Gaius waves a cloth over Arthur's face. The cloth has been soaked in some mixture containing ammonia and it causes Arthur to wake, slowly. Merlin, meanwhile, is reassuring Gwen, who is concerned that her news has upset Arthur.
"I'm sure he's thrilled, Gwen." He soothes, "A lot has happened today. Enough for even the King of Camelot to be overwhelmed. Ah, look. He's waking up. It's okay, Gwen."
Arthur slowly sits up and looks around until his eyes land on Gwen, whom he immediately pulls into his arms. He kisses her passionately and places a hand gingerly on her stomach.
"Are you... Are you sure?" He breathes. She nods and he kisses her again. Merlin can't help but smile at the tender scene. His closest friends... Alive and happy. He has waited too long for this.
Arthur whispers something to Gwen. Whatever he says, she nods to, happy tears streaming down her cheeks. The two touch foreheads for a moment, smiling in their ecstasy. After a moment, Arthur clears his throat.
"Merlin, would you—"
"Of course, sire, we'll give you some privacy." He has assumed that the two require some alone time.
"No, no. It's not that." He shifts awkwardly. Arthur is not usually awkward.
"Sire?"
"Will you be the compater?" He asks. It takes Merlin a moment to remember the old word, but soon its English variant comes to mind: godfather.
"A-Arthur..." He stammers, surprised.
"It was Guinevere's idea." He says automatically, not realising the absurdity of this statement. Gwen immediately begins to laugh. Arthur reddens, which serves to only further her laughing. "Of course, it's up to you..."
"I'd be honoured." Merlin says, a grin forming on his lips. Arthur stands and hugs him, which throws the warlock off guard. Perhaps, though, the mighty king can be emotional sometimes too. Arthur grasps his forearm for a moment afterwards in a form of handshake. Merlin has seen him do this with his knights; in Camelot, it is a sign of respect. He then hugs him again, and tightly, Merlin notes. He almost wants to laugh— he has never seen Arthur so amicable.
"Thank you, Merlin." He says. It's a simple statement, but Merlin can hear all of the meaning behind it. He isn't just thanking him for this, he's thanking him for everything, for his years (and years, and years) of service, for the many times he's saved his life, for his friendship, for his counsel, for his unwavering loyalty— in short, for everything Merlin has done for him. This 'thank you' amounts to all of the 'thank you's Arthur ought to have given him in the past, but let slide or didn't even realise were necessary. Arthur knows now the extent of Merlin's devotion to him and he appreciates it more than he can express— or, rather, more than he knows how to express; the king is not used to showing emotion, so often has he been forced to repress.
"You're welcome, sire." Merlin says sincerely, and his words hold the same weight. After a moment, Arthur returns to Guinevere, taking her hands and pulling her to her feet. He kisses her briefly.
"We should announce this... this joyous news to the kingdom." He is grinning and Merlin knows already that he will be a very proud (not to mention very good) father. "This is cause for celebration. A... A feast!" He decides. He is awestruck, Merlin thinks, at the prospect of having a child. Perhaps, Merlin thinks, he is excited to have, once again, someone who is family by blood. Morgana certainly does not count.
"Wait." Merlin says suddenly, "What if Morgana hears of this? She may wish the child harm."
"She will not touch Guinevere." Arthur swears, "Not on my life." As if to demonstrate, he enfolds Gwen in his arms protectively. She kisses his cheek softly.
"Sire, I find it likely that Morgana will be able to gain the support of other kingdoms. These people, of this new century... They do not know of magic; they will see her powers and fear her, but also revere her. They will follow her to avoid her wrath."
Gwen looks at Merlin in utter confusion.
"What do you mean, this 'new century'?"
"That," Merlin stresses, "is a long story... Though it is one, I suppose, that you ought to hear."
She tilts her head slightly and her expression is serious; this is her 'what aren't you telling me?' look.
"You may want to sit down. This could take awhile..."
"Then let's reconvene in the drawing room." Arthur proposes. "Gaius, Merlin, please meet us there. Guinevere and I will join you shortly."
Gaius bows and guides Merlin by the arm out of the room. Once the door is closed, he pats Merlin on the back and smiles at him. Merlin grins back, another truly boyish grin that doesn't quite touch his eyes in the same way it used to.
"Compater!" Gaius congratulates, "I can think of no better person, Merlin. Truly."
"He'll be a good father, Gaius. I know it."
"Of course he will." Gaius agrees. "Of course he will."
"He'll teach his son not to fear magic, that magic is not always a negative thing."
"But, Merlin, you must remember than the child may still grow up in a time where magic can be very negative. There is still Morgana and she may not be vanquished so easily. I fear I must agree with you, that she will gain the support of the other kingdoms. In fact, we can count on it. There is war yet to come. The people of Camelot will not change their minds about magic so quickly."
"Arthur has."
"Those were extenuating circumstances. These people lived under Uther's rule, where magic was to be feared and condemned. They may not take to those who practise so warmly."
"They take to Arthur warmly. That is what I'm counting on, Gaius. They believe in him and they adore him. This is the new age, the age of magic. This is what I have been waiting for, Gaius. He'll unite the kingdoms and bring peace. He's destined to."
"I suppose you're right, Merlin. I certainly hope so."
Three figures in dark robes slowly walk towards Camelot, the castle illumined by the sun. They seek one person and one person alone.
They seek Emrys.