Well, here it is, the last chapter. I just want to say thank you soooooooo much for all the support that you guys have shown this story. It really means a lot and I'm glad so many have enjoyed it. I'm sad it's over (and also that I killed Morgana off. She's one of my favorite characters, especially when she's evil! haha) but all things must come to an end eventually. :)
Disclaimer: I still own nothing and never will.
Chapter 20: Three Months Later
Merlin walked down the street, trying to ignore the stares and whispers that followed him. It had been three months since he had revealed himself in the battle against Morgana and a lot had changed. Magic was slowly returning to Camelot, with only magic used for evil purposes being outlawed. Three weeks prior, Arthur had named him Court Sorcerer, though Merlin still served as his manservant as well. He found it easier to watch after the prat that way.
Other then those changes, the way the people treated Merlin had changed as well. There were some who still treated him the same, but those were usually the ones who he had been friends with before he had revealed himself. For the most part, the people now treated him with suspicion and whispers and stares followed him wherever he went. It was unnerving to say the least, but he was getting use to it and in a few years, he knew, it would all go back to normal. Or, as normal as life could get in Camelot.
Merlin resisted the urge to turn around and look at thet people who whispering and kept walking. It didn't take him long to reach the small garden he was heading for. Opening the small gate, he slipped inside and headed for the far side where a tree was growing for shade. Underneath the tree was about ten children, all between the ages of five and eleven.
"Merlin!" Amaya shouted when she spotted him.
She broke away from the group and ran over to him, jumping into his arms and hugging his neck.
"Hey Amaya." He laughed, moving her over to his hip so he could carry her. "How are you?"
"I'm great!" Amaya replied with a big smile. "Momma is going to let me help Aunt Mary as much as I want from now on!"
"That's great." Merlin laughed.
He walked over to join the rest of the kids, who had grown silent and fidgeted eagerly. Some of the older ones still looked at him nervously, but they made no attempt to leave. A bench was underneath the tree and he sat down on it, Amaya on his knee looking eagerly up at him. The rest of the kids sat down on crossed legs in front of him, some leaning forward eagerly.
"What story do you all want to hear today?" He asked with a smile.
"Tell the one about how the prince got donkey ears!" a little boy called out.
"Or the one about how the prince turned into a simpleton!" a girl added with a laugh.
"How about I tell both?" Merlin asked, and his suggestion was met with cheers. He settled back against the tree, and took a breath before beginning his story, a goofy grin on his face. "Once upon a time there was a prince named Artie and a manservant named Merl..."