LAST CHAPTER! Ish... I still have a short epilogue planned but that will be the end of this epic. Next on the list Picture Perfect!

Morgana accosted Leon almost as soon as he returned.

"What are you doing bringing that horse back?"

"Arthur's orders," Leon said uncomfortably. He didn't even want to go into Merlin's reaction. However much he had tried to soften it, saying that Arthur needed the horse back for a joust, to practice for a competition, he realised that neither Merlin, nor Balinor, were buying that story. And Gwaine most certainly didn't. It made Leon feel not only uncomfortable, but angry. Angry because Arthur had sent him to do his dirty work. Leon didn't understand Arthur's reaction, Merlin had done what he could in the situation, even if it wasn't what Arthur wanted, he had done his best.

Morgana stared at Leon, watching the emotions flickering over his face. Her shoulders shifted slightly and her chin lifted, eyes thoughtful as she said.

"From how I understand it, I am not technically a prisoner, and no one has told me I am confined to the castle. I presume that means if I am accompanied I am free to leave, perhaps to exercise my horse," she paused for emphasis. "Through the forest," she added, her hint clear.

Leon blinked, his mind working on the answer. Percival, who had also seen Leon's return caught her words. He paused and waited to see what the answer would be. Leon looked baffled as he answered.

"Erm, as far as I know, Arthur has not laid any particular restrictions, but I presume we would need to check with him."

"If yourself, Percival and say..." Morgana paused again, a smirk crossing her lips. It made Percival smile as she finished. "... Elyan and Lancelot accompany me, Arthur can find no fault with that. Under such guard I cannot do anything to endanger the kingdom, or attempt an escape."

"I wouldn't think so. You're not intending to are you?" Percival asked, taking the hint. "I'll tell Lancelot."

"I'll get changed into my riding clothes," Morgana said, swirling on her heel. Leon winced, realising his part in the plan. "I'd best inform the Prince."

Morgana swirled back, head lowering and fixing her gaze on Leon.

"Oh, don't you worry about that; I'll handle Arthur."

Leon almost backed up at the granite tone of voice. He turned to look at Percival as Morgana swept away down the corridor.

"I don't doubt that she can," Percival said. "You might as well go and get the horses."

Leon, looking a little wild around the eyes, went to do as he was told. Morgana decided to take her time. Going to her chambers she ordered Gwen to help her in one of her riding dresses. Morgana opted for the red. She would stand out wherever she went. The first place she went was to Arthur, in the council chamber.

Morgana stalked towards the room with definite purpose in mind. Several of the guard looked at her nervously, and as she reached the door one stepped forward to stop her. Morgana came to an abrupt halt and looked down at the restraining hand on her arm.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to enter the room."

"Are you sure you want to try stopping me?"

The solider looked uncertain as he looked down at her. He jerked back as her eyes glowed and he felt the push, although Morgana hadn't lifted a finger to touch him. The door to the council chamber clicked open at the same time. Tossing her head Morgana stalked into the room, causing every man sat around the table to stare at her.

Morgana ignored them, striding around the right side of the room, heading directly to Arthur.

He had got to his feet, pushing his chair back to walk towards her. Morgana smirked, fury and glee both rising in her chest. Arthur only managed two paces before he met her. Morgana knew she could have used magic, but that was unlikely to be wise considering she wanted to leave the castle, not end up in the dungeon. Besides, it would be more satisfying if she was physical.

"Morgana, I don't think it's..."

She cut Arthur off by bringing her arm back and hitting him hard across the cheek. The sound of the slap echoed around the room. Morgana winced as the palm of her hand throbbed, and her wrist ached from her hand snapping back as she had struck him. She decided to risk further injury and whacked him again, with just as much force.

"You shit!" she announced loudly. It wasn't eloquent but it made the point. Several of the men gasped in shock. Morgana wondered if that was because she had hit Arthur, or because she had sworn with such venom.

Arthur said nothing, he brought his hand to his face, his cheek blossoming red. Morgana, in retaliation, resisted the urge to rub her hand, which stung violently. To prevent herself from showing any reaction she clenched her fists at her sides.

"How could you do that to Merlin of all people? Mind you, that's typical of you, driving away the one person that truly cares about you. It's not his fault that he had to do what he did. You're the one that asked him, and you knew damn well he'd do what he could, and what..." Morgana paused and snorted. "Just because it didn't live up to your expectations you drive him away."

Arthur's mouth opened, Morgana didn't know if he was about to say something or he was just stunned. She didn't bother to find out, she just carried on.

"That's a reaction you have most definitely learnt from our father! At least we can be grateful you haven't started burning people at the stake for it!"

Another round of shocked gasps occurred, some of the guards had shuffled into the room but they weren't entirely sure if they should intervene or not. Most of them still felt wary of Morgana, and didn't entirely understand if she was under arrest, or under sentence or if Arthur intended to do anything about her at all.

"Merlin did what he did because he cared about you. Not because you're royalty, or any of that rubbish, but because he actually cares about you. You, Arthur, the person, the person who didn't want his father to die. I rather think Merlin understands that one. You're the one that panicked him into doing what he did, so don't you start blaming him and sulking like a child."

Arthur's mouth snapped shut, and he glared at her, his blue eyes darkening. Morgana's expression hardened.

"Don't give me that look, Arthur Pendragon, you don't scare me!"

She smirked as Arthur frowned. Stepping closer she brushed against him, lowering her tone to keep her next words just for him.

"Bear in mind Arthur, this is how the Great Purge started. Things didn't go the way Uther wanted and he took it out on the rest of the world. You push Merlin away, the only person that truly loves you, and you will end up much the same."

She stepped back, tossing her head again, expression changing as if that moment and those quiet words had never happened. Arthur stared at her in shock. Morgana spun on her heel and stalked to the door, pausing, and glancing over her shoulder.

"I am presuming that I am not confined to the castle, as you appear to have laid no restrictions. The knights have offered to accompany me. The fresh air will no doubt do me some good and even if you don't want Merlin's company, I certainly do."

Morgana paused, staring at Arthur, who had gone back to gawping at her. She raised her eyebrows enquiringly and then after a pause said.

"I'll take the slack jawed expression as agreement, shall I?"

Arthur snapped his jaw shut again, but he still said nothing. Morgana shrugged.

"I'll be back by dusk," she informed him, then she let her gaze sweep the council, who all stared at her, and then looked away as she caught their eye.

"Gentlemen," she said politely before spinning on her heel again and stalking out. The guards moved out of her way, mainly because Percival had gone up to collect her and lingered at the end of the corridor. By the time Morgana reached him she had started to giggle like an idiot. Percival watched her with mild amusement, then he offered his arm to her.

"That was fun," Morgana told him. "Let's go see Merlin."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

At the sound of horses, Balinor watched his son look up, the apprehension at the sound lingering only for a moment before his expression became hopeful. Gwaine also observed Merlin's reaction, feeling sorry for the youth, even if he also felt irritated at the fact that even after what Arthur had said to him, Merlin wanted to be forgiven. Not that there was, Gwaine thought, anything to forgive.

As the six horses cantered into view Merlin managed to perk up and look despondent at the same time. There was no blond knight in the troop but he recognised the two women immediately.

Merlin stopped bundling up herbs and bounced down the steps of the cottage. Morgana pulled up her horse and dismounted, Leon taking the reins from her just as Merlin reached them, almost jumping on Morgana and wrapping his arms around her neck.

Everyone watched the expression of surprise that flickered across her face. Although she knew Merlin probably missed her, she didn't think it would have been that much. Morgana carefully wrapped her arms around Merlin's waist, hugging him back, which made him cling tighter.

"Are you all right Merlin?" Morgana asked gently. The tone made all of her entourage stare at her. It was a voice that no one had heard for a long while, no one but Merlin. She felt Merlin's head move up and down, but for a moment he refused to let her go. After a minute or so, Morgana ran a hand up and down Merlin's back, and slowly eased herself free of his grip. Merlin chewed his lower lip as he looked at her, and Morgana turned to retrieve something from the front of her saddle.

"It's my turn to bring you flowers."

She had collected a few as they had passed through the forest almost as a joke but it seemed less of one as Merlin's expression turned to one of joy as he beamed at her, taking the offering carefully.

"Thank you! Father, look, Morgana brought flowers!"

Morgana smiled as Merlin turned, baring his gift carefully as he reached the porch steps to show Balinor. The Dragonlord smiled benignly at his son.

"Those are lovely, thank you My Lady."

"I'll find something to put them in," Gwaine announced, slowly getting up from his position on the porch. He disappeared to look for a jug, while the rest of the group dismounted. Leon lingered at the back, he had been the one who had appeared earlier, causing the upset of retrieving Arthur's horse, and he didn't feel entirely certain of his reception now. Morgana went after Merlin and Gwen followed, while the knights tethered up the horses. Lancelot lifted down a pack from his horse and handed it to Gwen.

"I brought some food. I thought we could stop for a picnic," Gwen announced.

"I like picnics," Merlin said brightly. Gwaine returned with a small brown jug, which he had half filled with water. He put it down on the small bench, made from a wooden log, that they had placed on the porch, for them to sit and enjoy the evening sun. Merlin squatted down beside it and started to carefully arrange the flowers as he had seen Gwen and Morgana doing before. Morgana lifted her skirts and carefully sat on the bench to help Merlin.

"Thank you," Balinor said to Gwen, and she followed him into the cottage. As they entered the little kitchen area Gwen unpacked a few things.

"I thought it was a good idea to bring some food, you left in a hurry and you didn't bring much with you. I wanted to make sure you had... you have plenty..." Gwen said looking around the room.

"When Gwaine arrived he came prepared and so did Leon when he collected the horse. He looks nervous," Balinor commented glancing out of the window.

"He felt bad, by the time he got back he was furious with Arthur for making him do it. I think Gwaine did it half in the hope that Arthur would come out here himself," Gwen said. "I'm sure Arthur honestly didn't mean it. He's just not reacting well to his father."

"We heard the bells yesterday. I presume he was crowned."

Gwen nodded. "Yes, he knows there isn't any other way. He just didn't want to face it. Merlin just came in at the wrong moment."

"Father!" Merlin's voice called from where he knelt just by the door. Balinor gave Gwen a smile.

"Don't unpack too much, we'll take it out onto the meadow and sit out there. What Merlin?"

"Look!" As Balinor paused in the cottage doorway Merlin proudly held up the jug of flowers. Morgana looked down at Merlin, still looking baffled but she probably counted as the closest thing to Arthur. And Merlin liked her, he liked everyone. Everyone except her sister, Morgana thought to herself causing dark clouds to flicker across her mind. Merlin stared at her warily, seeing the expression flit across her face. Morgana smiled at him, and his expression brightened.

"Put them on the mantelpiece then Merlin," Balinor said. "Then we can go and sit in the meadow."

"Yes, I'd like that."

So the group tailed off into the meadow, settling themselves down. Morgana elegantly curling her legs under to sit. Merlin sat next to her.

"Is Arthur all right?" Merlin asked.

"He's fine," Morgana said, snapping slightly.

"I'm sure he didn't mean to upset you," Leon said.

"Oh, will you stop defending him!" Morgana ordered him snippily. Merlin bit down on his lower lip.

"How is Uther now?" Balinor asked.

"Still weak," Lancelot said. "And he won't be able to get involved in the running of the kingdom, but as long as he is careful Gaius thinks that he'll live for a few years. On the other hand, he has also warned that Uther's heart may give out without warning."

"I did it wrong," Merlin said.

"You did your best Merlin. People just get upset when these things happened, and they get angry," Gwen said. "Arthur didn't mean to shout, not at you directly, he just needed to vent his feelings."

"I don't think it helped that it was directly after the council tried to force Arthur to take the throne, stripping Uther of his power," Leon said. "I don't think Arthur feels entirely ready to take the throne."

"But he has," Percival said. "He's been acting as Regent anyway. What's the difference?"

"I think that is the point," Leon said. "No one is seeing the difference. Whereas Arthur feels that he is taking something from his father, and it's starting to dawn on him that he has already done it. In everyone else's eyes anyway."

"With that lot in the council, he probably doesn't think that anyone is on his side."

"I am," Merlin said. "We are, aren't we? We should go and see Arthur."

He looked at Balinor with an expression of concern. Balinor felt just as concerned. It was the reason he had taken Merlin away as soon as he had found out what had happened. He didn't want Merlin getting into any sort of trouble, having used magic on the king of Camelot.

"Give it time, son. Maybe Arthur needs to focus on what he needs to do first. He knows where we are if he needs us."

Merlin's face crumpled a little.

"Come on Merlin," Gwen said, picking a few of the small white flowers she had spotted, and suddenly thinking of a distraction. "You can help me make a daisy chain."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

After that they had somehow managed to stay off the sensitive subject of Arthur, and Merlin had hugged everyone tightly as they had prepared to leave, almost as if he expected not to see them again for months. And he waved until they vanished into the woods, until there was nothing more than flashes of Morgana's red clothes as they cantered down the path.

Morgana pulled them to a walk as she saw a rider coming towards them, turning her horse to meet them head on. Leon rode closer to her, reaching out to pull her horse up.

"My Lady. We need to protect you."

"Oh please, I can protect myself; and why should I fear Arthur? No need to skulk round us brother dear!" she shouted into the forest.

Arthur came from the trees, cantering into view. Morgana slowly turned her head and looked at him. One cheek looked swollen and darkened with mild bruising. Morgana smirked at him.

"You got to Gaius quickly."

"The council meeting didn't last long after your interruption," Arthur snapped at her. She gave a low moue of sympathy.

"Never mind, at least it left you free to do something important," Morgana said. She glanced behind Arthur in an exaggerated gesture. "Can I presume since you are on your own you are going to apologise to Merlin rather than arrest him."

"Why would I arrest him?" Arthur snapped.

"You certainly left Merlin, and Balinor, with the impression their position was increasingly precarious."

"It wasn't, just because..." Arthur paused, and then decided attack was a better form of defence. "Why do you care so much anyway? You nearly killed Balinor, and you would have let Morgause kill Merlin."

Morgana raised her eyebrows, and her jaw clenched at the mention of her sister. It was a subject best left alone. Everyone around Morgana had learnt that. Her acceptance of Merlin did confuse some of them, although they had never had the courage to ask her about it directly.

Now Morgana frowned at Arthur, rolling her eyes.

"You don't get it, do you? Even after the dragon told you, none of it's sunk in."

"What do you mean?"

"You and Merlin have your place in this destiny. So do I. It's the same with every aspect of magic. Each thing, each action, has an equal and opposite reaction. That is what I am to Merlin, and Merlin is to me. It doesn't necessarily mean we have to be enemies."

"That doesn't make sense, anyway I thought I was Merlin's opposite."

"No, not in the same sense anyway. Without you Merlin cannot achieve his destiny, he is to create the Once and Future king and help him unite Albion. And you - although heavens knows who made this decision - are the Once and Future king. Consequently, there isn't much point to you if you don't have Merlin. Destiny has linked you, as that force, to achieve that goal, which will ultimately bring peace and good fortune to the land."

"And you think that's a bad thing?"

Morgana snorted. "Not completely, but nor should what happened, or what evil might happen, be forgotten. Bad things will still occur, evil will always be there as the flip side to good. How can you see one without the contrast of the other?"

"Like light and dark," Percival said. "You can't see the shadows unless you have a candle to cast them."

"See," Morgana said. "He understands it. I have to be that, because if nothing else, Merlin needs to see what he cannot himself become. You won't do that for him, he's proved that when you asked him to heal Uther."

"Because he did it," Gwen said.

"Against all laws of magic and the nature of it. He found a loophole, but that proves that if Arthur wanted him to do something, Merlin would do it. He's too powerful to have that without constraint," Morgana said.

"Balinor does that, he won't allow Merlin to abuse his power," Lancelot reasoned.

"Merlin was always required to have a teacher. By the nature of the story we know there have been a few substitutions along the way, but it all amounted to the same thing. That is why one part of destiny has not yet completed and probably will not for a long time."

"And what is that," Arthur asked her.

"Merlin becoming the last Dragonlord. That will happen eventually, but Merlin is owed his father, and I do not doubt that Merlin will need to see his father grow old before he dies. But Merlin should have come into that power before then. Which means, for now, for a long time, your precious little destiny remains a little up in the air. So just be careful, Arthur Pendragon, exactly what you do."

Arthur gaped at her, at the ill-disguised threat.

"And don't you go upsetting Merlin now," she added. "Or you will have more than me to answer to next time."

Morgana glanced around, at the group of people she had taken with her. All of them gave Arthur very level gazes. His actions had been disapproved of on all sides, and he hunched his shoulders as he felt the weight of everyone's gaze on him. All of them loved Merlin. Arthur himself did, and had felt awful ever since the words had come out of his mouth, and Merlin had heard them.

Gwen, seeing Arthur's miserable expression, thawed first.

"Merlin was worried about you," she said. "I think Balinor felt a little wary of staying, if word got out of what Merlin had done."

"I wouldn't let anything happen to Merlin," Arthur said, shocked at the thought.

"Make sure it doesn't" Morgana warned him. Then she dug her heels into her horse's sides and the animal trotted off down the track. The rest of them followed her, giving Arthur various greetings before heading off. Leon paused for longer.

"Will you be back tonight Sire?"

Arthur sighed heavily. "That depends on my reception."

Leon gave a slight smile. "I'll see you in the morning then."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The comment heartened Arthur a little, so he urged his horse into a gallop to reach the little cottage as soon as possible.

Balinor and Merlin started to clear up after the departure of the party. The arrival of the lone horse was only heralded by the whinney of the mare. Merlin looked up and stared. Balinor tensed, watching as Arthur rode into the clearing and then pulled the horse to a halt. The mare gave another call and the stallion snorted in response. Arthur slowly, almost clumsily, dismounted and took the reins, walking towards the cottage. Gwaine had been lounging outside on the porch, but as Arthur walked up he went down to take the horse. Leaning in he said, in a low tone.

"You upset him again, and royalty or not, I will beat you insensible."

Arthur nodded. Not saying a word, he didn't even look at Gwaine, the person who had turned his back on the prestige of status as a knight of Camelot, to live in a cramped cottage. Arthur felt a flicker of envy.

"It's Arthur," Merlin said glancing out of the cottage window, watching as Gwaine took the horse from Arthur, leading the stallion away to untack him. Gwaine assumed, rightly enough, that Arthur had ridden that horse to bring it back to the mare. So it seemed simple enough to turn the beasts out together.

Indoors, Balinor carefully took the plates out of his son's hands.

"Go on then," Balinor ordered.

Merlin looked up at him and then slowly got to his feet. He looked shaky as he went down the steps and headed towards Arthur, faltering as he got closer. The last time they had seen each other Arthur had shouted at him, and it hadn't been nice. Merlin eyed him nervously.

Arthur opened his mouth to say something. He had to, at the very least, say sorry for what he had shouted at Merlin. But he found his voice refused to work. All that Arthur managed was a strangled gasp, which just caused his eyes to fill with tears, and the next sound he made was a sob.

Merlin's reaction was instantaneous. He flung his arms around Arthur's neck. Arthur attempted to vocalise some kind of protest but he just sobbed, putting his head down on Merlin's shoulder. Arthur wrapped his arm around Merlin's waist, pulling him close and holding him tightly. Merlin's eyes widened a little but Arthur continued to cry, much to his embarrassment. Arthur kept telling himself, he was meant to be saying sorry, for being so awful, he should be acting with a little more decorum instead he was just venting over Merlin all over again.

Crying, however, Merlin could deal with. When Merlin himself cried there was always someone to cuddle him, so Merlin reacted in the same way when confronted with someone in the same situation. He held onto Arthur murmuring in a low tone letting him cry over his shoulder. Merlin waited patiently as all the pent up aggression and grief tumbled out of Arthur.

Eventually Arthur seemed to exhaust himself, lifting his head, taking heavy breaths as he struggled to get his breath back.

"Sorry," Arthur sniffled, reaching up to wipe his face with the back of his hand. Merlin still kept his arms around Arthur's neck, rubbing a hand up and down between Arthur's shoulder blades. Merlin said nothing. Arthur wrapped his arms back around Merlin. It seemed easier to carry on talking if he stayed hugging Merlin.

"I mean it, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those horrible things."

Arthur wasn't entirely sure if he did or didn't mean the words themselves, but he certainly shouldn't have said them out loud to Merlin. Merlin gave a little uncertain murmur.

"You're not cross with me?" Merlin asked timidly. Arthur slowly pulled back from the hug, but he kept one arm around Merlin's waist, although he wasn't sure if he wanted to anchor himself or keep Merlin from attempting a getaway.

"As long as you're not cross with me either," Arthur said. Merlin looked confused, and he shook his head vigorously.

"No, I did it wrong. I was bad."

"You weren't Merlin. You didn't do anything wrong," Arthur said, his throat tightening again. Merlin, feeling him shudder, reached out and pulled Arthur close again. Merlin clung onto him tightly. He actually felt a little perturbed by the sudden outburst.

"I shouldn't have made you do it," Arthur said.

"I tried other things but I couldn't. It wouldn't let me."

"You might have hurt yourself if you tried too hard," Arthur said, having a vague idea of what Merlin meant.

"Have you eaten yet, Arthur?" Balinor suddenly asked, interrupting the two men, still loosely hugging. Arthur would have jumped away but Merlin's arms tightened, and Arthur didn't want to upset him, since they had made a tentative piece.

"No, not today."

"We had a picnic," Merlin said brightly, releasing his grip on Arthur's neck. Instead he took Arthur's hand and led him to the porch. Again Arthur's instinct told him to pull away. It was not good etiquette to behave in such a way. His father would be furious if he ever found out.

"Are you all right?" Merlin asked, feeling the tension ripple down Arthur's arm.

"I'm fine Merlin," Arthur said. "Just a bit tired."

Merlin frowned in concern. He carried on leading Arthur to the porch and they settled on the bench. Merlin didn't remove his hand from Arthur's and slowly Arthur started to relax, enjoying the warmth of Merlin's hand around his.

Balinor appeared with a tray of food, which he put on the small table in front of the bench.

"Thank you," Arthur said, feeling quite shy and subdued.

"I'll bring some wine as well," Balinor said, and he disappeared again into the cottage. For the want of something to do Arthur reached for a few slivers of the meat that Balinor had put out.

"Do you want some Merlin?" Arthur asked.

Merlin shook his head. "We just had a picnic. It was fun. I made daisy chains with Gwen."

"That sounds like fun," Arthur said. Merlin smiled happily, beaming even more as his father came out with two jugs and four goblets. He placed them down and poured some wine into two of them, offering one to Arthur.

"It's a little strong, so you can water it down if you want to," Balinor warned. Arthur took a sip while Balinor poured a small amount into a third glass and diluted it with plenty of water before handing it to Merlin. As he swallowed Arthur gasped, his eyes widening and watering a little as the alcohol burnt his throat. Balinor smiled.

"I did warn you."

"I'll have a little water with that I think," Arthur said, reaching for the water jug.

"Lightweight princess," Gwaine announced, joining them and drinking his undiluted.

"Actually, I'm a king," Arthur informed him. "And therefore I am required to behave with some decorum."

"I just get dizzy and fall over lots," Merlin said. Gwaine smiled and reached over to ruffle his hair.

"You can't hold your drink can you?"

Merlin looked confused by the comment, staring down at the goblet in his hand.

"I'm holding it," Merlin said innocently. Gwaine's smile broadened.

"He means you can't drink lots of alcohol," Balinor translated.

Merlin stuck out his lower lip and shook his head. "It makes my head feel funny."

"That's the point Merlin!" Gwaine announced cheerfully. Arthur glared at him in disapproval. Balinor rolled his eyes and nudged him.

"Stop that, if you are going to be a bad influence I'll turn you out. You can come and help me clear up, instead of Merlin."

Gwaine gave a groan but slowly stood up to do as he was told.

"I can do it," Merlin offered.

"No, you stay and talk to Arthur," said Balinor, who felt determined to leave the two of them alone for a while. Merlin smiled. Balinor smiled back, reaching out to smooth Merlin's ruffled hair before he went inside. Gwaine followed him, narrowing his eyes at Arthur.

"This is your fault."

"You are the one that left your armour and colours and chose to leave," Arthur said. Then he added. "They're where you left them in the armoury. Just in case."

"Maybe," Gwaine said.

Arthur gave a huff of laughter and then Gwaine disappeared, leaving Arthur and Merlin alone. They didn't speak for a while, and Arthur nibbled some more food, the wine was making him a little light-headed. The horses gave them an excuse not to talk as they watched the mare jog a little way across the meadow. Arthur's stallion went after her whinnying as he went. They watched as she paused and turned, stretching her nose out to meet his. She jerked her head up and snorted. The stallion snorted back and the mare lowered her head, giving a gentler huff, and she allowed the stallion to groom her neck. The black gelding moved closer but seemed to have no intention of intervening as he watched.

Arthur shifted his grip on Merlin's hand stretching his fingers. Merlin let him go, jerking his shoulder away from where it rested on Arthur. Arthur had a split second to deliberate before he lifted his arm and put his around Merlin's shoulder. Merlin gave a little happy huff as he snuggled close, putting his head down on Arthur's shoulder. Cyan shifted closer laying at their feet.

It took effort on Arthur's part to remain relaxed, shocked by the sudden contact. But he couldn't be surprised by it. His mind flickered with the memory of when he had first met Merlin and Balinor, and Merlin had snuggled against his father, always getting the reassurance he needed. Cenred and Gwaine, even Morgana, happily obliged Merlin's need. Arthur had trouble remembering people ever hugging him.

Gaius had a little but with a jolt Arthur struggled to find times that his father had truly hugged him in the same way. He knew Uther loved him but sometimes Arthur wondered how deep the feeling went. With Merlin it was unconditional. Even after he had said so many abhorrent things Merlin had forgiven him.

"So, we're supposed to do this destiny thing?" Arthur eventually said, relaxing into the hug, starting to think that the whole thing felt entirely natural. With Merlin, just with Merlin.

"Yes, Nimueh said so. And the blonde lady."

"My mother."

Merlin nodded, "She's pretty."

"She came to take my father, didn't she. I stopped that. My father saw her too."

Merlin snuggled tighter. "She'll wait. She's patient. And she loves you."

"I know," Arthur said. "I shouldn't have done it. I just don't feel ready to be king."

"It's time," Merlin said, his voice gentle but firm. "It's time now, Arthur."

In the meadow the horses started to graze peacefully, Arthur's stallion staying close to the mare, nibbling her side now and again. She nuzzled back at the attention. Merlin reached out and Cyan lifted his head to meet Merlin.

Arthur felt a sudden deep wave of contentment. He felt it from Merlin, who had a happy safe home after so many years of pain and uncertainty, and he had Arthur. The sun slowly started to dip down, casting red streaks across the sky, lighting Camelot in a stunning backdrop. Arthur looked at it and nodded.

"Yes, Merlin. Yes it is."