Arthur snickered as Merlin walked onto the field. It had been three days since the decree. Three days since the fate of Camelot had been changed forever. He didn't realize what a difference that made to the man standing across from him, he hadn't really thought about it other than in terms of new freedom. It was much more than that to Merlin, but he wouldn't tell Arthur that. He'd let Arthur figure that out on his own. Hunith elected to stay in Camelot a little longer and was now sitting along the side lines watching her son on the field. Even she did not know the exact extent to which the lift of the ban would effect her son, she didn't know a lot about Merlin's life in Camelot, but she had the sense to know that there would something interesting happening on this day. Hence, she was there instead of helping Gaius.
Merlin didn't bother with a helmet, the jig was up. He slipped on chainmail and armor and grabbed a sword going over the list of other things that had to be done. Many of the changes that Arthur had planned such as the magical addition to the knights and the extra training would not take effect until a little more time had passed, after the messengers had returned from the far stretches of the kingdom. Word traveled fast and there were many more things to take into consideration, but having the ban lifted had been the first step to easing magic back into the populous. There were bands of druids flocking to Camelot calling for aid for safe passage and assistance in settling in. Arthur didn't know that yet, thinking that he would have to ease Merlin into his duties.
The only thing that Merlin was concerned about was getting abreast of court etiquette if he really needed to. He really didn't care which fork went where and for what, but since he'd set the tables enough to know, he really didn't think there would be a problem. Arthur, on the other hand, knew getting Merlin abreast of his duties as court warlock and Archmage (getting him coronated and understanding the position) would be more difficult to explain, but not today. Not right then, right then they were doing something a little more entertaining.
Arthur was a man of honor. With Merlin now free, and presumable "balanced" as he called it, it was time for real rematch on the field. Before that incident of getting knocked over, he'd always dominated Merlin whether that was because he'd never picked up a sword or not, he didn't know. But it was time to test it for certain. A part of him prayed for fencing brilliance, it was the same part of him that wanted that strip-duel to happen, his pride as the greatest swordsman in Camelot however hoped for just competence.
"Well, the newly appointed court Warlock and Archmage is going to receive some real sword training!" Arthur announced to the knights before turning to Merlin who didn't seem to really care about the announcement, his sword laying across his foot as he checked his armor straps. "I'll go easy on you Merlin, promise."
Merlin only smiled across the field in the early morning light, "I promise not to use magic."
"Well, that's kind of the point of sword fighting..." Arthur said, picking up his sword as Merlin kicked a leg up and caught it in one hand. Gwaine sat back with a grin, this would end well he knew that much. Merlin may not have had the practice that Arthur had, or the training, but the boy had talent. Where the origin of that talent was a story that he didn't really know, but he'd seen it. There was knowledge of something that no swordsmen could ever have really. He knew that when he'd fought against Merlin once before. Gwaine had tried to twirl his sword from his hand and ended up getting his sword taken. Arthur had no idea what exactly he was getting himself into.
This is going to knock old Princess down a peg or two...
Arthur went into position, Merlin gripped his sword with both hands and listened to Arthur's instructions.
"We'll start with footwork..."He stepped, Merlin mirrored, dancing around one another as he spoke, "The key is to always know what your opponent will be doing next, or could possibly do next. From this position, it's impossible to expect your opponent to move right..."
Merlin frowned, he didn't think Arthur understood what being magic meant in relation to the physical world. But he didn't argue with him only going through the motions as Arthur set them out. Parry, parry, parry... he wouldn't ever remember the terminology. It didn't help him. He didn't really care about it either. There were so many words floating around in his head without any meaning that he didn't bother to try and sort them out when Arthur announced that it was about time to test what he's learned.
"See if you've gotten any better since the last time we sparred..."
"Arthur... I'm not sure you understand the difference between now and then..."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Enlighten me."
He sighed and shook his head, "You'll see."
The blonde didn't seem to remember the very detailed explanation of his cramped magic. He didn't seem to understand any of it at all and that was fine. But he would understand now. He would have to get a good grasp of exactly who Merlin was. Arthur started quick with the power of speed of someone who practiced often, in real battle, and on the sparring field. The knights turned to watch. They weren't sure why this confrontation would be so interesting, but it turned out to be great intuition. Arthur was fast, his strikes, when Merlin blocked, were powerful, but Merlin was graceful in a way that Arthur never managed to be. He didn't get tripped up in his own stance, whether spinning around Arthur, narrowly evading his attack, or attacking himself. They were just... different. Too different to say that one was really better, though Arthur had more training.
It was like watching someone swatting at a mosquito or something. Merlin was just too fast. Well, not fast. It only appeared that way because they knew that Arthur was fast and Merlin was practically side stepping the other's attacks with ease.
What the hell is going on? Arthur wondered as Merlin evaded his attack once more, blocking it before returning with his own and forcing him back under a quick succession of attacks. His footsteps were sure, solid, rooted in the earth, but light enough to never be too caught up in it. Instead, he was almost fluttering around Arthur's attacks, terrifyingly good. Amazing, if Arthur would say so, but he wouldn't. It wasn't in his nature, but Merlin knew it. He didn't seem tired even though Arthur felt like his arms would fall off. They were wearing the same amount of armor, weren't they? It was equally as heavy, wasn't it? Was Merlin stronger than him?
When they broke for a moment stepping back so Arthur could breathe and Merlin watched, glancing over him."You said... you wouldn't use magic."
"I'm not."
"Then what the hell is going on?"
Gwaine and Percival laughed, Mordred chuckled and Merlin only shook his head.
"How is this possible? Since when did you..."
"Know how to sword fight?"
"Not trip over your shadow?"
"I told you," Merlin said shaking his head. "This is the difference, now that I don't have to hide my magic..."
Arthur huffed, and readied himself, "You're going to have to explain this little trick after I beat you."
They jumped back, only now Arthur had learned something interesting: that position in which you should go "right" after... Merlin could move which ever way he wanted to. He moved back, removing the force Arthur had been pressing against. Merlin swung his sword hard, knocking Arthur's hands away and relaxing his hand before pointing the blade at his throat with a smile.
"I'm balanced now...It's a really big difference."
Arthur huffed, hiding the shiver of exactly how sexy Merlin was and that fantasy of strip-duel that still had hope to happen, "I'll chock it up to you being a Warlock. I suppose this means I can actually trust you with a sword."
He grinned lowering the blade, "You could."
Once training was over, Arthur couldn't live it down. Lancelot told Gwen who told the cooks. Gwaine told the guards, who told everyone else and soon everyone in Camelot knew that he'd been bested by Merlin in a sword match. A part of him pouted, it shouldn't count, he's magical, but on a more important (and mature) sentiment, Merlin provided a great opportunity to train against sorcerers, to give pointers, to learn their movements... Even if Merlin is apparently a unique case of magic, that didn't mean that it didn't give him a chance to do something that he could never have done before: learn to fight magic with steel in addition to the addition to the Knights that Arthur planned for.
He collapsed on his bed and began to try and take his armor off.
"Merlin! Mer-"
His voice cut off with a sigh. Merlin was no longer his manservant, but taking up quarters beside his own. He should have remembered that considering the utter shock that Merlin had received the news from Gwen with. He'd blushed and said that it was far too luxurious a room, and far too much for him. Hunith had been taking residence in it while Merlin continued his stay with Gaius. The fittings for royal robes and better quality clothing had been hilarious as Merlin had never been measured before and the seamstress swore up and down that he needed to put on some more weight or his clothes would crush him. Merlin had only pushed that aside and asked to have things made for his mother as he was fine with his own tattered clothing-Archmage or not. Arthur had only sighed and shook his head, realizing that it would take a while for Merlin to get used to the life of his position as his mother would have to get used to the new life that her position came with as well.
Hunith blushed when Arthur told her that she was more than welcome, encouraged even, to come stay at the castle permanently considering that Merlin was now of great and obvious importance in Camelot. She was family and that would put her in a very precarious position, too dangerous to leave her in Cenred's territory. Merlin instantly agreed with it, wanting his mother to finally be able to rest as she got older and a change to actually watch over her. Hunith was still resisting the idea, but Merlin said that a few days of sleeping on the mattress in the room beside Arthur's she would change her mind.
"Merlin," he said with a sigh. While he'd instigated the change in position, he hadn't realized that Merlin would no longer be serving him directly. He was just rolling it over his tongue, knowing that the other wouldn't appear until Merlin walked in the door.
"You forgot?"
Arthur jumped in surprise, "It will take some getting used to... I still can't remember the boy's name..."
"It's Thomas..."
Arthur nodded as Merlin crossed the room to unbuckle his armor as he usually did.
"I hear you're avoiding your new servant..." Arthur said with a bit of humor. "And your mother is still taking residence in your room."
"I don't understand the appeal of having one. I can do everything on my own...Mum, seems to be enjoying it a bit though. A nice vacation from Ealdor and everything else that is there."
Arthur caught his hand, making him stop moving for a moment and squeezing, "It will take some getting used to... not seeing you all the time...We'll have to sit down and have proper talks now..."
"You'll see me enough, I'll still be saving your hopeless arse all the time..."
"Merlin..."
"Arthur?"
"I thought you could read my mind..."
"I could, I'm not going to. What's wrong?"
Arthur sighed as Merlin finished removing the armor, slipping the chainmail over his head, unlacing the undercoat to get to the simple tunic underneath. Arthur wanted more than anything to get him to take the rest of it off and spend the rest of the day in bed together. Maybe resting with talks about Ealdor and what it was like for Merlin growing up, exchanging histories and the like.
"Are you upset that I beat you?"
"No," he replied. "I'm not that arrogant."
Merlin shrugged, "Matter of opinion."
Arthur glared over his shoulder before turning back to pouting."You're... free now aren't you?"
Merlin rose an eyebrow and had a feeling he knew where this was going.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean... you can use magic freely now... No more hiding... no more secrets... right?"
"Yes."
"No more serving me..."
"Right..."
"Then..." Arthur said, his voice trembled at the end and he sighed once more."Then why haven't we... haven't we...I mean..."Merlin smiled at the blush creeping over the other's cheeks."Forget it..."
It was the sigh and the puff of air that blew blonde strands around that made Merlin think ARthur was so adorable when he was embarrassed.
"Are you asking why we haven't been intimate yet?"
"Yes," he said quietly after a moment. His cheeks were flaming, but he kept up his bravado wonderfully, as Merlin expected.
"You thought it would change since I'm free now?"
"Yes."
"You want it to change now that I'm free?"
"Merlin," Arthur growled. "I wouldn't be asking if I didn't."
Merlin smiled humorously and stepped closer to the other, not missing the sharp intake of breath as he pulled the blonde flush against him with a charming smile.
"As soon as everything is settled... There are a few other things that I should show you... and few more things that have to be done. i promised you a trip to the Crystal Cave after all."
Arthur agreed with that, but didn't want to agree with the wait when Merlin kissed him deeply earning a moan, a whimper and a frustrated struggle from the blonde. He was like lightning along his skin, warming him and making him shudder as Merlin's tongue slid across his own, over the roof of his mouth and along every corner it could reach. He could feel himself reacting as Merlin slid a thigh between his legs and pressed against him earning another moan/whimper. Merlin watched the dazed expression in Arthur's eyes with a smile.
"Do you still doubt that I want you?"
Arthur shook his head dazedly and earned another kiss before Merlin stepped back.
"The council is meeting soon, Gaius will be there for the amendments to the Knights that you wanted to discuss."
Arthur nodded, clearing his throat and fixing his clothing and follow Merlin out of the room towards the council chamber. Lords, Knights, Gaius, Merlin, and Arthur gathered for three hours as each of them in turn gave their spiel against or for Arthur's decision on magic before making sure to glare at Merlin, non too secretly.
Lord Ywain was the most blunt making references to Merlin's lack of knowledge, his reputation among the castle, his common hood, his residence in Ealdor, and his lack of legitimate birthing. Gwaine had been ready to kill the man and Arthur seemed to not appreciate his sentiments either. For Merlin, the fact of his father had been the sore spot, which was obvious by the warlock's stiffness, but wasn't something that Arthur was aware of merely stating the facts in defense of his choice of Merlin. He could feel his anger roiling, but his magic seemed less than bothered about it. He guess because it somehow knew Arthur's sentiments on the matter.
"Merlin has saved my life, the lives of the citizens of Camelot, and many more in the years he has served me. I elevate him based on the merit demonstrated to me with no regard to court politics. I trust him."
"But sire, there is surely a more learned sorcerer-"
"He's a warlock, not a sorcerer. A sorcerer cannot learn the connection and understanding of magic that Merlin possesses, nor can a sorcerer learn to be a dragonlord. If you know of a more powerful, more knowledgeable magical entity, please let me know. Until then, Merlin is the best man for the job."
That shut them up quickly and while Merlin was grateful for Arthur's defense, he could not shake the lingering doubt. Luckily, he was given no time to sulk, or slip into his dark mood. Arthur called upon him to voice his opinion on his idea of a magic task force as a subset to the knights.
"I would think that the point of the decree was not to have to mark magic-users in their service, but allow them to serve as equals to the knights..."
Arthur asked him to continue and thought the Lords of the table concerned with legacy and politics did not approve of the warlock being sat there, they could not argue with his logic or wisdom. It was decided that in the same way the knights were chosen, the sorcerers would be chosen as well and added to the knights, train along side them and for all intents and purposes be knights with extra weapons. Merlin was put in charge of organizing that endeavor and had a feeling that he had a good idea of who would know where to look. Along with that, there was the organization of magical knowledge in Camelot that had to be restored, most of which Merlin was responsible for and would not take long considering that he had a secret weapon in Kilgarrah and his connection with the druids.
By Yuletide, Merlin had fully stepped into his role as Archmage and Court "Warlock". His coronation was the night before Yuletide and on Yuletide, the celebrations had begun. He snickered every time he thought about the title. His mother was set up in her room with Gwen as her "servant" of sorts though their relationship became more of a relationship of a mother and daughter, or even friends. Merlin had never seen his mother so happy. Gaius got a new apprentice that was a lot more skilled at healing magic than Merlin had been during his apprenticeship. It wasn't that Merlin couldn't have been better, it was for the lack of practice and the danger involved. Now that he could practice freely, he'd gotten a lot better at it. Her name was Hilda, she was a Druid woman who had taken kindly Gaius. Merlin suspected a budding romance but didn't bother to poke fun at his mentor for it. He knew how much Alice's lack of return had hurt him and the circumstances around which she had to flee Camelot... It was good to see the old man happy again.
As he thought, Alator was the best person to see about sorcerers with battle magic. He even found Gilli to join ranks and be tested for the knighthood. They passed with flying colors and upon their integration had somehow avoided the suspicion and put to rest the apprehension of the other knights in the service. Merlin had been more than proud at the diplomacy and peace. Everything was going fine, smoothly, perfectly even. Plans were under way for the teaching of magic across the kingdom and new things were being tried everyday. Merlin had nearly jumped for joy at the prospect of the lost tomes of magic that he had access to, the vault of the king and all the other magical artifacts. The freedom that came with the role and his placement in the castle had boosted him into productivity, enforcing Camelot's walls, the citadels, strengthening the garrisons, fine tuning the armaments... It was a lot of work, but it was work that Merlin was actually happy to do and could do out in the open.
The only thing that Merlin hadn't been able to get used to were the robes and the new clothing he was supposed to be wearing. Most of the servants shook their heads at his apprehension towards the clothing of the court, but he couldn't help it. It was outright weird. Arthur cornered him in Merlin's room one day as he winced at the lavishness of the room that he spent very little time in and Arthur was telling him about an upcoming meeting with Bayard, Odin, Sarrum, and Cenred. Merlin was blatantly more interested in taking Arthur to the Crystal Cave, but knew that would have to wait for court politics.
Damn politics...
"Merlin, you have to wear some of it. You can't go to meetings with Kings in tattered trousers and patched tunics!" Arthur insisted. "You're the Archmage, second in power only to me, you have to look-"
Arthur shut his mouth as Merlin whirled around with the letter he'd been reading in his hand.
"What... did you just say?"
Arthur swallowed, "Merlin..."
"What did you just say, Arthur?"
Arthur sighed, he'd figured he'd have to explain this eventually. "Archmage, is a position for a sorcerer, in your case a warlock, aside the king. It's a replacement for a Queen to rule beside...and the closest to a marriage that we could ever get."
Merlin gawked, "You... you... when... when were you going to tell me all of this?"
"Eventually..." Arthur said. "I just didn't want you to freak out-"
"Freak out?!" Merlin squeaked. "Freak out doesn't cover this Arthur! You've practically betrothed me to you for a position that I didn't really agree to!"
Arthur sighed, "Merlin..."
"No," Merlin started. "Bayard? Fine. Odin? Fine... Cenred even, fine! But Sarrum? The one who trapped Morgana in that deep dark hole? The one who wants to wipe out all of magic? You want me to meet with him? With you? And be okay? You want me to just waltz in there, 'Oh hi, I know you remember be as Arthur's servant, but actually I'm Archmage, Emrys, and the most powerful warlock that ever existed. Oh, and I know you'd like to kill me, but if you tried, I'd be forced to have Kilgarrah eat you, which he would gladly enjoy I'm sure.' Hell, I want to murder him for what he did to Morgana and don't get me started on Aithusa! And when exactly were you going to formally ask me to spend the rest of my life at your side as your replacement for a Queen? I didn't agree to this! "
Arthur wanted to snicker, he'd very rarely seen the other this worked up in a while, it was good. A sense of relief went through him as well, Merlin obviously wasn't opposed to the idea, just annoyed that he hadn't been informed.
The name stopped him, "Who is Kilgarrah?"
Merlin sighed, sinking into his chair. Out of Merlin's entire rant, that was what he'd caught on to. Not that he was surprised. Not that he was spending the rest of his life beside Arthur wasn't something Arthur would ever have to ask.. Not that he didn't like the idea of having this new position of power thrown on him with no formal warning even though Merlin had a pretty good idea that it would fall to him. He just thought Archmage was an attachment to Court Warlock, he didn't realize that it was an actual position of power. He didn't realize that it was an actual position in the court! He hadn't even had time to look into it while running around easing magic into Camelot.
"Arthur... there's so much... I'm a dragonlord."
"Yes, I know this... That won't get you out of your position, or this meeting, Merlin."
Merlin shook his head, "You don't know the half of it... but okay. Here... we'll have a deal shall we?"
"A deal?" Arthur asked, skeptically.
"Yes, I tell you the rest of everything, the rest of me and if you don't freak out. I'll have a nice civil conversation with the man that wants to see me and all of my kind dead. Then, we'll go to the Crystal cave. I'll even wear those ridiculous red robes you've shoved in my closet and then we'll have a talk about this Archmage thing."
He flushed at being caught, but could only agree that this was going to be another very long day. He followed Merlin out to the training courtyard where the Knights were doing some extra and voluntary training with Alator and a few of his followers. Merlin was dressed in his tattered clothing, just as always with Arthur just behind him. Merlin asked for them to clear a large space which he stood on the edge of with Arthur crossing his arms and huffed.
"What exactly are you doing?"
Merlin took a breath, "O Aithusa, Kilgarrah , e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes!Erkheo!"
The knights turned in shock at the sound of Merlin's voice so unlike the Merlin they knew. For Alator and his followers, there was a different reaction: to get farther away from the spot as possible. The sound of a dragonlord was not to be tangled with and for whatever reason that Merlin was calling out to dragons, if there were any dragons left, was something that they didn't want to think about.
"What was that?" Arthur asked getting closer to him. "What did you just do? What's happening?"
Merlin sighed, "Gaius told you that my father was Balinor."
"Yes?"
"He and my mother weren't married. That is what Ywain was referring to. The couldn't get married since Uther was chasing him. He left to make sure she and I were safe... He didn't eve know about me until we met..."
Arthur's eyes narrowed, he'd remember to not get angry about the blatant disrespect to Merlin later."There's something else to this isn't there?"
"Yes..."
There was a scream and Merlin figured that meant that they were nearing. Kilgarrah was the first to land, Aithusa secondly beside him earning shock from the knights and Arthur to draw his sword, looking up in terror and confusion.
"I... I killed that dragon... Isn't that Morgana's dragon? What the hell is going on here?!"
"Calm yourself, young King... there is no reason to, as you say, freak out."
"That dragon is talking to me..." Arthur said, his sword falling from his hands as he stared at the monumental Kilgarrah and the smaller white Aithusa who Merlin was now stroking and taking a good look at her wings.
"Looks like you're healing up fine, Aithusa," he said happily. "Maybe, one day we'll get you to speak."
Aithusa only nudged him gently and made a purring noise as Arthur stared up at Kilgarrah.
"I killed you."
"Things are not always as they seem, young King. I am a sire of you sword excalibur, you could not kill me even if you tried... let alone with that stick of yours."
Merlin shook his head, "No need to be smug, Kilgarrah."
"It is your fault, young warlock for not keeping your King abreast of the truth."
Arthur's eyes shot to Merlin, "What the hell is going on? Why are there two dragons? Why is this one still alive?!"
"Because I sent him away during the battle," Merlin said. "And Aithusa was hatched from the egg in the tomb."
"Y-You... you...what?"
"I hear there have been many things happening in Albion since we last talked young warlock..."
Merlin grinned, "Freedom."
"It would seem so... in more than just that way."
Merlin flushed, "Nosy lizard."
He laughed. He and Aithusa settled down to rest their wings and listen to the conversation, breathing the air of Camelot freely. It didn't take long for the screaming to die down and people to look on in amazement as Merlin stroked Aithusa's scales gently, calmingly and they was no threat. Servants stopped to peer at Merlin in his natural habitat and Arthur looked around at them staring in disbelief and wonder. He couldn't blame them, it wasn't every day that there were two dragons in the palace courtyard, one being petted like a dog or something.
"You... you can control dragons..."
"That does come with being a dragonlord..."
"And you're Emrys..."
"Comes with being me..."
"... Isn't that a bit of an overkill?"
Kilgarrah laughed and Merlin huffed, so much for getting Arthur to freak out...
"I am sorry young warlock, it seems that your attempt to get out of the more extraneous parts of your role to play has failed."
Merlin huffed, "Shut up, Kilgarrah."
A guard came creeping towards them trembling in his armor, glancing from his King to Kilgarrah's golden eyes that regarded Merlin.
"Y-Your... Majesty... K-King Bayard, Princess Mithian, and Sarrum have arrived in the city..."
"Ah, wonderful. I will meet them at the gates. I trust Odin, Cenred, and Queen Annis have arrived as well."
Merlin glowered, Queen Annis as well?! Was everyone that he'd ever had to play the fool for coming? He supposed that would mean that he wouldn't have to play the fool anymore and he may get a bit more respect out of it. He shook his head, Annis had always liked him and Mithian was a good friend. There is nothing to say that they always looked on him as a fool. It was just that he wasn't sure if he was ready for everyone to really know... or how they would react.
"Go get changed Merlin, we meet them in the palace courtyard."
Merlin huffed but stomped his way up the stairs to his chambers and glowered at the Pendragon red robes he was supposed to be wearing and the armor that was meant to go with it. He would take note to fix the armor to his liking later but didn't bother with it now, getting into it and slipping on the ring and seals that Arthur had said were a part of his wardrobe. He had to agree with the seamstress: his clothes had the potential to crush him if he didn't put on more weight. Luckily, things were looking up. He was eating regularly and sleeping regularly too for the most part. He'd gained muscle that way and now that he didn't have to hide it he could train and do everything he wanted to in the open. He gazed at himself in the mirror and asked Gaius if he had on everything correctly. Gaius only smiled and told him that he looked more and more like a nobleman as the time passed. Merlin hated that. Gwaine whistled at him and Lancelot had given him a cheeky bow as he trotted down the hallway to make sure Arthur was dressed. Mordred had even joined in and that made him glower even more since Mordred was partially actually serious about it.
"Emrys," he greeted.
"Don't bow!" Merlin managed to scold as he entered Arthur's chambers.
He was wriggling into his chainmail when Merlin stepped in shaking his head.
"You wear it all the time, yet somehow you still can't get it on right."
With a wave of his hand Arthur stood upright, his armor buckled and tightened to perfection and gleaming in the light. His Pendragon cloak floated and tied around his shoulders as Arthur took in the sight of Merlin leaning his slim frame against the doorway. The tunic was long made of high quality material dyed Pendragon red with the crest emblazoned across his chest. Tied at the waist with a sword belt that held a sharpened blade, he wore only the aegis under a long flowing cloak that matched Arthur's. For some reason, it suited Merlin though Arthur really preferred the blue tunic. He glowered at the boots Merlin wore: brown, inexpensive, old, and definitely not the brown boots that Arthur had made for him.
"Don't glare at my boots Arthur, I'm even wearing the silly seals and things, let me have my boots."
Arthur shook his head making a mental vow to get rid of them as soon as possible before following the other out towards the courtyard. Arthur assembled with the Knights of the Round Table while Merlin drifted to make sure Aithusa and Kilgarrah weren't frightening the villagers. Instead, the children had taken kindly to Aithusa. Kilgarrah only watched on, golden eyes seeing into the palace courtyard as the royal guests rode up to greet Arthur who stepped out as Kilgarrah stepped forward a little to be closer to Merlin. Merlin turned to watch each come in. The greetings were warm between Bayard, Mithian, Annis, and Arthur. A little tense with Odin and Cenred, but not overly so. It was Sarrum that wore the look of anger, scoping Aithusa playing with children in familiarity. The dragon felt his eyes on her and turned her eyes to him at once tensing up and cowering. Merlin approached her, sliding a hand along her scales and whispering that she was safe and no one would harm her before making eye contact with Sarrum, defiant and threatening. Their gazes held for a moment before Arthur broke it with a greeting.
"Welcome back to Camelot, Sarrum. I'm glad to see that the possibility of a treaty is still open with you."
"Mm... much has changed in Camelot since the death of the witch Morgana... when did your fool of a servant speak to dragons? I hear there is magic in Camelot now..."
Arthur only smiled politely, "Yes, much has changed... Merlin is the Archmage of Camelot and court warlock, as well as being a dragonlord and he is much less a fool than I."
Sarrum's eyes widened for a moment, "I thought your father killed all of the dragonlords and the dragons."
"As you can see, that isn't the case."
"Archmage?" Mithian asked coming up beside Merlin. "That's quite impressive... You've surprised me."
Merlin grinned sheepishly, "I've surprised a lot of people... Bid the children goodbye, Aithusa."
She nudged them each in turn and they waved, rushing back towards town with excited voice that they'd played with the Archmage's white dragon. It was so nice to see children playing and being happy with magical creatures, it made him feel... at peace in a sense.
"I trust that we have served the proper force of threat, young warlock?" Kilgarrah asked, rising up.
Merlin smirked, "If you want to call it that. You are welcome to stay for as long as you'd like. Try to stay out of trouble this time."
Kilgarrah laughed, "The same to you... we will no doubt be seeing each other again soon, on a very different occasion..."
Merlin wondered what exactly Kilgarrah meant, but tried not to think about it as he lead Mithian in and steeled himself for the talks that were going to require every ounce of patience and restraint that he'd built up over the years.
Merlin had been right. He'd felt Sarrum's gaze on him for far too long and Cenred was almost as slimy if not more intrigued. It had taken hours for an agreement to be made for trading and peace throughout the lands and Merlin could honestly say he was not up for court politics. Luckily, the pages were enchanted with warning signs for Arthur's true allies. It was a feature that Cenred and Sarrum were not privy to and did not have access to either. Though he was sure that Cenred could find a sorcerer to figure out what had been done, Sarrum would never know and it was Sarrum that Merlin was really concerned about.
The feast began amiably and somehow, Merlin had been asked to perform a demonstration and entertainment once more. He glowered at the amused Queen Annis. He couldn't help but smile as Mithian tried to hide her laugh. Old habits die hard. He stood up a little annoyed before announcing that this would be his last performance for the rest of his life (if he could help it). Annis laughed as he took a bow and held out a hand, palms up and closing his eyes. What happened next, Arthur hadn't been prepared for. Merlin's eyes burned gold as a blue and silvery flame began to form in his hand and from it a bird rose from it spreading its wings in flight and wonder. It emerged fully formed and took flight around the room, zooming over heads, rushing spreading blue bits of light around the table that gleamed and faded like sparkles before landing on Arthur's head, earning a good laugh from most while Merlin grinned.
"Merlin," he started.
"It's okay, it isn't going to ruin that pretty blonde hair of yours..."
"Merlin," he growled.
The bird took flight again, rounding the room before swooping back into the palm of Merlin's hand. He closed it over the glimmering blur flames and Annis sat on the edge of her seat amazed as Merlin opened his hand to reveal a tiny bluebird that fluttered on clumsy wings towards Annis as the court gave a round of applause and Merlin took his seat again beside Mithian and away from the empty throne like chair beside Arthur. Gwaine winced at the moment as Arthur looked at him seriously, not realizing that Merlin truly had no idea. He didn't dare get into it now and let Merlin continue on his merry way. That conversation could wait until they were all gone back to their kingdoms and possibly after the trip to the Crystal Cave.
The wait was a lot harder than Arthur anticipated. In fact, Arthur managed to not fidget his farewells as they left the city. The last foreign noble left at midday. The Knights dispersed and Merlin was off to continue on his work. His robes were replaced with more comfortable, mended clothing and he was off, much to Arthur's annoyance. He was really beginning to miss the ability to just order Merlin back to where he was supposed to be (by Arthur's side), but didn't bother making a big deal of it. He knew how happy Merlin was now, running around the city helping people with his magic, speaking with Kilgarrah and helping the Knights and the other magic users settle in. Three days of effort went past before Merin appeared before Arthur again.
"We should go now," Merlin told him. "If we plan on going at all before the new year. It will be easier to go before I have to go to the Druid camp on the border."
Arthur realized that he meant the Crystal Cave... apparently Merlin saw a different order of priority than Arthur did. He wanted to explain the rest of the Archmage position, he wanted to explain a lot, but as bargained, Merlin had the conversation, he'd been civil, and now it was time to go to face whatever the Crystal Cave was. He set Leon in charge of the oversight with the knowledge that they would be back soon enough and started on the journey.
"Where... is this cave?"
"Near the Valley of the Fallen Kings."
Arthur swallowed, "Wasn't it you that said that the place was a bad omen?"
"I said it, because I had to hide, and we really do find the strangest ways to be in trouble..."
Like now, he thought feeling the presence of the area. There were people not too far off, whether they were hostile or not, he didn't know, but it felt like they were. Merlin took deep breaths and climbed off his hors before entering the Valley.
"Are we walking?"
"Yes."
"Should I ask the history of this place?"
"Kings at the time of the Old Religion were given statues here to guard against intruders," Merlin replied, stepping over the brush, Arthur followed behind him. "Morgana lived here and the valley follows the river to the isle of the Blessed."
"Isn't that the birth place of magic?"
"The Crystal Cave it, the isle of the blessed is the temple where many artifacts of magic have been kept, many rituals performed. The Cup of Life, the rowan staff... the tree. The horn of Cathbad, just to name a few."
"Not the Crystal then?"
"We're going to where the Crystal was made... there are many sorcerers who have come to the Crystal Cave... I met Morgana there once. She trapped me there for a time..."
Arthur bit his lip, following him along until Merlin stopped and raised a hand to stop the arrow whizzing towards them. It was aimed to miss, but that wasn't the point as a pair of men appeared from the woodwork.
"Who are you?" Arthur asked.
Merlin didn't need to ask as he focused on the shorter of the two.
I am Merlin, this is King Arthur of Camelot... Do you understand?
Emrys, was the reply and the man lowered his crossbow, coming down the slope quickly, his partner coming just behind him and Arthur froze staring wide eyes at the two men that were so familiar. Dark hair, emerald orbs, and dark embers in faces that he'd seen in dawn's light, firelight, starlight and in passionate ache...
"N-Nicholas... Alex..."
A rogueish grin passed at the shortened name and Nicholas smiled at him, "Hello Arthur."
Merlin glanced between the three of them. Arthur staring in utter confusion and not knowing what to do.
"You know each other?"
Alexander grinned a little wider, earning Arthur's flush, "In a sense."
Nicholas shook his head, "Stop that. What brings you here Emrys?"
"I'm taking Arthur to the Crystal Cave," Merlin replied and looked at Arthur. "Are you alright?"
He nodded shakily. Memories were rushing at him from beyond the edge of his consciousness. Bouts of blackness, fighting through it to get back to that sensual undertaking of his soul and total surrender. Alexander was thinking about it too, he could tell in that grin of his and Nicholas thought about it for a moment before smiling at him. He'd forgotten about that. He hadn't even thought of how he was going to tell Merlin about his first male lover(s). He didn't even think about telling him about that excursion away from Camelot.
"Ah, that's good. I figured that would be the reason. We'll head back to camp." Nicholas said with a smile before approaching Arthur who stood frozen. Merlin watched in interest as Alexander came up behind him.
What they were planning to do, Merlin had no idea. But Arthur's reaction had been more than a source of intrigue for him.
"Uhm..."
"It is good to see you Arthur," Nicholas said before leaning down and kissing him fully.
Arthur tensed, the warmth was familiar and his body reacted, but his eyes flickered wildly. Alexander kissed him in much the same way before they told them they would expect Merlin within the week before the new year and to have a safe journey. Arthur stood a little dazed, confused and terrified of what Merlin had to say about it.
The other didn't say anything but turned, "Let's get going."
Arthur winced but kept his head down, following Merlin towards the twisted cavern until they reached a room of light and dark mixed and interrupted in stone. Arthur gasped at the wonder of the cave as they traveled deeper into the cave. That feeling he'd gotten at the rush of Merlin's magic was back and he felt a little dizzy with it. The cavern was much higher than he though and twinkled with so much more majesty than the clearest night sky. He stumbled and swooned at the awe and reverence coursing through him.
Merlin took his hand, guiding him through the shining rocks and took a seat near the other side of the cave. Arthur looked at him cradled on a shining throne of glowing crystals.
"What is this place?" Arthur asked.
"It's the birth place of magic," he said. "And as magic has permanence, whether entities live or die, they are held here as a sort of receptacle."
"Magic... acts like a receptacle?"
"Magic is the cradle of the world," Merlin replied, easing Arthur to sit. "It is what makes the world function. It has no ending, or a beginning, it just is and all of that is accessible here... Sort of like the Diamir... the key to all knowledge."
"All knowledge huh? What a useful tool..." he said. "... but aren't there things that shouldn't be known?"
Merlin smiled, glad that at least Arthur possessed some wisdom.
"Igraine had some magic in her," he said. "It's why she stayed alive long enough to see you open your eyes."
Arthur swallowed thickly, thinking back on that conversation that was to short. Far too short, there were so many things that he didn't think he knew how to ask.
"How... how does this work?"
"You wish to speak to her?"
Arthur nodded looking at him, "Will it be as short as it was last time?"
"I don't think so, though I don't think she can hold you..."
"But I can see her? She can speak to me?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"Think of her," Merlin replied and got up. "Just, think of her and all the things you want to ask her."
It was then that Arthur realized that he was leaving. The cold lurched through him but was staved off by something else. Arthur grabbed his arm, "Wait, where are you going?"
"I'll wait for you outside," Merling replied. "You deserve to spend time with her."
"But..."
Merlin eased his hand free and squeezed, "Don't be afraid, she loves you."
With that he left and Arthur was faced with the chilly silence of the cave. Think of her? Think of the things he wanted to ask her? What if he didn't know? What i it was just... just what she liked to do? Why she married his father? Could she see him wherever she was? What did she think of Merlin? of his life? Of him as her son-
"Arthur," he looked up and sitting in front of him was the lady Igraine. A pale, silvery projection, but she was there, smiling at him. "My Arthur..."
"Mother..." the word tumbled from his lips. He could hear his heart beating in his brain, thrumming and silencing anything else he could hear. "I... I didn't... I wanted to... I couldn't..."
"It's okay, Arthur. Calm yourself," Igraine said. "The important thing is that you didn't."
"Not because I didn't want to... not because I wasn't angry..."
"Not because of me either..." She said.
"But you..."
"It was Merlin who stopped you, you and I both know that."
"You... could see me?"
She nodded and he looked away in shame. He'd been ready to kill his own father...Lost control, driven insane by grief and too many emotions.
"I was no less proud of your sense of justice as your mercy... You didn't have to stop, you didn't have to listen..."
"He didn't have to lie."
"And that is not your fault...Your father was a prideful man."
"Why... why did you marry him?"
"It was arranged," Igraine said. "I... loved another... But he was not of noble blood. My father had him executed while he married me to Uther.."
Arthur swallowed thickly, "It was a very dark day... but... I grew into my responsibilities as Queen. While your father and I did not always see eye to eye, I always placed the people first. I would not wish the same fate for you."
Arthur looked at her and her knowing, understanding smile. She knew about Merlin which made the rest of the conversation that much more interestingly terrifying. She smiled at him and laid a ghostly hand over his. She was warm and solid, he wondered if he was losing his mind.
"Ask me," she said. And he did.
Merlin looked up from the fire he'd made as Arthur came out of the cave, standing tall and looking at Merlin with new eyes. It wasn't that he was doing anything particularly fantastic at the moment, on the contrary, he was basting some rabbit he'd caught with a mix of herbs and tasting the soup he was making. Arthur hadn't been aware that they'd brought utensils like that, but apparently they had. The awe was from something else, the world seemed new to him now. So many things he hadn't known before, open before his eyes. So much to say and no way to say it. For once his oratory skills were failing him.
"Did you hear what you needed to?" Merlin asked.
Arthur walked across the way to sit across from him without a word. He swallowed thickly, the words brimming at his lips but Merlin interrupted him.
"Merlin, I-"
"Whatever it is, you're obviously not ready to talk about it," Merlin said pulling out a bowl and ladeling soup into it. "Eat."
Arthur bit his lip, wanting to speak but finding those words so hard to say. He felt pathetic knowing that it hd come from Merlin so easily, and those he was a great orator couldn't manage the few words brimming at his lips. He flushed, thinking back on Nicholas's hasty kiss.
"Merlin about what happened earlier..." Merlin looked up at him waiting for him to finish whatever it was that he needed to say then. It wasn't the words that he'd been struggling to find, this was different.
"With Nick and Alex?"
Arthur nodded, "What about it?"
"I didn't.. I mean there's so much to say..."
"You knew them?"
"Well... yes, in a sense."
"Nicholas was your lover at some point..."
Arthur flushed and nodded, "It's.. more complicated than that..."
"Alexander too?"
"Well... yes, but..." he squirmed, setting his bowl aside. "It's more complicated than that."
"They kissed you," Merlin said, in between bites of food. "In front of me. Is that what's making this complicated for you? "
"I..." he voice faded off. "Yes."
"You're afraid I'll be angry?"
I am not afra- "...yes."
To swallow was to feel cat claws in his throat, dragging down and salt in his eyes to hear the words.
"That I'll be jealous?"
I'm the King-"...yes."
His heart clenched painfully, he winced, the cold was coming back, freezing a path to his heart. Anymore and it may have stopped.
"That I'll leave since you've had someone else?"
It's my right-..."...yes," he sobbed, the first tears falling and not stopping.
No man is worth your tears- Merlin is! Merlin is worth it...
"I'm sorry..." Arthur admitted. Merlin set his bowl down and watched him carefully. He wasn't jealous, he wasn't angry. Hell, he really didn't care and Nicholas had told him most of it in passing... Arthur's reaction however, meant something more than a need to clarify. He wondered what they talked about.
"I'm sorry, please I... I didn't... I don't want you to...hate me. I don't... I was young and confused and angry and so damn scared..."
I'm even more terrified now. I don't think I could make it through losing you... You're the only reason that I... that I can feel anything now... You're the only reason I am the King I am rather than a replica of my father... I can't lose you... even if you don't want to be-
"Shhh," Merlin whispered, kneeling in front of him. Arthur hadn't realized that he'd moved, or that he'd been speaking, bt Merlin's lips met his and that stopped whatever he was saying next.
A pained whimper escaped him and he tried to draw back.
"Mer-"
Merlin didn't let him, pulling him closer and using the opening to slide his tongue along Arthur's and breathe him in. Furiously warm hands slid over Arthur's cheeks and jaw, gently calloused thumbs wiped away tears and held him still as Merlin kissed all protests away.
"I'm not angry," Merlin whispered. "Nor jealous. You won't lose me. Come here."
Arthur obeyed, leaning forward into Merlin's arms, soaking in the warmly and clinging to him gently. He breathed in the scent of the forest, fire and magic and let Merlin murmur promises to stay, love, and hold him until the tears stopped and he came back to himself. By then, morning broke and Merlin had wrapped him up against the cold and fell asleep beneath him, still holding him tightly and for once, Arthur didn't feel pathetic.