I do not own Merlin

Arthur was suddenly aware he was in an all-white space. As he looked around, details became in focus and he saw Merlin a little way away. As he walked towards Merlin he realized that they were on the shore of a lake.

Merlin turned towards Arthur and looked back at the lake. Arthur looked at the lake and felt tranquility wash over him.

"Where are we? I don't believe I've ever been here." Arthur leaned against a large rock that appeared on the beach. "How did we get here?"

Merlin breathed deeply and turned to look at Arthur. "We're in my mind."

"What? But-"

"I'm dying, Arthur. My magic allowed me to bring you here, to this moment in my memory, so we could talk. It's what you wished for."

Arthur gaped as he looked around him the entire scene looked so real! "You can do that?"

Merlin shifted uncomfortably where he stood, "Apparently."

"So where are we?"

"The shores of the Lake of Avalon. It's always brought me peace." Merlin shifted again, crouching down and trailing his fingers through the water. "I wanted to tell you several times," Merlin's words died out again as he looked out over the lake.

Arthur couldn't even look at Merlin. "I wanted to burn you." He saw Merlin wince at the words, "You had just saved my life, and I was ready to tie you to the pyre myself. I… I wasn't going to ask questions, or give you the benefit of an explanation. I was going to burn my best friend without hesitation." Arthur took a deep breath as he looked towards the sky, "But my father stole my fury from me. I watched the glee on his face as he stabbed you. He took pride in ridding the world of another magical abomination, like he has so many time before. I realized I was just hurt that you had not trusted me, but father… well his actions proved why you kept your own counsel." Arthur turned to Merlin, who was staring at Arthur intensely.

"I didn't want you to have to choose between me and your father." Merlin's eyes begged for understanding, forgiveness. "I didn't want you to have to lie. It is never easy to live dishonestly."

Arthur blinked the tears from his eyes, he would not behave like the girl he always accused Merlin of being. "When did you learn magic? Did you study it before you came to Camelot?"

"I was born with it." Arthur must have looked skeptical because Merlin snorted, "No really. My mother said I was moving objects across the room before I could walk. I've never not had magic."

"I didn't know that was possible. Why did you come to Camelot?"

Merlin smirked, "Do you believe in destiny and fate?"

Arthur frowned, he was a man of action, not a philosopher. "A person makes their own destiny."

A sad smile formed on Merlin's lips, "I was destined to protect you, to help you become the greatest King that Albion has ever known. You will unite all kingdoms and end the persecution of magic." Merlin hugged his arms to his chest and looked down at the ground, "It was my reward. I was supposed to help you create paradise. After all I have done, and everyone I've lost, we were going to have peace."

Arthur was stunned, was this what destiny had planned out for him? The greatest king that Albion has ever known?

They both stared at the lake in silence for a bit.

"I was frightened of your power. I've never seen a sorcerer able to enchant stone to behave like water. I didn't even hear an incantation. How powerful are you?"

Merlin's ears turned a bright pink as he looked at Arthur. "I'm not a sorcerer."

"But you have magic!"

"Yes but I'm not a sorcerer. I'm a warlock because I was born with magic."

Arthur crossed his arms and tried to figure out the difference when he realized Merlin didn't answer the question. "But how powerful are you?"

"Most magicians must pull their magic from the earth. They learn to harness it for their purposes. A few are born with magic and learn about it later on, like Morgana. They have a reserve of magic, but still must learn how to channel the magic from the world around them."

"Merlin answer the question."

"I am magic. My entire existence is tied to magic, it's like breathing. The druids call me Emrys and their prophecies state that Emrys is…I am… the most powerful magician to ever be born."

Arthur had a hard time reconciling the fact that skinny Merlin held such power. "But you trip over everything!"

"Prat! Power has nothing to do with gracefulness!" Merlin's entire face was bright pink as turned back towards the lake in a huff.

"Thank you, Merlin."

Merlin's eyes opened in shock as he turned towards Arthur. "It was all for you. Everything I ever did was for you."

Arthur noticed that the surroundings were beginning to fade back to the white. "Merlin?"

"I don't have much time left. I stretched this moment out to last as long as possible." Merlin had tears in his eyes. "Promise me you'll take care of Gaius. Protect him from Uther's wrath." Arthur nodded. "And tell Gwen, Gwaine, Elyan, Percival, and Leon that I'm sorry. I wish I could have lived a more honest life." Tears streamed down Merlin's face. "And please let Gaius take my body to my mother. I'll miss you Arthur."

The white was becoming blinding as Arthur could no longer see the lake. Desperately he reached out for Merlin's arm and pulled Merlin into an embrace.

"I'm sorry, Merlin. I'll miss you." The white blinded him.

This scene was heavily inspired by the Harry and Dumbledore chat in Deathly Hallows. A final chance to make peace with one another. There should be an epilogue as soon as I can figure out how to make it better. Thanks for reading!