« In a land of myth and a time of magic … » I would own Merlin's rights and be able to use english like my maternal language. Sadly neither of those things are true. I hope you'll enjoy though. Snapepotter.

The Coming of Arthur

She did not feel anything.

Upon seeing the stool she had prepared for the pain she would feel when the sword would fall, but she felt nothing, if not perfectly fine. Curiously, she could still hear the drums and Gwen's loud sobs. If this was the afterlife, well, it truly sucked.

It took some time for her mind to register that she was, in fact, still alive. The guards took her arms once more and helped her on her feet. Then they moved aside. Confused, she raised her head, meeting Arthur calm gaze and she realised he was speaking.

« This is the kind of sight you were used to, when my father was alive », he was stating. « But I am not my woman, has used magic to get rid of a threat to this realm and to my person, the high priestress Lady Morgana, at great personal risks. I have thus come to realise that not all magic users are evil and thus, sorcerers, druids and other magical creature will be judged fairly from now on. Confidentially, the kingdoms of Nemeth, Mercia, Caerleon, Gawant and Camelot, have reached an agreement on the course of action to take concerning this matter and we, rulers have decided to allow magic to be practiced and used, in accordance with a number of rules that will be presented to you shortly. Furthermore, each of those kingdoms will adopt a Court Sorcerer whose mission will be to make sure that our laws are respected. Guards, you can release Merlin Emrys. »

And while his guards were releasing a very tearful Merlin, he disappeared, preventing her from meeting his gaze.

Four days later, Merlin found herself squirming in spite of Gwen's multiple threats, while her friend was doing her hair. She wore a strange blue dress, which had been ordered specifically for this occasion and she tried not to fret too much when she thought about her upcoming change of status.

She was to be Arthur's Court Sorceress and she had not seen him since he had lifted the ban on magic. Gaius had come to her bearing the news two days before and she had been nervous since then. Today, however, she would pretend to be ready, wearing clothes that had been made for her by druids as a tribute for helping them regain their freedom, and she would walk proudly because it was no nepotism that had brought her where she stood, but herself and her hard work.

When Gwen finished with her hair, she stood in front of the mirror, in her new chambers (because a Court Sorceress was nobility and it wasn't proper for nobility to live in close quarters with anyone appart from their spouses) and took a closer look at herself.

She hadn't known that her hair was so beautiful when brushed the right way. Arranged in an intricate way, it fell behind her back in soft ebony waves, a braid covering the top of her head in a true, druidic fashion and when she touched it with her hand she was surprised to find it silky-smooth and not rough as it usually was.

She blushed a little when she noticed that her dress showed some skin that wasn't usually on display but all in all, she felt more pretty than ever. The dark blue of her dress even brought out the light of her gaze and the pallor of her skin.

« Thank you, Gwen », she whispered. « I don't know what I would have done without you ».

« You would have looked beautiful without my help », Gwen replied fondly. « This dress is truly magnificient. »

« It's true. I must remember to thank the druids later. I'm too nervous to use magic right now ».

« You will do just fine », retorted a smiling Gwen, leaving her to her fate.

She entered the council chambers when the music began and she tried not to trip over her own feet, focusing her gaze on the throne instead of the crowd scrutinising her mouth agape. She smiled softly when she passed Gaius, Gwen and the knights (Gawain even whistled, making her blush and she vowed to make the dollophead pay for it later) and kneeled in front of Arthur, who wore his ceremonial armour and crown, being more beautiful than it could possibly be permitted.

Trying not to smile, the king took some sort of crown, made of intertwined metal leaves and jewels while the druids began to sing eyes shinning gold to sanctify the artefact. Once they were done, Arthur stood proudly in front of her and she bowed her head, pledging her life to his service :

« Do you, Merlin Emrys, solemnly promise and swear to serve your king to the best of your abilities, magical or not ? », he asked and she could have answered with a wink and a muttered « Of course you prat » but she said :

« I do ».

« Will you help him with the protection of this realm and its people from foes, magical and unmagical alike ? »

« I will ».

«Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I thus crown you Lady Merlin, Court Sorceress ».

Then, as the druids chanted once more he extended his hands to help her rise and she took them, smiling when she presented her face to the crowd.