a friend, my best friend, and once again, he was the only reason that we were able to reclaim Camelot, because he made it so that Morgana wasn't able to use her magic when he attacked. It is thanks to him that I am alive to tell this tale today. And there are so many other times; too many to tell here, but..."
If anyone in the crowd hadn't guessed by themselves that it was Merlin, who was the King's best friend, they were hinted it by the spreading whispers of 'it's Merlin.'
"...the most recent of attacks not being two full weeks ago. I, the Queen, Gaius, and the Knights of the Round Table all went on a short vacation to escape the hassles of the castle. But unbeknownst to us, Morgana had begun to burn villages searching for Emrys, the very person she knew who'd foiled her plans so often."
"Emrys, out of desire to protect the people, met her and fought her himself, transporting both of them to the Valley of the Fallen Kings to protect the villagers where our group was camping. Our group followed the light from the transportation spell, revealing Emrys and Morgana. We hid until Emrys was injured, then a member of our party revealed himself in order to help him, but we were all revealed in the end. Mer- Emrys, put a protective shield around us, protecting us from any harmful magic while he himself was mortally wounded."
A gasp from the crowd. There was no doubt in their minds now who 'Emrys' was. No one, though Arthur had tried to cover it, had missed his slip up. Merlin is what he was about to say. But...Merlin was mortally wounded?
"That was when I found out about Emrys' true nature, his true identity which had been hidden from me until recently and we own thanks to the Great Dragon that he is with us today. But whilst he was still wounded and after his identity revealed, he told us stories, truths about himself and what had really happened since he came to Camelot. How he'd used his magic to help instead of hinder, how magic was nothing more than a tool, its uses decided upon by its user."
Arthur pictured that he was speaking to Merlin as he continued to talk, and hope that Merlin could tell that every word was genuine.
"This one man, Emrys, has lost so much, his family being torn apart because of the Purge, his one and only love killed, his childhood friend killed so that he could continue to protect me. He's had to live in fear for his life, for the lives of his friends day in and day out, been hurt, both physically and emotionally, but he never gave up, and never once faltered in his loyalties. Instead giving his friends the courage, support, and the wise-beyond-his-years advice they needed to carry on, but never revealing his own problems, in favor of carrying the heavy burden on his own shoulders rather than burden his friends. I recall telling him once that he'd never know what it felt like to make decisions that would shake the very foundation of this kingdom, but little did I know that he'd been doing that long before I'd started.
"And it's with this that I reveal Emrys, the bravest, the most courageous, and the most loyal friend I've ever come to know, as none other than my manservant...Merlin."
Merlin, with joyous tears in his bright blue eyes and flushed cheeks found himself being gently propelled forward by his mother's hand on his back. When had they unfolded their hands? It was like a dream as his mind finally caught up with him and he floated over towards the King and Queen, towards Arthur and Guinevere. Gwen, smiling with happy tears in her own eyes, grasped his hand gently and pulled him forward so that he stood in between her and Arthur, for all to see. Merlin's new midnight blue cloak flourished behind him in automatic response to the forward momentum.
The first clap came from behind them as Gwaine started slapping his hands together. Shortly after that, the rest of the knights followed, Hunith brushing at her eyes as Gaius rubbed his own before clapping.
And pretty soon, after they'd broken out of their awed silence, the crowd started clapping; first, Mary the cook, then David the manservant, Nicole the serving girl, John the baker, everyone, even the guards on duty. Everyone that had ever met Merlin, passed him in the hall, shaken hands with him, even heard of him. And that was everyone. Soon a thunderous clapping noise emanated from the crowd below, the sounds echoing off the walls as whistles filled the air, making the roar even louder.
Merlin felt a tear run down his cheek as a lump in his throat grew bigger. He quickly brushed it away, and Arthur, seeing it, didn't even dare to call Merlin a girl. No, this was his moment; he deserved it, had by all means earned it, and if the price was a few tears of joy then so be it. Besides, he could hardly complain when he had proud tears brushing against the backs of his own eyes.
Gwen squeezed his hand as she rubbed her own eye and glanced back to see Hunith crying more than anyone, her face flushed as she hugged Gaius. She realized that this was Hunith's moment too; the day when her son was finally recognized for the hero he was. A mother felt her child's every pain and Merlin had had a lot. It must have felt so good for her child to finally be accepted, to finally really find his place in the world.
Arthur raised his hand and waited for the crowd to quiet down before he added one of the biggest reasons they'd gathered here.
"In light of this, because of Merlin showing me just how good magic can be, and hearing the story from a magic user's point of view, someone who was born with it, for heaven's sakes, that I lift the ban of magic. Magic users will be treated with the respect they deserve, be judged the same as any person, and will no longer have to live in fear. From this day forth, to end the cycle of bloodshed, to bring peace to the land, to make this kingdom prosper, I hereby abolish the ban on magic."
And before he allowed any reaction from the crowds, he spoke up once again, loud and clear for all to hear
"Merlin Emrys is to be names both Court Sorcerer and First Advisor to the King. The ceremony shall proceed henceforth."
The only response from the crowd was more thunderously loud clapping.
*taken from CaptainOzone's Heart of Gold because I think that it's really a brilliant idea and can totally see Merlin doing just that.