Balinor had never thought he would see the day when dragons once more perched proudly on the roofs of Camelot's mighty citadel.

Yet he was standing in the courtyard now, watching Aithusa preen herself up above the white stones. Guards clad in Pendragon red were stationed on an outside staircase just below, spears at the ready, but although she received some wary looks from them, it was clear Aithusa was in no danger of being attacked.

The sight of the white drake made his heart ache with memories of his younger years, before Uther's betrayal. He had spent many an hour on those balconies up there watching Kilgharrah circle above the castle, and he suddenly longed for the dragon's companionship. His bones were resting at Ealdor now, but a little of his blood lived on, Balinor knew, in the young king. It was a comforting thought.

Laughter drew Balinor's attention. From the bottom of the main stairs, he watched the Great Dragon emerge from the castle with Merlin by his side, as if Balinor's musings had summoned him. The young king was wearing his father's crown with confidence, though he had hardly been two months on the throne. He had looked tired enough from the burden of leadership when he had sat at the negotiation table across from Balinor. The pressure of guiding his kingdom out of two decades of war weighed heavy on his young shoulders.

King Arthur had given more than his councillors would have liked. Balinor had once more sworn allegiance to the Crown. In turn, Balinor had been granted fiefdom over a sizable piece of Camelotian land. Balinor's people would be exempt from much of their taxes in the foreseeable future, and Balinor himself was relieved of many of the duties he might have had to carry out were he any other of the king's lords. This way, he could focus on matters at home. Appease the likes of Godric, who had yet to accept a Pendragon king, Great Dragon or no. Make Ealdor a real town, now that people had spread their roots there.

Overall, it was a generous treaty, designed to make amends. In truth, it offered Balinor too much freedom and King Arthur too little control, but Balinor had no intention of betraying the Great Dragon and make trouble for the young king.

Many a trial was awaiting the untried monarch, who was still working through his own grief and pain caused by the war.

Now, though, the king's face was lit up with genuine mirth as he listened to Merlin making some amusing point or another. Though he was a member of King Arthur's court now, Merlin was still wearing the simple clothes he had always preferred. They didn't quite make him look the part of influential young dragonlord, but Merlin was nothing if not headstrong. He didn't need finery to assert his rightful place by the king's side. The sight filled Balinor with a fierce sense of pride. Stubborn, yes, that was Merlin. A useful trait in a king's advisor.

They had become fast friends, the Great Dragon and Emrys. That they were king and vassal seemed of little consequence to them outside the council chambers. They talked as equals, teased each other freely. Just now, the king playfully punched Merlin's shoulder. Merlin made a face, but whatever it was he commented made King Arthur throw back his head and laugh again. Merlin joined in.

Balinor had hardly ever seen his son this carefree or happy. He had much of Hunith when he smiled and it made Balinor's heart ache again. He missed her, even now, so many years later. Merlin had inherited her endless capacity for compassion. What might she have said about Merlin's role in ending the war?

"Father!" Merlin called out as the king and he made their way down the stairs. "You're leaving?"

"Mynur is waiting outside the city gates," Balinor confirmed.

Arthur came to stand beside Merlin. "You have the Stone, Lord Balinor?" he asked, toning down on the smile now that it was no longer just him and his friend.

Balinor nodded, thinking of the precious artifact stowed away in a cart, guarded carefully by his men. The very idea of the Stone of Rebirth returned to the dragons sent a thrill up his spine. There would be dragon eggs again. Not too long, and Balinor himself might call forth the first hatchling in many years.

"Yes, Great One. I thank you again for returning it to us."

"As negotiated," the king replied, a statesman's response, though Balinor knew the significance was not lost on him.

Balinor turned his eyes on Merlin. "When can I expect your return?" he asked, though he felt he knew the answer.

"Oh, well," Merlin replied slowly, exchanging a look with the king. "Not for a few weeks, I think. Arthur has invited my men to train with his knights and I can't miss that. Besides, I'm to help with some more of the rebuilding efforts. Arthur has need of my dragonfyre, so…" He trailed off.

Balinor inclined his head in acceptance. He doubted Merlin would spend much time at Ealdor in the coming years. Destiny had different plans for him.

"By your leave, Great One," Balinor said with a brief bow for the king.

"Yes, safe travels, Lord Balinor, and tell Mynur I send my regards."

As Balinor walked towards the drawbridge, Merlin's warriors approached the pair from another side, accompanied by the two knights that had once been captured along with the young Pendragon.

Balinor slowed and turned to look. Gwaine greeted the Great Dragon enthusiastically, but whatever he said had the king scowl playfully. Lancelot was reserved, but accepted a clap to his shoulder with a slight bow of his head. Percival stood more stiffly, but there was no hostility in his face. King Arthur had made every effort to atone for the sins of Howden, Balinor knew, and it has eased some of the lingering pain in the survivors.

With a faint smile, Balinor turned away and walked out of the citadel.

A new generation had taken over.

Much yet needed to be done, but Balinor had no doubt they would herald a golden age.


notes:

Thank you so much for reading. I had a lot of fun with this AU and if you liked it, too, I'd love some comments - feedback is an author's fuel! :) Feel free to check out my other Merlin stories (here and on Ao3), and there are sure to be new ones up, soon! :)