Another's Favor by ebhg
Rating: T
Pairings: Merthian/Arwen
Spoilers: Series 1-4 and up to episode 4 of Series 5.
Disclaimer: Merlin belongs to BBC.
A/N: Thank you all for reading and reviewing! This is it, the penultimate chapter. I hope you've enjoyed the ride!
Albion
The visiting monarchs were waiting on the steps for them when Arthur, Merlin and the others returned to the citadel. Several eyebrows rose as they approached, weary and covered in soot. Arthur held Guinevere close to him, supporting her as they made their way across the courtyard. Merlin followed right behind his king, Mithian and Hunith on either side. As they came to a stop at the base of the stairs, King Rodor's eyes widened in alarm.
"Hunith?!" he exclaimed, descending the steps and coming to stand in front of Merlin's mother. "Whatever has happened to you? You look as though you haven't slept and were dragged through the dirt!"
"Father!" Mithian laughed, surprised at her father's candor. She couldn't help but notice Hunith's reddened cheeks and speechless countenance. .
"My apologies, Lady Hunith; I was merely surprised at your appearance; it would appear that you've had a trying ordeal. I cannot apologize for my concern though, so I will ask again, what happened?"
"I'm glad you asked, King Rodor, as it is a very interesting tale," Merlin interjected, saving his thoroughly overwhelmed mother from making any immediate reply. Arthur's eyes quickly scanned over those still on the steps until he found King Alined standing in the back.
"Let's adjourn to the great hall, we can discuss things there," he suggested, hoping to have Alined better contained before the story came out.
Annis nodded and gestured for Arthur and Gwen to lead the way. One by one, the others fell in behind the king and queen, walking in tense but curious silence.
"Shall we?" Merlin asked the two ladies beside him, only to be surprised when King Rodor cleared his throat and stepped in front of them, even as Prince Gavin paused in confusion a short distance away.
"If the Lady Hunith does not object, I would be honored to escort her into the hall," Rodor said rather formally. Merlin's eyes widened in shock, but Mithian squeezed his hand. Gavin smiled and traded a knowing look with Mithian. He motioned his intention to go ahead and Mithian gave a subtle nod as the prince moved to follow the group, leaving the four of them to their own devices.
"I am no Lady," Hunith objected, finally finding her voice as the others walked away. "And I do not belong amongst such a gathering of royalty."
"Nonsense," Rodor replied, taking Hunith's hand and tucking it into his elbow as he moved to follow the rest of the group. "You became a Lady when your son received his title, though I dare say that you were worthy of it long before. And you were made a part of these proceedings when you were so deplorably treated."
Hunith's nervous reply was unheard as Merlin and Mithian fell behind, smiling at the pair ahead of them.
"They're getting on rather well," Mithian chuckled.
"I'm beginning to wonder if my mother won't soon be living in Nemeth," Merlin agreed, utterly dumbfounded. Mithian bit her lip to keep from smiling too widely.
"I've not seen my father so taken with a woman in many years; not since my mother."
"Perhaps some good will come of all this then," Merlin mused.
"I have every faith that this is all going to end well," Mithian said, her voice firm and confident.
Merlin's reply was cut off when they reached the great hall; the others had already taken their seats at the round table. Rodor insisted on having Hunith sit beside him, though the humbly dressed and obviously disheveled woman was clearly uneasy amongst the finery of the monarchs surrounding her. Merlin hid his pleased grin as he helped Mithian into her seat beside him before taking his own. Then he turned his attention to the matter at hand and took in the room around him.
The servants had quite obviously been busy; there was virtually no sign of the fight that had taken place less than an hour before. There were now knights from each kingdom positioned on the balconies in addition to the extra guards at the door. Beyond such measures, only a few small divots in the table top gave any hint that arrows had rained down upon them that afternoon.
Arthur remained standing as the others turned to him expectantly. He steadily met the questioning gaze of all who were gathered.
"I trust no further attempt at harm was made?" he asked, looking at Prince Gavin, remembering Merlin's hurried instruction to the prince.
"There were a few more Amatan soldiers that had to be subdued, but it was nothing we couldn't handle," the prince said confidently.
"Yes, I've not seen such excitement in many years," Annis drawled, drawing a few chuckles from the others.
"I am pleased that you are all safe," Arthur began, meeting their gazes once more. "However, it pains me to say that it appears we've all been betrayed by more than the Amata."
"What?" Annis asked, her eyes scanning the others suspiciously. "How much more of this will we tolerate?!"
"Did we not all swear oaths, on our honor, to a truce at least the duration of the talks?" Lord Bayard asked gruffly.
"This is unacceptable!" Lot growled.
"Are we all to be killed in our beds?" Odin muttered, looking suspiciously around him.
"I'm ever more grateful that my Vivian is safe in my own kingdom," Olaf reasoned, he too looking uneasily at the others.
"Who was this coward?" Lord Godwyn asked, his regal features darkened by anger.
"Yes. Who has dared to darken these peaceful talks with hatred?" Rodor mused. Merlin did not miss the subtle glance that Mithian's father gave Hunith. Silence settled around the table as nearly all of them looked searchingly at the others.
"You've been very quiet Alined," Arthur said, his voice steely as he looked the other king unflinchingly in the eyes.
"Whatever makes you think I would betray this fine consortium?" Alined asked with a patronizing smile.
"I was merely commenting on your lack of opinion, though it is curious how very quick you are to defend yourself."
"One has to be cautious at times like these," Alined deflected.
"And you have yet to give your thoughts on the matter," Princess Elena stated cooly.
"I have nothing to hide," Alined said, sidestepping the issue altogether.
"I believe you once had a man in your employ by the name of Trickler?" Merlin asked, causing Alined's smile to quickly morph into an expression of teeth-gritting fury before his face settled into a neutral expression.
"Yes, I did have a fool by that name, a long time ago. I sacked him shortly after the last time I came to Camelot. It has been many years since I saw him last."
"Many years, you say?" Arthur asked dubiously.
"Yes. At least five years, I would think," Alined replied.
"Then how do you explain the fact that Trickler just tried to abduct my wife in your name?" Arthur asked bluntly, his hands fisting upon the table in an attempt to calm his temper.
"Could you also explain why he just tried to set the whole of the lower town ablaze?" Mithian chimed in, holding up her soot-stained hands.
"Or why he helped to abduct my mother last night?" Merlin added, raising an eyebrow at Alined's angry sneer. Rodor looked at Hunith in shock, his eyes scanning her disheveled form once more.
"You have no proof," Alined said bitterly. Hunith, however, sat tall at his words, ignoring the attention suddenly focused on her; her eyes flashed angrily as she looked at Alined.
"I heard your men; they took me away last night, carrying me away into the forest to distract my son. I heard plenty about their plans to kill King Arthur and my son in order plunge us all into war."
"And yet you still can't blame this on me. I've no control over a man I've dismissed years ago. I don't know what he is thinking or doing. So where is he now?" Alined asked, forcing a nonchalant tone into his voice. "On his way to your dungeons no doubt? Let's bring him here; ask him what he's up to, shall we?"
"That could be difficult, seeing as he's dead," Arthur answered. Alined's face instantly froze, his patronizing expression melting away as he grit his teeth and his face reddened.
"Something the matter?" Merlin asked knowingly.
"No, of course not," Alined simpered, "Trickler was obviously useless on the best of days. His services will not be missed."
"I thought you said that you had sacked him years ago? That you hadn't seen him in a long while?" Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I haven't, I mean, I did sack him. I haven't seen him. I have no reason to miss his services," Alined backpedaled, only to be interrupted by the doors opening and Sir Leon striding in, accompanied by a group of men; Sarrum's second knight, Alined's nephew, and a small group of knights in Alined's colors. Guinevere froze in her seat, eyeing the newcomers hesitantly. Mithian recognized the change in the queen's composure; Hunith had reacted much the same way upon seeing the princess and the knights.
"Sir Leon," Arthur greeted.
"My Lord," Leon acknowledged. "I've brought the most senior members of both kingdoms, as you required. I apologize for the delay, Sire. We had to find the castle steward in order to release Prince Anwyl from his chambers. He had been locked in. "
"What is the meaning of this?" Alined growled, glaring at his late sister's only son. "You are supposed to be in your chambers."
"And locked in? I do not appreciate him having been imprisoned unjustly in my castle. And he is here because I requested Prince Anwyl's attendance this afternoon, Alined," Arthur explained.
"You have no authority over my sister's pathetic son," Alined argued.
"On the contrary," Merlin interjected. "As the host of these peace talks, King Arthur reserves the right to invite any who would benefit this gathering."
The look that Alined gave the warlock bordered on pure hatred. Merlin raised his eyebrow challengingly and Alined leaned back into his chair without any further protest. The expression on the king's face made it quite clear that he was not happy.
"Please explain what is going on," Olaf huffed impatiently.
"Yes, please do," Bayard agreed, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers as he eyed the others cooly.
"Sarrum and his first knight are dead; Amata, unfortunately, has no heir," Arthur began. "I've asked Sir Doran, the most senior surviving knight of the Amata, to sit in Sarrum's place for us."
"And I am here to take your place, uncle," Prince Anwyl said, holding his chin high as he met Alined's glare.
"This is preposterous. Anwyl is little more than a boy," Alined protested. "I will not be replaced. I am still king, and this gathering has no authority over my place in my kingdom!"
"That remains to be seen," Anwyl said, balling his fists and staring his uncle down. "I know what you have been doing, and I will not be cowed any longer.
"Don't embarrass yourself, boy," Alined spat. His nephew shook his head angrily.
"You are blind! Our people want peace; they need it. We need to strengthen our kingdom against the Saxon threat. My mother, gods rest her soul, understood that; you are the only one who refuses to see it."
"You traitor! You dare to besmirch my name and my honor before these people?!" Alined ground out, rising from his seat and moving towards Anwyl threateningly. Merlin raised a hand and froze the tantruming king before he could take more than three steps.
"Restrain yourself," Arthur warned. "I will have no more attacks on this council."
Merlin relaxed his hand, allowing Alined to begrudgingly return to his seat. Alined glared at Merlin with a malicious expression until the other royals began talking all at once.
"This is preposterous!"
"What is this farce?!"
"What peace is this?!"
"Is this what magic does?!"
Arthur raised his hands for silence, hoping to get things under control before the peace negotiations were utterly doomed to failure.
"Please, Your Excellencies, all will be explained, though I must ask you for your patience."
"Then it was Alined who orchestrated the attack?" Queen Annis asked rhetorically, looking towards the fuming man with censure in her gaze.
"Is this any way to achieve peace?" Lord Godwin asked, looking at Alined with distaste.
"What wrongs have been done you? What petty revenge do you seek?" Odin asked, looking towards Arthur with a contrite expression for the first time. Alined gritted his teeth together, falling silent and refusing any answer.
"It is no revenge he seeks, nor restitution for any wrong. It is greed which drives my uncle, nothing more."
Merlin tensed, ready to restrain the angry monarch if need be.
"You will shut your mouth, boy," Alined growled, refusing to acknowledge his nephew's rank.
"He has said enough already. We can see the truth for ourselves," Olaf said, narrowing his eyes at Alined's subsequent glare.
"You claim honor, yet you have none, by the word of your own nephew," Bayard said.
"You have no proof," Alined argued.
"On the contrary," Mithian said, rising to her feet and gesturing to a blushing Hunith. "We have plenty of proof. The Lady Hunith has already testified to this esteemed gathering that she was forcibly taken last night in order to distract her son, Camelot's Court Warlock and greatest protector. She was cruelly spirited away in order to expose this committee to attack. Her abductors were the very same men who tried to abscond with Queen Guinevere just this afternoon. These men were led by this Trickler whom has been known to serve King Alined. I saw him with my own eyes and killed him myself," Mithian explained as she turned to stare-down Alined.
"Lies," Alined protested, though he faltered when the others seated around the table offered no support. Anwyl stepped forward.
"It is no lie, and you know it. As crown prince and next in line for the throne, I hereby demand that you abdicate your crown and duties to me," Anwyl said, struggling to maintain his composure.
"You have no right to perform this treason," Alined said through gritted teeth.
"I disagree. I have the will of the people behind me, and the support of the knights."
Merlin's eyes flicked to Alined's knights who, up till then, had said nothing. As one, the three of them stepped forward, coming to a stop in front of Prince Anwyl and kneeling down.
"We swear fealty to Prince Anwyl," the one in the center declared. The gathered monarchs sat in stunned silence, which was broken moments later by Alined's angry, animalistic growl.
"Oh my!" Princess Elena exclaimed, startled by Alined's chair toppling backwards as the king stood abruptly. Merlin instinctively moved to shield Arthur and Guinevere, but Alined surprised everyone and lunged at his nephew with a short dagger he pulled from his belt.
Merlin's eyes flared and Alined froze in place; Prince Anwyl quickly stepped back from the blade in his uncle's hand and the knights kneeling before the prince sprang to their feet, drawing their swords. The three of them hesitated, unsure of how to proceed against the frozen king.
"Put it down, Alined," Arthur commanded, standing from his seat and taking a few steps towards them. "Everyone just needs to calm down."
"I would, but it would seem that I cannot," Alined said, looking balefully at Merlin's outstretched hand.
"I will release you, Alined, in order to drop the knife," Merlin said grimly, his voice strained.
"Fine," the disgraced king growled.
Anwyl's knights moved in closer in order to take hold of their former king and Merlin slowly released him. Alined, though, took the opportunity to slash the closest knight across the cheek. Seeing the blood run down the knight's face finally broke the shocked state that had enveloped the others. Leon rushed forward to help the knight staunch the blood flow from his wound as the other nobles and royals stood and backed away from the table once more. King Rodor and Prince Gavin took up a protective stance in front of Hunith and Elena while guards flanked the rest of the group.
"Ástyntede!" Merlin shouted in frustration, and Alined was frozen in place once more, his arm poised to make a second slash. With a flick of his wrist, Merlin sent the dagger clattering to the floor then held the monarch frozen for a moment, trying to determine the best course of action. As his eyes fell upon the heavy cord tying the drapes back, the warlock commanded, "Áweraþ!" and then looked towards Alined. The cord jumped into motion, binding the angry monarch in place.
"Release me this instant!" Alined screamed, spittle flying from his lips as he blustered angrily.
"I'm afraid I cannot do that," Merlin answered coolly, provoking an angry growl from Alined's clenched teeth.
"What are we to do now?" Lord Bayard asked, eying the tantruming king with distaste. Mithian and Guinevere came to stand beside their husbands supportively; the King of Camelot exchanged a look with his First Advisor, frustrated by the situation.
"I believe Alined should be confined to the dungeons," Annis suggested.
"I agree," Rodor said.
"And I," Olaf added. Alined gritted his teeth and glared at the others as one by one, they all agreed on Annis' suggestion.
"You're all a bunch of fools," Alined growled as two guards took hold of his arms and led him from the room. A tense silence followed, in which no one was eager to make the first move.
"Please, let's all take a seat," Arthur invited. "Prince Anwyl will take Alined's place."
"And what of Amata?" King Lot asked, causing everyone to look at the lone Amatan knight as though he had just entered.
"As you know, Amata has no heir; neither are our customs of succession like yours. I will take Sarrum's place, both on this council and as high ruler of my people. I vow to make my decisions here with an open mind."
"And how do we know you're not going to slip a little poison into someone's goblet?" Olaf asked suspiciously.
"I have no interest in preventing peace. My beliefs are much different than my predecessor's," Sir Doran replied.
"What does that mean? Where is your proof?" Odin asked, his face reddening in frustration.
"This is my proof," Doran said, reaching into his pocket before holding out his hand and concentrating on it. A moment later, the knight released a gasping breath as sweat began to gather at his brow; then it was the others turn to gasp as they watched the tiny seed that lay in Doran's palm sprout small green leaves on a slender stalk.
"You have magic?!" Prince Gavin asked excitedly. Doran merely nodded.
"I have been hiding from Sarrum for many years, waiting for the time that the Druids oft speak of; the golden age of Albion. The Amata have long been a mercenary people; Sarrum had many long-held beliefs against magic. I am not very powerful, but it is my hope that I may guide my people towards a brighter future. That is why my first act as the leader of the Amata is to swear allegiance to Camelot, to Emrys, and to this council."
Doran surprised everyone when he knelt down in front of Arthur.
"I acknowledge you, Arthur Pendragon, as The Once and Future King; high king of all Albion," Doran finished, placing his clenched fist over his heart in a sign of acceptance before he turned to Merlin. "I acknowledge you, Lord Merlin, as Emrys of the Druids, leader of the magical community. I will gladly lead my people under your guidance."
"I thank you, Sir Doran," Arthur said in an overwhelmed voice; Merlin nodded, unable to speak. "But I did not expect such a declaration; I did not call for this historic gathering to assert myself as ruler over all of Albion."
"And yet," King Rodor interrupted, moving to stand beside Sir Doran, "It would appear to be the case. The Druids have foreseen this time. I believe that this is your destiny."
"No man should have such power," Arthur argued.
"You won't be alone," Merlin replied, knowing that Rodor spoke the truth. The warlock had accepted their conjoined fate many years before. Mithian squeezed his hand in support.
"No, you won't be," Guinevere added, smiling encouragingly at Arthur.
"Why me?" Arthur asked, overwhelmed.
"You are the Once and Future King," Merlin said proudly.
"You are a natural choice for such a leader," Mithian agreed.
"How so? I've less time as king than every other ruler in this council," Arthur said, looking around the room in disbelief.
"That is true," King Rodor acknowledged. "And yet it was you who brought us all together here with the belief that peace was possible. Therefore, I acknowledge you, Arthur Pendragon, as the Once and Future King, high king of all Albion. And you, Lord Merlin, as Emrys of the Druids, leader of those with magic. I too, will rule my people under your leadership."
"As will I," Prince Gavin agreed.
"I, too, acknowledge you, Arthur Pendragon, as The Once and Future King, high king of all Albion, and Lord Merlin as Emrys," Queen Annis said, coming to stand beside Doran, Rodor and Gavin. One by one, the others came and repeated the same oath, until Olaf was the last one left.
"When I came here, Arthur, I had little hope for this council. I thought that it would be a waste of time, and the cowardly poisoning of your advisor did little to dissuade me of the opinion. But I must admit that my expectations have been too low. You are a worthy king, Arthur Pendragon. You have shown as much in the last few days. And I am not ashamed to acknowledge you as high king of Albion. As for you, Lord Merlin, magic has long been something of which I was not very trusting. I can honestly say that I was shocked and disappointed to see magic welcomed in Camelot once more."
Merlin flinched at Olaf's blunt candor, then looked down at his boots to hide his expression. Mithian clenched her teeth in irritation; she could see her husband's disappointment. Though as she opened her mouth to argue in Merlin's defence, Olaf continued.
"However, you have shown true honor and loyalty this day. You even protected me and others who have been vocal in our beliefs against magic. You are not an evil man; I must concede then, that magic is not either. Therefore, I acknowledge you as Emrys of the Druids, rightful leader and guide to those with magic."
Merlin unashamedly allowed the tears to stream down his cheeks unchecked, nodding in wordless acceptance of Olaf's pledge. Arthur struggled to speak beyond the lump in his throat, looking at Guinevere and taking strength from her brilliant smile.
"This is an honor I was not expecting," he began, looking solemnly at each of the other rulers in the room. "I will endeavor to live up to the hopes and expectations of this council. To lead us all into an era of prosperity and peace, so that we might be strong in the face of those who would see us fall. I accept your fealty and your appointment. I accept my role as the Once and Future King; may we all stand for peace.
Merlin smiled as the mantle of leadership settled onto Arthur's shoulders. There had been many times over the years in which the warlock had doubted that their conjoined destiny would come to pass. But now, Merlin could see that Arthur was ready. Still a clotpole at heart, but ready nonetheless. The warlock broke the awed silence that had descended over the room, bringing his hands together in applause. Mithian and Guinevere were quick to join him, followed soon after by the rest of those in the hall.
"Long live the king!" Merlin cried out, which was immediately repeated by all.
"This calls for a feast!" King Rodor suggested as the room fell silent once more.
"A feast it is!" Guinevere agreed.
"Only if Merlin agrees to juggle for us," Queen Annis teased, to much laughter.
"I'm sure that there will be much more entertaining things," Merlin answered.
"I'm not sure," Mithian teased. "I've heard tell of these juggling skills, but I've never seen them. I think it is about time I witnessed this talent of yours."
Merlin shook his head at Mithian's mischievous look before he finally conceded with a rueful chuckle.
"Then juggle I shall."
That very evening, a grand ceremony was performed upon the balcony, in view of hundreds of citizens. Geoffrey of Monmouth read out the proclamation of peace which was then signed by each monarch. Merlin stood at the back of the balcony, grasping Mithian's hand in his own, fighting the tears that threatened as he witnessed the prophecies being fulfilled.
As Prince Regent Anwyl placed his signature at the bottom, Arthur took the scroll and stepped forward once more, raising the parchment over his head.
"It is done!" he called out. "Peace between our great kingdoms has been achieved at last!"
The cheers from the gathered crowd was deafening; Merlin hadn't realized that tears were indeed running down his face until Mithian tenderly wiped them away with her delicate handkerchief.
"You've done it," she whispered, smiling as Merlin let loose with a joyous laugh and gathered her into his arms, hugging her tightly against his chest.
"We've done it," he murmured into her hair. "You and me, Arthur and Gwen. I had started to doubt this day would ever come. Then your father made his offer, and it seemed that everything just fell into place. Marrying you seems to be the best thing I ever did."
"Of course it was. Tis a pity we didn't think of it sooner," Mithian said loftily, enjoying the rumble of laughter from her husband. Distantly, Merlin was aware of the others on the balcony; Arthur had Guinevere in his arms and the others were all smiling hugely, even Lot and Odin, much to Merlin's amazement.
"Yes, it is," Merlin agreed, hooking his finger under Mithian's chin and prompting her to look up at him. Mithian didn't resist, and Merlin found himself breathless as he stared deeply into her brown eyes.
"What are you waiting for?" Mithian whispered, her lips turning up into a mischievous grin.
"There's a lot of people here," Merlin teased playfully.
"Never stopped you before," Mithian retorted. Merlin's cheeks flushed pink, but all thoughts flew from his head as Mithian stretched up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. The sounds of the crowd and the applause of those surrounding them fell away until all Merlin knew was Mithian. When finally she pulled back, Merlin realized that they had attracted quite a bit of attention from the others on the balcony, though he found that he didn't mind. Not even Gwaine's wagging eyebrows could dampen his spirits.
Though Audrey had complained loud and long at the incredibly short notice, the feast celebrating the peace agreement was impressive. The mood was ebullient; the quiet tension that had been readily apparent in their opening feast was now gone. Smiles were frequent and Merlin had never heard such laughter fill the dining hall. Arthur and Gwen had a certain aura of serenity and calmness surrounding them, which left the warlock feeling more lighthearted than he had been in a long while.
Merlin's brow wrinkled, however, at the sight of a guard entering the hall and making his way towards the head table.
"Sire," the man said, bowing respectfully to his king.
"What is it?" Arthur asked drawing the man straight once more.
"I bring news from the head of the guard. King Alined was found in his cell just moments ago. It appears that he poisoned himself."
Arthur leaned back heavily in his chair, taking a deep breath. Merlin could see that he was trying to control his expression.
"Has he been examined?" Merlin asked, seeing Gaius sitting beside Geoffrey.
"Yes, young Daegal has looked him over," the guard replied.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Please inform Prince Anwyl, but otherwise keep it quiet. Let's not let this detract from our victory today."
"Yes, Sire," the guard replied, bowing once more before seeking out the new king of Wessex.
"Are you alright?" Merlin asked, seeing Arthur's new solemnity.
"Yes. Just disappointed."
"Disappointed?"
"I had hoped that he would come to accept things."
"We all have our choices," Merlin said, looking pointedly towards where Mordred sat between Gwaine and Percival, dressed in a crisp crimson cloak and firmly loyal to Camelot, despite the dire destiny foretold long ago. Arthur followed his advisor's gaze, and smiled as the young knight surreptitiously gave Gwaine blue hair. The older knight, distracted as he was by a serving girl, didn't notice until the girl walked away with a cheeky grin.
"Mordred!"
"Yes, I suppose we do," Arthur allowed, laughing as Gwaine hurried after Merlin's retreating apprentice. "Thank you, Merlin," he murmured as his good mood returned.
Merlin nodded in reply, grinning at the knights' antics.
"I'm quite looking forward to you juggling for us, Merlin," Mithian said slyly, pulling them back to the celebration at hand; her eyes sparkling as Merlin turned red.
"Me too," Merlin replied facetiously, leaning back in his chair when a servant brought the traditional roast boar's head and placed it on the head table. The warlock had never cared for boars head, especially when the poor beast seemed to be pleading with him not to eat it. Even so, Merlin was not expecting his wife to suddenly stop laughing and groan at the sight of it.
"Oh, my... That's just... Excuse me!" Mithian said, her face fading bone-white before turning an alarming shade of green as she stood from the table and rushed towards the side entrance.
"What's the matter?" Arthur asked in confusion on Merlin's other side.
"Ah, I'm not sure..."
"I could give a pretty good guess," Guinevere answered, eyeing the offending boar's head with distaste before she looked down at her swelling midsection knowingly.
"Oh. You mean... Oh. Mithian... Oh!" Merlin stumbled over the words, his cheeks burning and his eyes growing wider as the queen's theory sank in. Arthur looked from Merlin on his right to Guinevere on his left, not following their conclusion until he saw the queen's hand caressing her stomach soothingly.
"OH!" the king exclaimed, turning back to Merlin with wide eyes and a wicked grin.
"You had better go after her," Gwen insisted. "We'll make sure the head is moved elsewhere for when you return."
"Yes, Merlin, I really think you should," Arthur agreed, barely restraining his glee. Merlin narrowed his eyes at the king, but pushed his chair back regardless.
"I'm only doing as I've been told because I think it's the right thing to do," the advisor said impertinently, smiling at Gwen thankfully and ignoring Arthur's half-hearted attempt to control his grin.
"Of course," Arthur said, feigning seriousness as Merlin left the room in search of his wife. The corridor was dark and cool, a welcome change from the festive atmosphere of the feast. Looking in either direction down the empty hallway, Merlin then closed his eyes and reached out with his senses, finding the faint echo of his own magic, which, now that he concentrated on it, seemed a bit stronger than it had been before. It hummed comfortingly at the contact and he turned around the corner to his right to follow the trail. It didn't take long to find Mithian, leaning over a decorative urn in an alcove. At the sound of his footsteps approaching, the princess straightened and hastily turned to face him, pressing the back of her hand to her mouth.
"Merlin," she breathed, relieved at the sight of him.
"Are you alright?" he asked, reaching out to cradle her flushed cheek in his hand.
"I am now. I don't know what came over me. I couldn't, I mean.. it was just the sight of that awful head..." Mithian trailed off at Merlin's expression. "What is it that has you smiling like that when I've just abominably desecrated this piece of pottery?"
"I was just thinking..."
"What?"
"We've been married for nearly two months now..." Merlin replied, raising his eyebrows and waiting for Mithian to follow.
"Oh. Oh!"
"Exactly what I said."
"How did you know?" Mithian asked, pressing a hand to her trim midsection in wonder.
"Well, I suppose it was really Gwen that knew," the warlock admitted, smiling sheepishly.
"Don't think this gets you out of juggling," Mithian said mirthfully.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Merlin answered innocently.
"Then please, kind sir, escort me back to the dining hall? I'm suddenly rather hungry."
"As it pleases you, My Lady," Merlin said, bowing dramatically and taking Mithian's hand in his, pressing a kiss to the back of it.
The feast didn't seem any less jubilant than when they left; in fact, it seemed to have become a bit more raucous. Gwaine was standing before the head table, his hair now restored, with a basket of apples in his arms. He crunching on one as he waited for Merlin and Mithian to return. The princess smiled gratefully at Gwen as Merlin helped her into her seat and she realized that the boar's head was gone.
"We'll talk later," the queen mouthed, smiling knowingly at Mithian.
"Ah, the entertainment arrives!" Gwaine called out, oblivious to the ladies' exchange, as he was more than a little tipsy. "I missed your little display in Caerleon, Merlin, so make this one a good one!"
"Hear, hear!" Queen Annis called out, clapping her hands enthusiastically.
"Yeah, here," Gwaine repeated, clumsily thrusting the apples in the warlock's direction.
"Thanks, Gwaine, but I actually had something else in mind."
At that, Merlin stepped around the table to the center of the room and gave a deep bow to Princess Mithian, followed by a respectful nod to the other royals surrounding him.
"If it pleases Your Majesties, I would perform a feat of skill few have mastered."
Merlin ignored Arthur's eye roll, and without hiding this time, held his hand out in front of him, his eyes flaring gold as a pair of eggs suddenly appeared in his hand. Several of the ladies in the room gasped in amazement, prompting another eye roll from Arthur, which Merlin ignored yet again. Then he brought his empty hand forward and another wordless flash of gold conjured three eggs. Merlin then spun around in a circle, showing the eggs to all in the room.
At the quiet smattering of applause, Merlin smiled and nodded in acknowledgement before he began tossing the eggs one by one into the air, flinging them higher and higher and from hand to hand until it was difficult to keep track of them all. At last, Merlin caught and held them, one by one, until he had them in cradled once again in his hands. The room burst into applause and cheers and Merlin bowed gratefully before moving back to the head table.
"Just an illusion!" Gwaine crowed, heckling the warlock playfully before he bit into his apple again.
"Are you sure?" Merlin asked, raising his eyebrow at the drunk knight.
"I'll bet those aren't even real eggs!"
"Of course they are," Merlin assured him, his eyes glinting mischievously. "I'll prove it to you."
"How-" Gwaine began, only to be silenced by the eggs that Merlin had suddenly tossed at him with a little push of magic, landing all five on the knight's head. Gwaine looked incredulously at the warlock.
"I did promise not to pour water over you again," Merlin said innocently. "I never said anything about eggs."
Gwaine chuckled as he brushed the smashed egg shells off his shoulders. "I suppose I asked for that didn't I?"
"Yes, you did Gwaine," Mordred said, grinning as he came forward with Leon, Percival and Elyan to collect their drunken comrade. "Promise me you'll teach me that sometime?" the younger warlock asked, eyeing Merlin hopefully.
"Someday, perhaps," Merlin conceded. "Excuse me," he said, patting Mordred on the shoulder and moving towards Mithian's side.
"That was some display," Mithian praised, smiling at Merlin impishly. "I hope our child gains your talents."
Merlin blinked stupidly.
"We're going to have a child."
"I believe so."
"A potentially magical child."
"I believe that is undeniably true as well."
"A baby."
"Yes, Merlin."
"I'm going to be a father!" he exclaimed, his voice unfortunately growing louder in his excitement. Merlin's proclamation cut through the din of conversation around the room, silencing everyone instantly.
"That's one way to announce it," Arthur said dryly, clapping a red-faced Merlin on the shoulder. "Congratulations are in order it seems, for Lord Merlin and Princess Mithian."
The feast took on a new element of merriment then, that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Mithian's condition was seen as a symbol of hope for all; for the new life she carried was undoubtedly magical. The first such child to be born in three generations who would be celebrated for the innate gifts they were born with, rather than shunned, feared, and ultimately hidden lest they be sent to the pyre.
Though the peace accord had been signed earlier that afternoon, it was only at Merlin's inadvertent announcement that one and all truly realized that the Golden Age was upon them.
Albion was born.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Just the epilogue left now! I really hope this has been satisfying for you. :) Yesterday was my birthday, so I'm going to shamelessly ask you to leave me a line on what your favorite part of this chapter, or even the story as a whole has been. Thank you!
