Hearts of Camelot
4th Required Featured character: Lancelot
Ratings/Warnings: K+/T, character death
Word Count: 383
Summary: Lancelot makes the decision to step into the veil, sacrificing himself in place of his king Arthur. Set in 4x02; The Darkest Hour Pt 2
Lancelot watched Merlin argue with Arthur about why he shouldn't go through the veil, speaking in a hurried determined tone.
Arthur is Merlin's destiny, his best friend. Lancelot knew Merlin was sure to break apart if Arthur, his king he had sworn to protect and their destinies entwined, disappeared through that ominous veil never to be seen again. It was a place of freezing darkness and misery.
The world will need me less, than Arthur whom I had also sworn to protect in my heart, my king and friend who stuck up for me when Uther wanted me killed for treason. I would never let Merlin die either, whom I also care for dearly, my first friend in Camelot.
The Cailleach would never stop her reign of terror releasing Dorocha into the world, unless someone was sacrificed once again to close the tear in the veil.
Looking at the cold smile the Cailleach was wearing and hearing her laughter, he was beginning to realize this was like a game for her.
The friends he'd made since he became a knight were also irreplaceable, and he couldn't ask for more loyal, kind ones. They all believed in him, even though he had no royal blood.
He would never forget Gwen, his first and true love. She was the kindest, honest and most beautiful woman he'd ever met. But as he'd said to Merlin, Arthur was a better man than him. She deserved a better life with Arthur, and be his Queen in the inevitable future.
He didn't want any of his friends to suffer when he was gone, but many more innocents would suffer if no-one willingly sacrificed themselves.
I have to be noble, I know it's in my heart.
He started walking towards the veil, unnoticed by Merlin. The Cailleach was watching him with those terrible dead eyes, but she looked right at him too.
It was like she was beckoning with her eyes, to go with her.
Now at the edge of the brink, Lancelot turned around to see Merlin looking at him with a shocked expression.
It is my time, Merlin. I'm so sorry…
He smiled at Merlin, knowing he was doing the right thing.
Taking a quick deep breath, Lancelot turned around and stepped into the veil of the dead.