Maree was the key to open and break the circle, but her key had only one use, so her body gave way and died. However her soul was transferred to Merlin in a way. After going back at the book, Merlin was surprised with the information. Merlin could be pregnant. When he broke the news to Arthur the new King was utterly speechless, it had him pacing for an entire afternoon.

Shortly after all of the celebrations and being crowned King, and of course, Kingmaker, Arthur, Merlin and Lancelot would ride to the Lake of Avalon to see if they could find anyone.

"Anytime Merlin, we won't know when they may appear" Arthur told Merlin. "Yeah, we will have to teach them everything about the modern world. We don't have Maree with us to do that job anymore" Merlin said. He took his breath as he glanced at the lake, and then his hand went down to rub his stomach, he doesn't feel anything but he hopes that there will be something soon.

Arthur noticed, "We don't know if it is true yet Merlin, but if it is, we will be there to support you"

"To be honest, I don't know how to tell the whole Kingdom if I happen to be pregnant" Merlin chuckled. "The Queen is happy, she already knows. But for millions of people…..I've seen people paint royal members faces on plate collectables and things, it's kinda embarrassing" He blushed.

"It feels like an honour to be on a plate collectable, at least it doesn't get eaten off" Arthur smirked. "But what about Gwen?" Merlin asked. Arthur gave him a bit of a glare, "Don't worry about Gwen, we will decide until we hear what she wants"

"Okay" Merlin took in a breath.

"You alright Merlin?" Lancelot asked. "Yes, just a little nervous about who we will find. It will be wonderful to see them all again"

"We just had had a bizarre amount of flowers given to you from all of the people to give their love and prayers for our loss of Maree. I am just wondering if you are okay, it gave you quite a surprise"

"I just feel loved, do you feel like that sometimes Arthur?" Merlin asked.

"After all of those celebrations, I feel like I do" Arthur smiled. "But I always feel loved"

"Really? From what?" Merlin asked.

Arthur looked at Merlin in surprise, "Merlin!"

"What?!"

Arthur gestured to Merlin, "Oh!" Merlin figured it out, "How stupid of me" Arthur whacked his head, "Ow!"

"It's obvious Merlin! You are so dumb sometimes"

Merlin smiled at Arthur as they rested on their horses, thankfully there were no guards around them, Arthur had Merlin to guard them for the night. Besides, they didn't want to scare their friends with unwanted attention when they come out. However, no one came out and it was getting dark.

"Urgh…." Merlin groaned.

"Is your little bottom sore again?" Arthur asked, "Come on, let's set up a tent, it's getting dark"

Merlin looked at Arthur in surprise, "Here? Out in the open?"

"No silly, let's go into the forest, it's better there" Arthur directed his horse away from the lake, "Good idea Arthur" Lancelot liked the sound of it. Merlin and Lancelot followed after Arthur, heading into the forest but not far from the Lake, just away from the public eye. And they set up a tent, Merlin had to teach them how to make the modern tent and Lancelot was surprisingly good at it, it was a huge tent but it was useful to have Merlin to use his magic to put the covers over the roof of the tent. Then they made a fire to get warm.

"Get the barbeque Merlin" Arthur said. Merlin gave him a look, "Barbeque? Since when did you know about those?"

"Lancelot showed me one"

Merlin then looked at Lancelot who knew what Merlin is asking him without even speaking, "Maree showed me what it was" Lancelot explained, "I showed it to Arthur as it may be handy for cooking dinner". Lancelot gets some meat and fish out of his bag, "Want some?"

"You seem to be so organised Arthur" Merlin said as his heart dropped at the sound of Maree's name. He got the biggest bag among the tent bag and pulled out the barbeque. Arthur sniggered, "Surprised?"

"Yes, it's a start" Merlin chuckled as he set up the barbeque and then he noticed a load of beer stuffed in the bag as well. "Arthur?" Merlin called out and Arthur raised his head, "Yes?"

"Is this for Gwaine?" Merlin laughed, showing him the beer. "Yes, thought that he would be aching for some when he gets out"

"That's very nice and typical of you" Merlin chuckled as he put the beer back in the bag, and Lancelot decided to start cooking the meat and fish on the barbeque, as it got darker they had stars above them glittering as they at their meals right off the hot surface with a fork and they helped themselves.

"This is really nice Arthur, we could do this for ages" Merlin commented, sitting down as he ate his fish. "It feels like old times doesn't it?" Arthur said. "Yup" Lancelot agreed, "Maybe we can do this on the weekends for fun"

"Go hunting for once" Arthur added, Merlin elbowed him. "There are some places where you cannot hunt Arthur, there are no wild bears or winged tigers anymore"

"Wolves?"

"They have evolved into weak playful little dogs"

"What are dogs?"

"I'll show you later, there are big birds and deer's that you can try"

"Well, that is fair enough" Arthur went along with it, "Will you join me? That magic of yours will be very useful"

"I will join you but use your own magic, I don't want to use mine for evil killing purposes!" Merlin disagreed, rolling his eyes at Arthur. "You're calling me evil?" Arthur responded to Merlin as he rolled his eyes. "In a sense, the animals would definitely agree"

Arthur rolled his eyes back at him but then he stopped mid-way when he noticed the neckerchief that Merlin was wearing. "Merlin…" He spoke, then he looked at the colour of the neckerchief for a moment before he realised something, "Isn't that Maree's neckerchief?"

Merlin looked down at it and smiled sadly, "Yes, It fits rather nice. It makes me feel closer to her"

This made Arthur sigh, "Merlin, I am glad that you no longer feel guilty about my death but now you're sobbing over Maree now?"

"I do miss her, don't you?"

Lancelot gave Arthur a look, "Go ahead, I'll clean up" And Arthur thanked him before going to sit next to Merlin. "What does the magic book say about what Maree did?"

"She did a powerful spell that transferred her own soul into my stomach, or you would say female organs that allow me to give birth. So she is still alive, but asleep. So she is there as long as I live unless if I make the choice in bringing her back to life" Merlin explained.

Arthur then looked up at the sky from Merlin, "Alright, so what does her death mean to you?"

"Freya created her so she can be a helping hand, and a sacrifice till the end. It was her destiny, and she fulfilled it, even though she was to die" he said, then there was a pause, "It makes me think about you"

Arthur turned his head back to Merlin, "Me?"

"Yes, when you died I fulfilled my prophecy, my destiny, but I felt so much guilt in feeling that I failed to save you. But it wasn't all for nothing, I can see that now. The memories that we shared together…we Kingdom we built, if I wasn't there, there wouldn't be a peaceful Camelot today. So, after all of my efforts, I made the decision to wait for you to come back, to fight again with you to fulfil another destiny, and we won didn't we?"

"Yes, yes we did Merlin"

"But it wasn't you or I that died, it was Maree. Our daughter…." Merlin felt himself sniff, "She was able to make this possible, we are here today because of her, she was our guide, our helper. Because of that she reminds me of us, and of myself" Merlin felt a tear run down his eye. Arthur then rubs Merlin's back in circles to calm him a bit.

"This doesn't involve the lake anymore, there is no waiting. There is now a decision"

Arthur nodded, "The decision is to bring her back, or to never see her again"

Merlin smiled, "This is quite an odd position isn't it Arthur?". Arthur chucked, "Yes, very different to before"

"Arthur…her soul won't start growing again until I receive you. You know how it works"

Arthur laughed, looking scandalised, "Merlin" Merlin laughed back and then looked down at his stomach. "She knows that she will see us again, and she deserves a second life with her real parents. She deserves to be free, and we all do"

"Away from prophecies"

"And that damned lake"

"Away from evil witches"

"And bandits'

"Away from anyone that tries to kill us"

"And the stocks"

Arthur's laugher roared through the forest, "The stocks Merlin!" Lancelot grinned at the both of them. Then Merlin had an idea, which Arthur could feel in his eyes. "What is it?"

Merlin got up, "Come with me, I would like to show you something Arthur" Merlin grabbed a large blanket, grabbed Arthurs arm and started dragging him into the forest.

"Wait- where are we going?"

"You'll see" Merlin had a bright smile on his face as he ran, taking Arthur with him. Then after what felt like an hour Merlin stopped to Arthur's relief and then slowly took him down below in a hole.

"I don't like the sound of this Merlin, where are you taking-"

As they stopped in the end of the hole, it emerged to a great big entrance to a cave surrounded by clear white crystals, Arthur halted because he could feel the magic pouring out of the place.

"What is this place…..?" He asked. His eyes were full of surprise and amazement, "Whoa"

"This is the Crystal Cave, the birthplace of magic" Merlin explained, "The heart of the old religion"

Arthur felt his body go numb as he became full of amazement, "Merlin…..this place is beautiful…" He closed his eyes to feel the magic, "I can feel…..the magic…."

As his eyes were closed he then felt Merlin's fingers intertwine with his, closing into an embrace. For a while they felt the magic going in and out of themselves before they opened their eyes to catch their breath. Then Merlin reached his hand out and touched one of the crystals.

"Father?!" They heard Maree's voice. In surprise Arthur lifted Merlin's shirt to see his lower stomach glowing. "Maree?" He whispered. "Maree!" Merlin called out, letting out a sob. "Papa…" They heard Maree's voice once again, "You are both alright, thank goodness"

Arthur smiled, "Merlin….this is amazing, this is wonderful.." They both smiled at each other, "We can hear our little girl like this"

"If we set her to life, once her heart starts beating she will be able to communicate to us through our minds" Merlin said. Arthur let out a relieved laugh, "You are a wonder" His eyes started filling up with tears.

"Oh dear, here come the happy waterworks" Merlin chuckled. "Shut up Merlin" Arthur wiped his eyes. "Are you alright Father?" She asked. "Yes, I am more than okay. I am relieved that my daughter is alright. This….place is utterly beautiful"

"I come here sometimes when I feel alone, or to sleep for a couple of centuries. I usually meet my Father here"

"Balinor?"

"Yes" Merlin nodded, wiping Arthurs tears, "You finished?"

"Yes" Arthur got out a handkerchief from his pocket to blow his nose before he met a smug smile across Merlin's face. "Does this look amusing to you?"

"No, I think it's cute" He observed Arthurs face, "Come here.." He gives him a hug, thus letting go of his hand off the crystals. "We should go back, Lancelot will be getting worried"

"You ran off without a thought Merlin" Arthur agreed, letting go of him, "We should, and we should show him this place sometime" He said, taking a glimpse at the crystals again before they left.

They apologised to Lancelot when they made it back, and it was completely dark too so they grabbed their new sleeping bags and went into the tent to sleep. Lancelot was glad that there were two sections in the tent because he didn't want to bother the two or stumble upon anything. Merlin and Arthur respected him and slept together in two separate sleeping beds in the biggest section that Merlin bought the tent especially for the King.

"Goodnight Arthur, my King" Merlin smiled up to Arthurs face. "Goodnight Merlin, fellow Kingmaker" Arthur smiled back, "Hopefully we will find someone tomorrow"

Merlin then unzipped his own sleeping bag, and then undid Arthurs, before Arthur could say anything Merlin grabbed a second zip below the first of his sleeping bag and zipped it on Arthurs along with the top layer, making a double bed.

"Wow, this is interesting Merlin. And they are a lot more comfortable too"

"I agree, inventions have been making our lives easier" Merlin shuffles up close to Arthur. "And warmer too" Arthur added, which made Merlin laugh. "Don't think I'm your personal heater"

"No, you're not Merlin. You're…..my partner"

"Partner sounds right, I thought you were going to say Lover"

"You're that too" Arthur lifts his hands to hold Merlin just above the shoulder blades before going up further to rub Merlin's stomach, "And soon to be a Mother" He smiled proudly at Merlin, "Out of all the things you have done along with saving my life, being a Mother is another thing"

Merlin's eyes fluttered, "Arthur…" His heart sweltered, "You want to have this child with me? What about Gwen?"

Arthur sighed heavily, "Merlin, she wants us to be happy. Let us spend our lives to the best we can now"

"That's not what I meant….." Merlin sighed, "Gwen may be coming out of that lake, and I don't want to make her life miserable by taking you out of her life"

"She didn't say that the last time we talked privately"

Merlins eyes widened, "She said that? Are you sure? Are you really sure Arthur?"

"Merlin, she approved of us. Of course I am sure, are you really not into loving me that much?"

Merlin chuckled, "Arthur I love you" He said, sending tears down his cheeks. Grabbing Arthurs hand and pressing kisses against it. "Stay with me" And Arthur draws Merlin into a hug, "Don't start crying Merlin, you'll upset the child" He said, stroking his hair.

"She's not even hatched yet"

"Will she be able to remember everything when she is born?"

"Hmm hmm" Merlin nodded. "Then we will have to wake her up will we then?" Arthur presses a kiss against Merlin's lips. "Now?! But Lancelot is literally sleeping a couple of feet away from us"

"It won't stop a man like you now wouldn't it?" Arthur smiled at Merlin, "Nope" Then his eyes glow gold as the tent blocks out sound and then suddenly they don't seem to be inside the tent anymore, but outside near the lake on a comfortable bed of grass.

'Where-"Arthur was startled by this effect. "It's okay, it's just an illusion" Merlin explained. "No one will be able to find us here". As Arthurs eyes were out wide with awe, Merlin pressed a kiss against Arthur's lips who then turned to see Merlin with a hint of gold in his eyes looking right up at him. Arthur took a moment to take the view of him in and gaze at his love in laying beneath him, putting his arms around his neck and caressing everything Arthur is. "You are beautiful Merlin" Arthur took in a breath.

Minutes later they were putting their whole hearts into each other, which was a particularly pleasurable act. But it was hot and humid amongst their skin and sweat stuck together. Merlin had his head thrown back every time Arthur moved, and the air was filled with their sighs and moans.

"Merlin" Arthur huffed, "Are you alright?" He felt Merlin writhe below him uncomfortably, Merlin left out a huff. "No, I am a lot better than alright" he smiled. For a moment Arthur smiled as well and he could feel what was going on, "What do you feel Merlin?" Merlin smiled wider, "She's alive"

Arthur's smile grew wider as Merlin smiled, his hands lifted to caress Arthur's messy golden hair and Arthur kisses him with emotion. Their smiles touching each other's lips, "Want to stop?" Arthur asked.

"Heck no, we don't get to do any of this for another nine months" Merlin disapproved, "Let's make the most of this moment"

Arthur smirked, "Are you commanding your King?"

"What does it look like?" Merlin smirked back, "Please?"

"Since you asked so nicely…" Arthur takes over Merlin's lips and eventually his mouth, the whole thing became a hot passionate kiss, only letting go when they need to catch their breath. Merlin leaved and took in a huge gulp of air. "I guess that means yes then"

Arthur then bent down to press his lips against Merlin's neck, and then softly bites down.

"Arthur- what are you doing?" Merlin felt teeth upon his soft pale skin, biting down. "I am marking you, idiot. It's proof that you're mine"

Merlin blushed, "Won't people see it?"

"Course not, you have that neckerchief of yours to cover it up?" Arthur lifted his head and Merlin put a hand over it to feel the mark he left. "What about you then?" Merlin asked.

"Huh? What do you-" Merlin pressed his teeth against Arthur's neck before he could finish and he winced at the small feeling of pain touching his skin. "Merlin" He growled. "Now you belong to me too" Merlin smiled, "To be honest, I don't really care if anyone sees it at any point"

Arthur chuckles, "I doubt Gwen will be very impressed" Merlin laughed back, "I think she will find it amusing"

"Merlin!" Arthur gives Merlin a small hit in the head. "Now, let's stop bantering as usual, it's very strange to do this at a certain time in the middle of a certain something" Merlin said. Then Arthur looked down between them, "You're right"

What felt like an hour later, Arthur let Merlin sleep and uses the rest of his time stroking Merlin's hair and observing his sleeping face before going to sleep.

The net morning Lancelot was the first to wake up, after getting dressed in his own area, he got out the tent to take in some fresh morning air. He felt it really comfortable to wear modern clothes but it was nice to wear his Camelot belt and bring his sword along with him, it's like that he was embracing the new traditions but also the old. Not ever forgetting the past but bringing it with him.

He sighed happily, as if the future is going to be bright. He didn't mind if he was either mortal or immortal but he was happy to observe the world instead of sleeping in a lake for what felt like eternity.

"Lancelot?" He then heard a familiar voice. He shot up immediately to the voice and looked around to then finally seeing a familiar face. It was no more than Gwaine.

"Gwaine!" He gasped, "Old friend!" He went right up to the completely dry man. "Did you get out of the lake?"

"Yes, I came out dry. Good to see you friend!" They gave each other a hug, "Though I am a tad confused, what is that?" Gwaine pointed at the tent.

"It's called a tent. Gwaine, you have been dead for a very long time and it will take a while to explain the changes but I think you will like it"

"How long has it been?" Gwaine's face went white. "One hundred and fifty thousand years" Lancelot said. "Is there still any ale left?" Gwaine asked, afraid if they don't exist anymore.

"No. But Arthur did get you something" Lancelot gestured to the bag next to the tent and pulled out a can of beer. "This is….?"

"It's called tin Gwaine" He then opens up the can, "See? You open it like this….and you can drink out of it" He gives it to him, "Give it a try"

Gwaine takes a cautious sip from the new object and then becomes friendly with it instantly the second he tasted the beer. "This is ale…?" His face popped up with a sense of relief and happiness.

"It's called beer now Gwaine, only stronger" Lancelot smirked. "There are many more types that are lighter and stronger even"

Gwaine smiled, "I like this present day" He takes a big gulp of it, "Was Arthur's idea"

"Hold on" Gwaine halted. "Did Arthur win the battle of Camlan? Is he alright?"

"You don't know?"

"I died before the war even finished"

"He did win, Morgana was killed and Arthur…he was wounded and Merlin tried to save him, but failed"

"Dear gods, is Merlin alright?"

"It's been centuries, Arthur has been back for some time now. Merlin never died"

"What? What do you mean he never died?"

Lancelot braced himself, "Gwaine….Merlin was born with magic"

Gwaine dropped his beer in shock, "Merlin? Arthurs manservant Merlin?!"

Lancelot nodded, "He never had a choice on whether to wield it to not. But he used it to save Arthurs life many times and to protect Camelot, and he still is"

"I knew there was something about him…." Gwaine was bewildered, "What about the laws on magic today?"

"There are very little magic users, most people think it's a myth. Merlin is the only one that processes magic now, other than that, it is no longer illegal"

"Thank goodness for that. Merlin has always been Merlin to me. But that makes sense of all of those clumsy bandits and falling tree branches that we have encountered on our quests all the time" He picked up his beer and took another sip, "This tastes really good. So, Arthur is back. Where is he?"

"Sleeping, inside the tent" Lancelot went over to the door opening on Merlin and Arthur's side and pulled the zip to open it up, revealing Merlin and Arthur in deep sleep. Gwaine chuckled, "So is Merlin immortal? He can't die?"

"No, because he is Emrys. He was destined to create Camelot with Arthur since the day they met, among the druid prophecies though"

"I understand"

The sun hit Merlin's face and he nudged, "Arthur…..rise and shine you prat. Did you open the door?"

"Wansnt me…." Arthur mumbled back when he noticed Merlin's discomfort. Gwaine laughed, loud enough for Merlin to wake and realise who was there. He opened his eyes and noticed him, "Gwaine!" He gasped in surprise, he wanted to sit up and hug him right away but then he was interrupted by a hint of pain. "Urrrgh…"

"You alright mate? Did Arthur train you too hard?"

Merlin's face scrunched up at that response, "Errrr…kind of". Lancelot looked away nervously but was not long until Gwaine noticed the love mark on Merlin's neck.

"Merlin! Looks like you have a passionate one!" Gwaine teased him but Merlin blushed, "Who is the lucky girl?"

Arthur then got up and saw Gwaine, "Gwaine! I see that you found the beer, it is wonderful to see you again"

"Lancelot explained to me what has happened. Looks like Merlin has a passionate girlfriend as well!" Gwaine then eyed Merlin, "Tell us all about it!"

Arthur and Merlin then looked at each other, exchanging glances. "We will tell you eventually"

"What do you mean 'we'?" Gwaine asked. "You'll see. Gwenivere knows"

"If this is about Merlin's magic.."

"You told him?" Merlin asked Lancelot. "Yes, he took it in rather well to be honest"

"I am cool with it Merlin. Now tell me, what is it?" Gwaine was now very curious. "Alrighty" Arthur then showed his own mark, Gwaine then got really spooked. "Um…."

"You don't get it?"

Merlin took Gwaines hand and put it in their sweaty and heated sleeping bag, "It's quite hot in there…." Lancelot gasped, "You two did not do the deed while I was sleeping did you?!"

"What deed?" Gwaine was totally confused now. And then his eyes widened, and he took his hand right out, "WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?! WHAT ABOUT GWEN?!" He yelped.

"Clam down! This is my second life, and in this life, I love Merlin" Arthur shushed. Merlin's ears went red. "Sorry Lancelot" And Lancelot let out a puff, "At least you two were quiet"

"Are you alright Merlin? You sore again?" Merlin nodded, "We are probably going to need Gaius at a time like this"

"Ask and I arrive" A familiar voice responded and they turned their heads to an old man, Gaius. "Gaius!" Merlin yelped, he wanted to get up and hug his uncle but then he was met with another round of pain. The old man chuckled, "What did you do now Merlin?"

"We went a bit further…" Merlin groaned. "A little?" Gaius came over and kneeled down next to him to take a look at his back. "You'll be alright my boy" He then looks around, "Where is your daughter Maree?"

Gwaine gulped, but his face went white when Merlin gestured to his stomach. "She died so you could all come out of the lake. But she used a spell so I could carry her soul, she can be brought back if I bring her back"

Gaius was surprised, "…..You're pregnant?"

"We don't know yet. But I hope I am" Merlin smiled, "She gave her life, I want to repay her by giving birth to her body. She was born by magic upon the lake and lived a life without her own flesh and blood, you guys get a second chance, she deserves one too"

"What about Morgana? And Mordred?" Gwaine asked. "They are gone, we dealt with them" Arthur said, "Camelot has risen, all we have is a bright future of us"

Both Gaius and Gwaine smiled, "Thank goodness, it's all over then?" Gwaine asked.

"Yes, it is"

"Well done my boy" Gaius praised Merlin, "No, we couldn't have done it without Maree" Merlin said.

"Well then, baby steps Merlin. Let's start with you, I'll get something first" Gaius got up and moved into the forest, "Alright!"

Then their attention went back at Gwaine, "You have a story to tell us all" Gwaine huffed. "And an explanation"

Arthur and Merlin both nodded, "We are expecting everyone else to come out of the lake as well, Leon, Elyan, Percival and Gwen" Gwaine's face brightened, "Everyone?!"

"Yes, Percival will be overjoyed to see you again. Besides, you died in his arms"

"Oh" Gwaine frowned, "That's right"

"We better get ready for the day then" Arthur said, grabbing his clothes and throwing Merlin's underwear at his face. Spluttering, Merlin did the same. "Prat"

Gwaine smiled, relieved that they still have that friendly banter among each other before seating himself next to Lancelot who is making breakfast. "You look good" Gwaine commented his clothes.

After Merlin and Arthur got dressed, Gaius soon came back with some large leaves. "Come with me you two"

Arthur and Merlin looked at each other, nodding. "Let's do this Merlin" Arthur said. And they proceeded as Gaius took them into the forest for a private spot. "Alright, Merlin, I need you to urinate on one of those leaves. Can you do it yourself?"

"Yes. Thankyou" Merlin takes a leaf and goes behind a large tree. Soon there was a large yelp, "Gaius! Err…..my male organs are gone!" He shouted.

Gaius raised an eyebrow, "Could it have been magic?" He called back. "Maybe….I have female organs. I'll have to squat instead"

Arthur raised an eyebrow at Gaius, "Suppose that his magic has prepared his body for pregnancy?" He asked. "I think so, but we need proof from the leaf to confirm that"

Arthur held his breath, "Merlin might be pregnant!"

Minutes later Gaius held a leaf in his hand, carefully observing it. Arthur and Merlin leant against the tree holding hands waiting for any news. Their fingers touched each other's palms, caressing to ease down the tense atmosphere. Eventually Gaius smiled and turned to the two.

"Gaius?" Arthur asked, grasping Merlin's hand to brace himself.

"Congratulations"

With that Merlin gasped and they both cheered in happiness. Both of their hearts brightened as they hugged and kissed each other. "Were pregnant Arthur!" Merlin laughed.

"We must mark this occasion, what day is it?" Arthur asked. Then Merlin looked at his watch, "Arthur?" He stopped silent, "Is today the 30th of March?"

Arthur then checked his own watch, "Yes, it is,…hold on" They both realised, "That's Maree's birthday isn't it?"

"Then in nine months…..she may be born in December, so that means…."

"December 25th…..the day I pulled Excalibur out of the stone and saved Camelot with everyone" Arthur gasped. "Is that a coincidence?"

'Coincidence or not, it's a crazy miracle, she's coming back!" Merlin chuckled. They pulled each other into another hug. "We have to tell everyone once we all settle into Camelot" Arthur said, a bright smile imprinted on his face.

"We shall"

Gaius smiled brightly at the two of them celebrating.

Soon, Gwen had come out of the lake. "Gwen!" Merlin cheered as the familiar brown skinned woman smiled when she saw Merlin's face. Merlin hugged his friend, "It's been a while!"

"You look so happy Merlin, I am happy for you~" She hugged him back, and then suddenly Arthur came out, "Gwen!" He ran out into the lake, therefore getting himself wet but Gwen was dry. He joined the hug, before Merlin could loudly reveal, "Guess what?!" He said.

"What?" Gwen asked, looking at Merlin. "Merlin…." Arthur warned him, giving a don't you dare glare. "I'm pregnant!" Merlin blabbered out loud. "Merlin!" Arthur wanted to argue but there was no helping it, Gwen let out a surprised gasp. "Merlin! Oh my goodness! Congratulations!" She cupped his cheeks and gave him a hug, making Merlin chuckle.

Percival, Elyan and Leon came out an hour later, Gwaine had a lovely reunion with his good friend. Poor Percival was almost stricken to tears. At the end of the day, Merlin and Arthur had a lot to explain, the more they talked, the more the talk was turned into a story starting from how Maree found Arthur and tried to find Merlin. About Morgana, Maree's existence, Mordred, who will never be coming back and finally Merlin's relationship with Arthur. And then finally revealing Merlin's pregnancy in order to bring Maree back, the group of friends sat next to Merlin and whispered a "thankyou" to his stomach, hoping that she may be able to hear them.

Lancelot, Merlin, Percival, Gwaine and Arthur had a lovely evening fishing by the lake to catch some dinner before enjoying another barbeque, though Merlin had to explain what the machinery was first to everyone. But thus, even if it was late, they enjoyed a nice view of the sky's stars.

"We should be heading back to Camelot" Arthur said, "Merlin and I have duties. And a country cannot be run without its King after all. I will knight you all again"

"Wait- Merlin has duties?" Gwaine asked. "Yup" Arthur nodded, "He's the Kingmaker now. And I knighted him a week ago"

Everyone's mouths dropped, "You Knighted MERLIN?"

Merlin smiled to himself, "I am his advisor and protector too" He added. After some silence Gwaine broke the ice, "Surely, he must be too clumsy to do the job"

"Gwaine!" Merlin complained. "I am not!"

"Actually, he is a bit clumsy too. And that adds Maree to the list too" Arthur agreed. "Not you too!" Merlin looked at Arthur with a gasped expression.

All of the knights laughed. "We must get packing then, even if we slept for the night, the tent won't hold us all"

"All right sire" Leon said. "Off we pop" They all went to work to fold up the tent and put it away in one of the hugs bags that Arthur, Merlin and Lancelot brought with them.

"I'll light the way" Merlin said, lifting up his hand and whispers a spell to create light.

That night Merlin felt like that he was complete, as if the nightmares and sadness in his heart has faded and smiled with happy tears in his eyes.

He was finally happy.

PART 1 END- PART 2: s/12212902/1/Arthur-s-Awakening-PART2