Writing this one sure was a challenge. This is the one way I found to bring peace to each character. I'm certain some of you will be quite happy. :) Hope you like it!

DISCLAIMER: Merlin belongs to BBC. I do not own any of the characters, or settings, except my OCs. This fanfic is for the purpose of entertainment and fun only, and I make no monetary gain by writing my stories. Done!


Arthur had made it his personal goal to convince Balinor to come with us...somehow. I said he'd lost his mind. I sighed as he came back with more confidence he should have had. Whatever plan he'd have in mind wasn't going to work, but talking wouldn't change his mind. He had to see sense on his own way, grow some conscience...which was easier said than done. Of course, with all the bad blood shared between our fathers the task would prove to be quite challenging. So no, this wasn't going to work. Despite I knew he'd most probably grow cross, I was relieved that at least no trace of his injury was left behind. He was healthier than ever, something we had to be thankful for.

"What did he say?"

Arthur hesitated before brushing it off, "He'll change his mind."

"He said that?" Merlin asked with a raised brow, not believing his words.

The prince rolled his eyes, "Just...give him a moment."

Not long after, Balinor finally come out of the cave. Arthur grinned triumphantly, looking at us with a smug expression, thinking whatever plan he'd used on him, worked. His pride was only crushed later on as father nodded, patting his bag awkwardly, "Farewell, then."

"That's your decision?" Arthur frowned with disbelief.

"I will not help Uther," he shook his head, ignoring our pleads. We'd begged time and time again, offering many a prize and safety. He'd said no to them all.

"Then the people of Camelot are damned!" Arthur countered, raising his voice with frustration. He was good at hiding it, but once you got to know him, truly know him, (past his pretty behaviour and pompous needs) you'd realize just how much he actually cared for Camelot; not as a kingdom itself, nor a symbol of power, but for the people in it, for its heart. He was willing to give so much for his home and family.

"So be it," Balinor remarked with no trace of empathy nor pity.

"Have you no conscience?!" Arthur growled.

Balinor snapped as he spat with bitterness, "You should ask that question of your father!"

I scoffed with a low hiss, "You seriously think yourself better? Letting innocent people, innocent children, die?!"

Arthur glanced at Balinor once more with disapproval before shaking his head, "Don't waste your time, Elle...Merlin, let's go."

"Gaius spoke of the nobility of dragonlords!" Merlin suddenly added, "Clearly he was wrong!"

"Gaius?" Balinor asked, a look of surprise in his eyes.

My brother nodded, "Yes."

"A good man," He nodded, deep in thought.

I sighed, "A pity you're not more like him..." not with vile intention, but actual sadness for him. He'd grown bitter with time...

"Estelle! Merlin!" He called out.

"Coming!" I rolled my eyes, turning to my brother, "Come, before he gets irritating," I let a small snort at that.

"Well, there's no point."

I shook my head, "He'll come...he has to. Give him some time to think it over."

...

We had settled down in the forest a little later. Arthur still hoped for Balinor to reconsider, which would explain the slow pace we were traveling at. I would look around at any sound resembling steps or the rustling of leaves. Merlin and I sat in silence, and I would glance at my brother who looked both filled with disbelief and anger with our father's behavior.

"I always thought that silence would be a blessing with you, but I find it just as irritating," Arthur nudged our sides finally breaking the silence, "You're both riddles."

"We're...riddles?" I raised a brow.

"Yes," he nodded before adding with a small smile, "But I've got to quite like you...really like you," he whispered, sending me shivers and causing be to blush.

Merlin snorted, "I can see that clearly," he teased, "especially between the two of you."

"Oh hush," I chuckled.

Arthur shook his head though, "And you as well, Merlin. Now I realise you're not as big a fool as you look."

Merlin grinned, coming with a witty respond of his own, "Yeah, I feel the same. Now that I realise you're not as arrogant as you sound."

"You still think I'm arrogant?" He raised a brow.

I smirked, "There's been some progress."

Merlin guessed, "Yeah, now you're more like...supercilious."

"That's a big word, Merlin," Arthur grinned devilishly, enjoying a good game, as he teased, "You sure you know what it means?"

"Condescending."

Arthur nodded, "Very good."

My brother continued, "Patronising."

Arthur hummed, tilting his head, "It doesn't quite mean that."

"Nope," I smirked, guessing what would follow.

Merlin clarified, "These are other things you are."

"Hang on!" Arthur hissed, but more than annoyed, he looked amused.

"Over bearing."

Suddenly there was a snap...I flinched, chinning up and looking around, alert. I had the hopes it was Balinor. It had to be him, right? Arthur, having heard the slithering sound coming from the bushes as well, picked up his sword, standing up quietly to inspect the area and verify its safety.

"Shh," he hushed.

"Very overbearing."

"Merlin," I reached over to touch his shoulders, motioning him to stay silent.

He frowned, "But he wanted me to talk."

Another twig snap. Merlin finally picked up his sword and joined us. We followed the sound of the trees moving behind us and turned around. Arthur rose his sword in case he'd meet with any steel or dangers in the way; only for his movement to be blocked by a pair of arms...Balinor's arms.

"Careful, boy," he chuckled, "I thought you might need some help. This is dangerous country."

Arthur smiled with hope before asking, "And will you return to Camelot with us?"

He nodded, turning to Merlin and me with a nostalgic sigh, "You are right, Merlin. There are some in Camelot who risked their lives for me. I owe a debt that must be repaid."

"If you succeed in killing the dragon," Arthur added hoping. to make a more appealing deal, "you will not go unrewarded."

Balinor scoffed, "I seek no reward..." he hesitated, "A safe return home will be enough."

Arthur grinned, clapping his hands with sudden excitement, "Great! Let's eat."

...

I yawned tiredly. Things had gone relatively smoothly now. There was only one thing left to do. The hardest part. But deep down I'd come with an answer, the best solution possible, and the only one I found that wouldn't break us all apart. Merlin would need his abilities as a dragonlord in the future, I knew that. Letting father die would've been the quickest and easiest thing to do, but I couldn't bring myself to do it...I just couldn't.

He wasn't only Merlin's father. He was my father. This was my life, my reality; it would seem I had partially forgotten that as I tried to fix things; make hard decisions alone made me feel lost. I'd pushed others away when it came to important decisions, even after they found out about me. I didn't want them to face the truth of their original fate, and what would await were we to fail. I was scared of letting them down, I was terrified of losing their trust, of losing them. I had pushed away the fact that this was my reality when Morgana disappeared, because it was easier to deal with things that way. It was easier not to get hurt...That had been the last push. But with all this happening, I remembered. Balinor wasn't only Merlin's father, he was my father.

Merlin tsked, "This wood's too wet."

Balinor shrugged, assuring him, "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it light."

He nodded, pausing before deciding to admit, "When you healed Arthur, I heard you mumble some words."

"An ancient prayer."

I shook my head, locking eyes with him, "But it was more than that..."

He sighed, "The Old Religion can teach us many things."

Merlin nodded, "The Old Religion; is that something you were taught?"

Balinor clarified, "It's not something you can learn. Either it's a part of you," he smiled with pride, looking at his hands, clearly grateful for his gift, "or it isn't. My father knew that, and his father before him."

"Were they also dragonlords?"

"We'll need some kindling," he changed the subject.

Merlin looked at me as I tried to say, "In Ealdor, you, umm...we."

Meelin smiled as he explained, "You mentioned...You spoke of Ealdor. You took refuge with a woman."

"That was a long time ago," he shook his head with nostalgia and sadness.

"We grew up there."

He chinned up, "Do you know of Hunith? Is she still alive?"

"Yes," I nodded, "She's-"

Balinor gulped, "She's your mother, isn't she? So it really is you," he breathed out with shock, "I thought I'd never see you again, Estelle. But those eyes, ever since I first met you."

I nodded, tears in my eyes...So he had recognized me. "I'm your daughter." I smiled, sniffling and pointing at Merlin, "He's my brother, Merlin."

"Ah," he smiled at the boy, "so she married?"

"She never married," Merlin shook his head, "I am your son."

Balinor looked down with certain guilt, "I don't know what it is to have a son. Or a daughter."

"Or us a father," Merlin smiled at me squeezing my shoulder with softness.

Seeing Arthur walking closely I rubbed my eyes again, whispering, "You must not tell Arthur."

Balinor nodded, "I understand," as he handed us some firewood, smiling at one another.

...

For once we had to thank Arthur being a heavy sleeper. Normally we'd complain or tease him about how hard it would be to get him out of bed and how quickly he'd fall dead with a blanket at sigh, but right now it had been just what we needed. It had given me, Merlin and Balinor the chance to sit by the campfire and speak privately. Balinor whittled some wood, trying to be productive, but listening to whatever we had to tell him.

"Why did you never return?" was Merlin's first question.

He sighed, "I thought life for you would be better without me."

"Why?"

"Uther wanted me dead. If he'd found me," he winced, "he'd have killed me, and your mother. I wanted her to be safe."

"We could've come with you."

Balinor scoffed, "What kind of life would you have had here?"

Merlin smiled, "We'd have been...happy."

"I will take you to Ealdor when this is over," I smiled at the idea, "You'll have a chance to see each other. I promise."

"She won't recognise me."

I rolled my eyes, "Don't say that. It's not true."

He sighed, "You know, I see her in you. Both of you."

"Yeah?"

He nodded, "You have her kindness."

Merlin smiled, deciding to ask him now, "How did you become a dragonlord?"

"You don't choose to become a dragonlord," Balinor corrected, "It's not something you're taught. It's a sacred gift. For thousands of years it's been handed down from father to son. And that is what you must now become, Merlin."

He smiled, "I would like that."

I looked down knowing that meant I wouldn't get the gift, but happy for my brother's excitement.

"And like all dragonlords," Balinor added, a smile plastered in his mouth as he noticed his son's curiosity, "you won't know for sure that you have that power until you face your first dragon," he smiled, "You should get some sleep. We've a big day ahead of us. Goodnight...Son, Daughter."

"Sleep well, Father."

...

The air was moist and humid when I fluttered my eyes open, which would've normally caused me to smile in comfort but only made me realize of how sick this felt for me. It was ironic how such a beautiful morning could witness what was set to happen next. It was something I couldn't even begin to fathom...the breaking of my brother's heart. What should've happened anyway, I had made my mind now. That was why I had kept my sword clutched to my chest even as I slept. I turned then, feeling too groggy to stand up just yet, noticing them a mini-horse craved with wood that father whittled for me. There was a small dragon figure by its side, surely meant for my brother. Chuckling, I looked slightly up, deciding to tussle through his hair to wake him up. My idea didn't quite work, for Merlin was already awake. He smiled. Suddenly two arms grabbed each of us from behind, covering our mouths.

"Cenred's men," Arthur whispered, drawing his sword.

I opened my eyes wide in realization...The time had finally come. With gritted teeth, and a new surge of determination, I unsheathed my blade, ready for action. I would cover my brother's back this time. I gulped, knowing what that could possibly mean for my safety, but not caring about it now. I would protect them...I had to. No matter the cost. I just had to be careful. I wasn't planning on getting hit either. After all that'd be terrible for my reputation.

It didn't take long for them to finally strike. Merlin tossed Balinor a sword and took on his own opponent. Facing a second one, much bigger and muscular than my gangly brother, Merlin got disarmed. I gasped, sprinting to his side, seeing the danger he was in, "Merlin!" Balinor rushed to my brother's aid, shouting, "No!"

He was just about to get run through, taking the blow for himself, when my sword redirected the blow. I winced, my sword almost flying away from my arms from the unprepared block. I had most definitely pulled on something, and that soft crack on my shoulder wasn't a very good sign. I shook my head, directing my attention back towards the man, blocking his attacks. He wasn't very happy at me ruining his attack on father...Finally, as he prepared to give me a fatal blow, I noticed he'd left his side unprotected. Quickly, I was able to attack his weak spot, finishing him off. I panted, exhausted. My eyes snapped in horror, looking around. Only when I met my father's gaze could I sigh in relief. He was alive. Balinor blinked, looking down where his wound would've been at.

I smiled to him, nodding, when Merlin reached out, "Elle! Behind you! WATCH OUT!"

I spun around, just in time to see one last man standing, determined on winning our fight. Due to his position, Merlin found it hard to try and get in to help me. I ordered him to stay back with father.G rowing tired, my shoulder and arm getting even more sore with every block and movement, I was almost about to lose my sword with one particular swing. Balinor saw this, and just when he was about to let his power burst, the man froze. I looked down, the tip of a sword on his left side. I gasped, scrambling away as he fell. Arthur looked at me, relieved, and I shared the same feeling. Finally I let my sword fall, grunting as I massaged my shoulder.

Arthur looked at me, placing his arms on the shoulder I wasn't holding, with worry, "Elle. Are you okay?"

I looked at Balinor and Merlin, "Yes...Yes, I am now. Thank you," I smiled at him, squeezing his hand, taking them into my own. I growled, "I think I just pulled on something though."

Balinor let his sword down, approaching me, "Let me see. Sit down."

"No, it's alright," I blinked, "It just needs some rest. We should start going to Camelot."

"Sit. Down," he ordered.

Arthur nodded, placing a hand on my back, "Listen to him, Elle, please."

...

Balinor used the same magic he used to treat Arthur to fix my shoulder. It felt even better than before I had gotten the injury. Once that was tended after, knowing our time was running short, we immediately rode back to Camelot, the weather turning against us as it began to pour down. Finally reaching the castle's walls, I glanced up, looking as the guards rushed inside the castle the moment they saw us, most certainly to tell the King of our arrival. Immediately, we strode towards the War Room, Balinor following behind, growling as we opened the doors, his eyes landing on Uther.

"Father," Arthur bowed, "I bring good news. The last dragonlord is here," he moved slightly away to present himself to the court. Gaius looked at us with cheerful smiles.

Uther narrowed his eyes at Balinor, admitting, "There are many years where I might've wished for that news to be no more."

Arthur cleared his throat, "Our hope is restored, Father. All is not lost. We have a way to fight the monster now. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms: with the Dragonlord by our side."

Balinor cut him off, "I do not mean to fight alongside your men. If anything they will be but a distraction. Your weapons, your methods, are useless. I refuse to fight under the Pendragon crest."

"But we had a deal," Arthur blinked.

"I never said I wouldn't fight," father hissed, "But not under you, Uther, I won't. I will fight for the innocent people in Camelot," he took a quick glance at Gaius, "On my own terms."

Uther growled, "How will we know you won't just turn your back on us? He is a sorcerer!" He reminded the court members, who began to murmur to themselves, nodding along his words. I felt disgusted by the way they looked at Balinor.

"I am a Dragonlord!" Father spat back.

Arthur intervened just before things escalated even more, "Father, what else can we do? Stand here, let him leave, watch Camelot fall?" Arthur countered, sighing, "I do not know what the dragonlords once did to this land, but this man, Balinor, has yet to prove any ill intentions. He seeks no reward, just a safe passage home after the dragon is defeated. Right now he's the only option we have left."

Uther considered it for a while before nodding, "You have my blessing."

Arthur turned to Balinor, "We will not oppose to your methods, nor will we stand beside you unless you seek us, but you will need to get close to the dragon, and for that you will need our help."

Balinor hissed to him, "I don't need you to get close, Arthur, there are forces much greater than your blade and knights you can't begin to understand. I can do this on my own."

"Surely you'll need some aid?"

Balinor glanced at Merlin, his eyes locking with my brother, before he nodded, "The boy, and the girl. They can carry my things."

"Merlin and Estelle?" Arthur blinked.

Uther, who had been hearing his request nodded with irritation, waving off, "That can be easily arranged. Whatever you have to prepare, make it quick. The faster this is done," he reminded them, "the better it will be for us all."

Arthur paused, "Father, I'm certain there must be someone better qualified to help than my servants."

"You won't be needing them, Arthur. The dragonlord has stated his terms, let us finish this matters quickly," Uther silenced him and Arthur couldn't do more but nod.

Sir Leon's stepped forward, "And where you to need assistance, you can count on us all to aid you in this quest."

Arthur smiled at him with pride, thanking him, before striding back to his chambers, while we took Balinor with us along Gaius.

...

Once the door was closed, Balinor patted our Uncle on the back, "It is nice seeing you again after all this years, my friend."

"The pleasure is mine, Balinor," Gaius nodded, "I take it you've met Estelle and Merlin," he hesitated, "my apprentices."

I chuckled with a warm smile, "It's okay, Gaius, he knows."

The physician's smile widened even more. Balinor nodded, "Thank you for taking such good care of them, Gaius. I owe you yet another favour."

"You owe me nothing, old friend," uncle shook his head.

Merlin nodded, "What will you do now?"

"I will face Kilgharrah," he shook his head, "But beware, I will not kill him."

Merlin titled his head, "How will you stop him from attacking Camelot then?"

"No dragon can go against a dragonlord's magic," I explained to my brother, "Kilgharrah will have no choice but to listen to our father's words."

...

Normally we'd be on Arthur's Chambers to help him with his armour; normally. But this was no normal day. Arthur had summoned us, claiming he was seeing to it that me and Merlin had the protection we needed. He insisted on us going with some sort of armour at least; I expected a chainmail or something...but he'd actually gone as far as getting us one of Camelot's knight's armour, helmet and all. It brought back memories from our first year here, when I impersonated Arthur to fight off Tristan de Bois as a wraith. I smiled at the memory, knowing that event had been the reason I even go to train with Arthur in the first place.

"Well, look on the bright side, Merlin. Chances are you're not going to have to clean this again," Arthur teased with a smirk, helping my brother with his bracers.

Merlin sighed, "If this doesn't work...If we don't return, I know it'll be your turn to fight. If so, you must be careful. Do not force the battle."

"Yes, Sire!" Arthur mock-saluted with a laugh.

I poked his side, making him squirm, "We're serious."

"I can hear that," he mumbled with a pout.

"Let matters take their course," I added.

"Elle, please..." he shook his head, turning towards me now, "You will come back. You have to. Promise."

I nuzzled softly my cheek with his hand, "I'll come back," then I remembered, "There is something you always say to your young knights."

He raised a brow, "I tell them many things."

"You know which one I'm talking about: no man is worth your tears," I poked his nose, "That applies for us as well. So don't cry for us. We'll be back."

"Yeah," Merlin nodded, a smirk forming on his lips, as he pointed towards the prince, "You're certainly not worth our tears."

Arthur rolled his eyes, before he picked up a sword, handing it out Merlin, later taking his own and handing it to me, "If you need it, don't doubt using it."

"Arthur, I can't."

"Take it, please," he smiled, "I insist."

I nodded, "Thank you," unsheathing my sword, I gave it to him, "Then, I gave him mine. If anything happens, I want you to have it."

"I'll give it back to you when you return," he said, his expression serious.

I nodded, "I hope to see it without any scratches."

"Yes, My Lady!" He nodded with the same nature as before, making me laugh and poke him again. He sighed, "Are you really going to face the dragon alone?"

Merlin rolled his eyes, "We're not completely helpless," he added, "If anything you'd be dead the one dead without us. Do you know how many times we've had to save your royal backside?"

Arthur scoffed playfully, "Well at least you got your sense of humour back."

"Plus, we won't be alone, Balinor will be with us. Don't you trust him?" I inquired, genuinely curious.

"How could I?" Arthur rubbed his temples, "He's our last chance...but we know nothing of him. I don't like you having to go with him alone, and not being able to join you." He shook his head, "I would've gone with you if I could, but father would rather have me by his side..."

"It's okay, Arthur. I understand," I ran my hand through his hair, caressing his cheek softly then, "We want to do this."

Merlin nodded, "We're not going to sit here and watch. I know it's hard for you to understand how we feel, but...well, we care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not going to let you mess it up. That's exactly what will happen if you come with us," Merlin tsked.

We laughed. Arthur gave Merlin a friendly hit as we made way to the exit and he squeezed my hand one more time before we finally went out.

...

We rode towards the forest, finally far enough from the castle. Father turned around, making sure nobody was around before he turned to Merlin, "There is a reason why I have brought you with me today. You will be able to witness one of the most ancient practices and most sacred bond that can exist between a mortal and a magical creature."

"What is it?" Merlin tilted his head with curiosity.

Balinor smirked and I chuckled, "Just wait and you'll see."

Father's eyes suddenly snapped open as his voice deepened with a roar, exclaiming Kilgharrah's name, a trace of magic in his voice. Merlin watched at him with awe, and I couldn't help but let a tear scroll down my cheek. I had been able to witness such beautiful event...after all, he was alive. I had been able to save him. I smiled, rubbing me eyes with a nostalgic laugh.

Kilgharrah growled as he came towards us, his neck turning towards us with a seemingly irritated expression. He then snapped at our father, "You."

"Kilgharrah," father nodded, giving the Great Dragon a small nod.

"How dare you?!" Kilgharrah spat, "How can you even come here after what you did to me?! 22 years I was trapped inside that denigrating cell."

Balinor shook his head, "I'm sorry. Uther tricked me. I should've known better that to trust him."

Kilgharrah looked down, then noticing the lance on my brother's hand and he huffed, now with sadness, "I am the last of my kind. Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed..."

Merlin looked down at his hand, letting the spear fall down, and I shook my head "We didn't come here to cause you harm."

Balinor nodded, patting mine and my brother's shoulder with pride, "We know the horrors you were subjected to, Kilgharrah. You are now free."

"But, if you ever attack Camelot again, you will leave us with no choice," he warned dangerously. Kilgharrah bowed to us, to Merlin and me. "We have shown you mercy! Now you must do the same to others!"

Kilgharrah smiled, "Young warlock, young witch, what you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency," he nodded at me, "I'm sure our paths will cross again." He cast a final glance at Balinor and sighed, "It is nice to see you will, old friend."

Father nodded at him, returning the bow, "Likewise."

Kilgharrah finally flew off.

...

Finally, we were back at the castle. We had been able to make a swift entrance, the knights who had been waiting cheering with raised arms. I glanced at the people, happy to see them safe and smiling back at their applauces. They finally realized the beauty of our father's magic. I nudged Balinor then, who chuckled, apparently not having waited for such a warm welcome. I sighed, placing down the armour I'd been wearing. Merlin and I had returned to the physician's chambers, hoping to get some rest. Father had been called out by Uther to "recieve his reward" as the messanger retold...He'd not been to happy with it, to say the least, but he'd finally accepted. It wasn't like he had much of a choice, however.

I flinched, hearing the bang of the door and a huffing Arthur entering then, "What happened?!"

Blinking, I suddenly burst out laughing, shaking my head, as I combed his hair, "You look like a mess."

He rolled his eyes, "What happened? Is the dragon gone?"

"Yeah," Merlin nodded, making us turn back to see him leaning over our bedroom's door frame, "Balinor did it."

Arthur laughed, almost insanely, before frowning, "Why didn't you tell me as soon as you returned?"

"You were sound asleep," I shrugged, "Little bird told us you couldn't fall asleep all night, wouldn't eat, and with the wound in your shoulder still healing as the soothing effect from the magic vanished, you finally passed out just before we returned."

He narrowed his eyes at Gaius before clearing his throat, "Surely it is a mistake."

"Is it?" I smirked teasingly.

Merlin was about to remark on something about the dark circles under his eyes when Gwen banged on the door, even louder than when Arthur had arrived. She looked terrified, her hands trembling as she panted hard.

Gaius raised up from his study, where he'd been quietly watching up to that point, and made way towards the girl, "Gwen? What is it, my child?"

"Balinor," she gulped, barely able to breathe, "Uther...He's sentenced Balinor to trial for the practice of enchantments."

I felt all the energy in my body fade, my stomach twisting as a sense of sickness placed itself over me. Arthur frowned, "What?!" immediately dashing away to see what this was all about.

Gwen hurriedly closed the door, to talk more openly. Merlin and I had told her about our relationship with Balinor just after we arrived, the young maid recieving us with excitement, and asking for us to tell her everything about our expedition. She immediately streched her arms towards me, noticing how pale I looked, a sudden wave of dizziness hit me.

"Why?! Why would he do this?" I shook my head. I couldn't lose him...

3rd POV

"Father!" Arthur strode over the throne room, causing the court members, who had just finished a small meeting with the king, to exit with awkwardness.

Uther twitched, "Arthur. What do you seek now?"

"The dragonlord has done nothing to harm us, he has protected Camelot. Why would you condemn him to treason?!" Arthur shook his head.

"He's a sorcerer, Arthur," Uther rolled his eyes, "Need I remind you of all the harm they've down to our kingdom?"

"No," Arthur paused, "No...But this one's different. He saved Camelot!"

The king shook his head, "He'll turn against us the moment we're not watching, trust me."

"But-!"

Uther finally snapped with rage, "I'm your king! It is I who takes this decisions to protect Camelot, not you! You will do as I say."

1st POV

"So?" I hurriedly stood up, walking towards Arthur, "What did he say?"

Yes, I had gone to Arthur, hoping he'd help us. He was still trying to convince Uther by the time Merlin and I had plopped down, trying to think of a way to save father. We'd come to an agreement...but we needed Arthur.

"He's not changing his mind..." Arthur rubbed his temples tired and irritated, "I don't get it. Why would he acuse him of treason? He only used magic to protect Camelot."

I avoided his question, not wanting to comment about it so openly, but my silence was enough of an answer. "It does not matter why, but rather what we'll do about it."

"Elle. Merlin," He sighed, "What can we do?"

I reminded him, "This isn't the first time something like this happens, remember?"

He shook his head, "No. Elle, no. My father has passed his sentence. One thing is smuggling a young boy out of Camelot, and another one is taking a dragonlord out."

"We won't sit around and do nothing," Merlin countered, "But we need your help, Arthur," he twitched, "Look, we won't stay quiet about this, regardless of what you say. It is your choice whether you're with us or not. Just, don't try to stop us." He stormed off of Arthur's chambers.

"What the hell is his problem?" Arthur frowned.

I sighed, approaching him, "Look, I understand why this is so conflicting for you. I know you have a pure heart, and that going against your father, the king, can be something scary...Trust me, I understand. But, Arthur, don't forget that you have a choice," I ruffled through his hair, before leaning in, placing a small kiss on his cheek, "Merlin and I will be able to smuggle him on our own, trust me, that doesn't concern me; so I won't be that mad at you if you don't join us. We don't need your help, it'll just be better for you to join us. Just don't forget to follow what you think is right. I'm sure youll take the right decision."

...

Merlin paced outside the door of the prince's chambers. We'd been waiting here for a minute since I last spoke to him about decisions and following what his heart felt was right; and I was hoping he'd come out any second (or minute) now. I could feel it.

"Why are we still waiting for him?" Merlin hissed, flinching as he realized his words, "I want him to come, Elle, really. I trust Arthur, but I'm scared...I don't want to lose him."

I hugged Merlin deeply, "We won't lose him, Mer. Arthur will come, you'll see."

And indeed he did, 11 seconds afterwards, not that I had been taking any count, of course not. Arthur looked at us with a frown, "You've been waiting all this time?"

I nudged my brother, "Told you," then I spun around, "Well, let's go. The night's running short."

...

What a surprise it had been to see the knights knocked out on the floor, one of the cell's bars thrown all the way across the other side. I blinked. I mean, it made sense, I should've guessed something like this was going to happen...but what the bloody hell was going on? Arthur unsheathed his sword, approaching cautiously as we turned over, he flinched, a sword now placed at his back. "Arthur," he growled, "Did your father send you here? That traitor! This is what I get for helping him. I should've never come in the first place."

I grabbed Arthur's hand, pulling it down as he tensed before turning around slowly, pausing as the word father almost came out of my lips. "Balinor?"

Balinor suddenly revealed himself from the shadows, "Estelle," he blinked, surprised.

Arthur frowned, finally sliding away from the sword's aim, "What the hell happened here? Did you do this?"

"I will not stay quiet to rot in your father's cell," he spat, "I'm leaving Camelot..." he eyed at us with sadness.

I shook my head, "Wait! Where will you go?"

He looked down before shrugging, "Wherever fate takes me."

Arthur clenched his jaw, sighing, "I can't allow this."

"What can you do?" Balinor scoffed.

"We're getting you out of here," the prince nodded, before looking around, "Though...I'm not sure if you'd even need our help."

"I don't," he stated.

I rolled my eyes, "Oh hush. Here, take this," I handed him some blankets, "For your journey. I know you're capable of dealing with the travel by yourself, but you should keep your strengths through the night."

Merlin suddenly chuckled, "There's a place. Outside Camelot's borders, by Cenred's kingdom. It is called...Ealdor. You can seek shelter there. A woman, Hunith, could help you. She'd our mother. I'm sure she'd provide you of aid. I can take you there."

Arthur frowned, "Wait," he pulled us both into a private circle, "What the hell are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" Merlin retorted, "We're finding him a safe space to take settle in for the time being."

"With your mother?" he raised a brow, crossing his arms together.

Merlin sighed, "I'll be there. You don't have to concern yourself over this. Trust me, I've thought about it."

"How can you trust him so much?" He shook his head, "And do you seriously think that he'll be safe in Ealdor when my father starts looking for him?"

I nodded, stating, "The tensions between Cenred and your father have escalated so much. The last time my mother came to Uther he was unwilling to send a handful of knights to defend it. Do you think he'd risk Camelot like this to catch a man who had gone missing before for 20 years and could do it so easily again?" I sighed, "It is risky...I know, but he saved our home, he saved our friends. It's the least we can do."

"How do we explain Merlin going out?"

I shrugged, "Gaius is currently working on his new research. I surely wouldn't be very surprising for my brother to have gone to search for a rare herb, would it?" I smirked.

"You'll be the death of me," Arthur ran a hand through his hair, "Fine!" he nodded, turning to Balinor and hurriedly rambling, "I trust you won't have any troubles finding your way out of the kindgom's walls?" seeing father's nod he sighed, "You shall meet Merlin outside the castle. Everyone should be busy dealing with the castle's reparations anyways. Merlin, you will take one horse, and take Balinor with you afterwards. If the knights follow your trail, it should be you who meets them. You shouldn't be followed past the borders."

3rd POV

And that's what had been done. By the time the bells started to toll, they weren't able to catch them. Merlin had taken a small pouch filled with strange herbs, were he questioned as he returned, and he kept on communicated with his sister through telepathy. Meanwhile the young warlock and the dragonlord had time to bond. They were just sad Estelle wasn't there to join them, but it'd have been suspicious for them both to suddenly be sent over. Elle had told Gaius about their plan, and despite the initial low scolding he'd finally accepted without any questions. He'd said that his young ward had been sent to search for odd herbs, not commonly found at the nearby woods; this for educational and medical purposes. The search parties had lost their sent later on. The bad climate had both it's perks and disadvantages, it had seemed.

Merlin chuckled at one of his father's stories. Balinor wouldn't really say it, but the small gestures he did, showed just how excited, and nervous, he actually was to go back to Ealdor. He smiled fodnly at the idea of his parents reuniting after so long, and looked up at the sun with a nod. Hunith was probably plucking out the weeds, growing on her land, or teaching young mothers how to look after their younglings, as she'd said in the letters they had exchanged every now and then that they could. As they went forward, the trees grew thiner, and the distance between one another bigger. It wasn't long after that that they crossed the invisible barrier dividing Camelot from Essedir. And indeed, there was Hunith, running a hand through her forehead. Merlin and Balinor let out a nostalgic sigh at that.

Balinor suddenly frowned, murmuring, "Maybe this was a mistake. Do you think she'll recognize me?"

Merlin shook his head, placing a hand over his father's shoulder. "Look. She already has."

It was as if time paused for a moment, and all that mattered for sometime was them...Hunith gasped, dropping her things to dash towards them. Balinor went down of his horse to meet her, pulling her into a tight embrace, both of them breaking down.

"Is it really you? I thought...I thought I'd lost you," Hunith breathed out.

Balinor chuckled, "I lost myself for some time."

"Merlin!" she rushed to her son.

The young warlock sniffled, "Mother. It is so nice to see you again," he chuckled tearfuly, laughing with a bittersweet feeling, "He's back."

"He is," Hunith nodded, almost choking on her own words.

...

Balinor had been able to settle in. The young boy had watched as his father and mother got to know each other all over again, laughing with each other, cuddling. He felt relieved, happy and free. Smiling boyishly, he sighed, knowing he couldn't stay here as long as he would've wanted and he'd have to return to tell Elle all this. He was about to part, having bid his goodbyes to everyone.

Apparently, everyone looked at him with much better eyes after what happened with Arthur and Kanen...He shuddered at the memory. But these wasn't the only surprise he'd come up with, no. Will and Gretchen, with their little daughter, roughly reaching 2 years of age. Stella, named in her sisters honour, after saving the daughter's father...But that hadn't been all, no. There was something his father wanted to talk with him.

"You're home finally," Merlin smiled, "I hope you're happy here...Mother is certainly excited to see you back."

Balinor chuckled, "All this year, and she's still the same woman I fell in love with." He sighed, "Son...There is something you must know about our magic as a dragonlord."

"What is it?" Merlin tilted his head out of curiosity.

"Our powers have been shared for years from father to son; one day you will carry the sacred gift, and our purpose will rest into your hands. But it is only after my death that you will be able to use them as you have witnessed. Only then, will you master the dragon's tounge," he sighed, looking down at his hands, "There is no greater pride for me than to be called a dragonlord, but I feel there hasn't been much greatness from my existence."

"What do you mean?" Merlin frowned.

His father explained, "Over the years, a way to share the ancient gift was created. Merlin, I will hand the duty over to you now. Come close," he rested his hands on Merlin's shoulders, whispering as the boy stared with shock.

"But..." Merlin shook his head, feeling his father's magic now on his magic, he shivered, "I can't do it. This is your magic."

"Listen to me," Balinor sighed, "Oh, my son. I've seen enough in you to know that you will make me proud." Then he closed his eyes, "Wið ðone as drêor we hlîet, yfel inseglian sê ðâ ðe sealdnes, mægð êow, Merlin, w¯ære sê æftemestgeondwadan ûser scînlâc." By the end of the spell Balinor panted, tiredly, "There. I've transfered my abilities to you," he smiled, "I'm certain you'll do good use of them."

Merlin looked at him, still dazed, "Why would you give up your magic for me?"

He chuckled, "I'm certain you'll need this more than do and ever will. I can feel the bound you and your sister share with Arthur's destiny. Sadly, I can't be a part of it. I cannot fight with Camelot...I think this is for the best," he continued, serious as he stated, "You're the last dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself, you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share when facing him, for your soul and his are brothers. When you speak to him as kin, he must obey your will.


Did you like it? I sure hope you did! I did come up with some thought, and I think this is one of the best solutions I found. Letting Balinor die was definitely out of the question, and I didn't really see Balinor joining Arthur in the future. Plus, I did find it quite cute the idea of Merlin being the one to see his parents reunited after so long. He finally got his family :) I was hoping to give Uther some moment of likeability lol by letting Balinor go

Belbelanne: Aww thanks :) Really appreciate it. Yes! For the most part, letting Merlin keep the magic, being one of his unique traits and letting him also have his father back seemed to be two different and extreme concepts, finally found a way to make them join . Thank you! Time sure flies bye! As always thanks for sticking in. :33

Blu3b3rryT3a: Family is always complicated. Kilgharrah doesn't make things any easier lol I think we can agree Uther's not making it easy for us to forgive him. Sadly he'll probably won't be gone for some time. Thanks for your support! :33

OechsnerC: Finally got that much expected reunion! Haha. Balinor made it through, yay! As always, thanks for sticking in with the story! :33

Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967: Thanks for leaving your comment! :33

Next chapter is on the work and should be updated shortly! 3rd Season, let's gooo!

Stay safe, take care, do what you love!
Otter reader out~