A/N: Hey guys! I know I said this chapter would be the last, but I felt the need to split it into two, partly just so I can get it up to an even 30 chapters...wow, 30! I surprise myself! :)

I've spent ages on these last two chapters trying to perfect them so I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 29- A new beginning

The throne room seemed to shine with a majestic light, as the morning sun streamed into the room, illuminating even the darkest corners. But nothing could brighten the faces of the men who stood gathered there.

The long polished table ran as a barrier down the centre of the room, dividing the two camps; robes, and armour.

The Knights looked wary, uncertain, and even enraged.

The Druids for the most part looked calm, with only the slightest of awkward fidgets.

Uther sat in the middle of the Camelot side of the table, stony-faced, eyeing the Druids closely, but the fact he wasn't screaming bloody murder at them and calling for their execution, Merlin took as a good sign.

Sir Leon sat on one side of him, looking resolved, but nervous at the same time. He alone of the Knights acknowledged Merlin's presence with a small encouraging smile. Hope sprung in Merlin's chest: at least they had one on their side.

Sir Drefan on the other hand, the Knight who had earlier been so angry with Arthur and tried to kill Morgana, was red in the face, barely suppressing the rage Merlin knew he felt at sitting at a table of sorcerers. His gloved fingers tapped the table in an agitated manner, avoiding the eyes of the Druids, particularly that of Morgana's. Merlin knew he'd be trouble.

The other Knights, some of whom Merlin only knew by sight, were expressionless. They neither encouraged or condemned.

The Druids too, eyed up their Camelot counterparts. Fyrmest looked more serious than Merlin could ever remember, but there was no hint of fear anywhere in his face. He seemed to radiate an aura of respect and calm. It was no wonder he had been chosen as a leader, his very being seemed to scream the word. He didn't need armour and weapons to prove his worth.

Lyft on the other hand did not look too inviting. His eyes were narrowed in suspicion and was positively glaring at Drefan, who sat opposite. Merlin almost felt the need to laugh; Drefan and Lyft were more alike than they would like to admit.

Brim looked as relaxed and carefree as always, his clenched fists the only indication of the tension in the room.

Morgana's eyes were lit like fire, but out of passion, not rage. Merlin could tell this was something she had dreamed of since she had fearfully discovered her own magic.

Arthur didn't take the time to observe the people in the room as Merlin did, typical Arthur, he marched straight into action.

He strode purposefully to the head of the table and seated himself facing the doorway, the Knights on his right, Druids on his left.

His face betrayed nothing as he stared them all down. The sun filtered in through the windows behind him, highlighting his golden hair and altogether making a pretty impressive scene.

Of course Arthur knew this, thought Merlin. He always wanted to be the centre of attention. He couldn't have chosen a more dramatic place to sit if he'd tried.

Merlin remained at the other side of the hall, not coming forward fully. He didn't feel like he belonged in such an important meeting.

Uther looked for a moment as though he were going to protest at something, but Arthur waved it away. Merlin was confused for a moment until he realised: of course, as king, Uther would want to sit at the head of the table. Was his ego really that large? But Merlin was surprised to see Uther let this pass without challenging it. Was he just glad to see his son alive and healthy? Or was it more than that? Did he now see his son for the true leader he was?

All of these questions were thrust out of his mind quickly however, as Arthur began to speak, commanding the silence of the room:

"Father, Knights, Druids...my friends. Today we make the decision which will be the defining moment in our kingdom's history. The most important decision any of us is likely to make; peace, the thing every good man should strive for in his life."

"And woman," muttered Morgana, barely audible. Arthur pretended not to hear.

"My loyalty to Camelot is fierce and unending, the city of my birth, my birthright. I have fought alongside many of you time and time again to protect her, and I would willingly die if I knew my death would benefit this land."

Merlin thought suddenly of the Labyrinth of Gedref and the price Arthur had been willing to pay, and knew these were not empty words.

"But now, in the last few days, I have developed another loyalty. One I never thought I would make. The Druids have taught me the meaning of humility, of sacrifice, care and devotion, even when dealing with those who are their enemies. They were willing to help Camelot in her hour of need, regardless of the consequences that would befall them, and for that they have my respect."

Uther turned sharply to look at the Druids but said nothing. His eyes met Fyrmest's and a silent conversation seemed to resonate between them. Lyft sat scowling. Merlin knew he badly wanted peace between the two groups, but it seemed he resented being seated at the table, making Merlin wonder what suffering had befallen him on Uther's behalf. He remembered that Lyft had been the one most against coming to aid Camelot in the first place.

Arthur looked around at all of them once more before continuing, his voice growing even stronger:

"I want an end to the fighting which has prevailed in this kingdom for longer than I can remember. I realise there is little we in Camelot know about the Druids and their ways, but ignorance is not an excuse for fear and hate. Not all secrets are something sinister. When I am king, I would would rather see allies in the shadows than foes. Fighting does not show strength, only weakness. And I refuse to let my future kingdom be weak. Therefore I am willing to make the first step, for the good of the kingdom. For the good of the future."

Silence greeted the end of his speech.

Merlin couldn't help himself; he grinned like a foolish idiot. He couldn't help but feel somehow proud of Arthur, as though some of this had been his doing. He supposed some of it had, thinking back to the arrogant prat he first met all those years ago. That Arthur would never, could never, have made a speech like that.

Neither side spoke.

Uther sighed, and passed a hand over his face, before staring at each of the Druids in turn, his eyes softening when he saw Morgana, and resting the longest on Fyrmest, whom he seemed to have some bond with. Fyrmest was like that, Merlin thought. He had this way of seeing straight through you, your innermost thoughts, without being intrusive. He seemed to command some sort of silent respect.

Finally, Uther looked up at Merlin, who hurriedly wiped the grin off his face and tried to look serious. Uther fixed Merlin with a stare more intense than he ever had before, not a passing glance from a king to a servant, but as a person. A person with power.

Uther sighed again.

"You honestly think Arthur, that you can make some grand speech and expect us to erase the past twenty years?"

"Oh, no one can do that Uther." Fyrmest spoke. If it had been anyone else, the free use of Uther's name without title would have been mocking, but Fyrmest seemed to pull it off. "Everyone would like that, to forget the suffering we have all endured these long years. You would like your wife back, I would like my daughters back. But it cannot be done. And without those years of suffering we would not be the men we are today, and not now have the opportunity for this new age, an age free of persecution and hatred. What we can ensure is that no more of this will occur, and ensure no more future generations will suffer as we did."

Merlin thought Fyrmest's argument was pretty convincing, but it appeared not so.

"Suffer? What have you suffered?" Drefan spat across the table. "You chose this life! You chose to follow the path of sorcery! What fault is it of ours you cannot pay the price for your wicked deeds? It is us who suffer! Suffer under the treachery of sorcerers! How are we to defend our city against those with magic? How are we to protect our people?"

"The question is how are you to defend your city without it?" Lyft retorted. "All of you would now be carrion on a battlefield if it were not for us and our magic!"

Drefan scowled.

"It was magic which threatened us in the first place."

"True, but consider this: what if Byrne's army had been one of no magic?" Brim spoke up. "They would have used swords, and arrows and catapults against you. Does that mean those things are bad? If they are used against you, then yes. But if used to protect your home and family are they not good? Would you ban all weapons just because some abuse them? Or would you appreciate that not all things can be used for good? Whether a thing is good or bad is only a perception. Flame can be used for warmth, or destruction. So it is with magic."

"Magic corrupts. It turns people away from from what is good and right"

"Magic is not something we all chose. Emrys and Morgana never chose to follow magic. Magic is as a part of them as their limbs. For the rest of us it is the same. Although it is not ingrained in us as in them, we each have a calling to our magic, we feel it in our hearts and our minds. And we would go crazy if we did not follow it. Anyone can wield magic if taught, but there are only a few who have the Gift. And no one should suffer for what they cannot control."

Uther looked at Merlin.

"Is that true? You never chose magic?"

Merlin breathed in deeply.

"Yes, Sire. It chose me. It was the way I was born. I could never control it."

"But that is impossible! Magic must be learned!"

"Haven't you heard anything that's been said?" Merlin's voice rose. " Magic isn't always something you need to be taught. It's a way of life! Before I went to the Druids no one had ever taught me magic, yet I was more powerful than sorcerers who had spent years studying!"

Merlin felt his frustration rising. He couldn't actually believe he was arguing about magic with the king of Camelot. He tried to put it in terms Uther could understand.

"It's like when you're training a Knight. Anyone can learn swordplay, but few can truly wield a sword. Look at me and Arthur! I can use a sword to defend myself, I've been taught, but I'm as clumsy as anything! But Arthur's a natural at it, he doesn't even need to think about it! Magic's like that. Some people are just born with it."

Uther fell silent, and Merlin was amazed to see he was actually considering his words.

Merlin looked at Arthur and saw a small smile on his face, it seemed Arthur was as equally proud of Merlin as Merlin had been of him earlier.

Morgana then spoke:

"A lasting peace is all that is needed between Camelot and the Druids. We're not asking for permission to teach magic openly in the city or appoint court sorcerers, only the freedom to live in peace and be who we are without interference. Tolerance, to live without fear."

Uther cast his eyes on her, and an emotion filled them that Merlin had not seen there before. Was it pity? Guilt? Empathy? Merlin was so used to seeing the stern and ruthless king without any form of emotion, he couldn't fathom a guess. Was Uther genuinely feeling guilty that he had caused the woman who was as a daughter to him to suffer, or was he regretting the fact she had turned to his enemies?

Sir Leon cleared his throat.

"I agree Sire. After all the Druids have done for this city in the last few days the very least we can offer them is a future without repression. It'll only breed more hatred and people like that sorcerer who seek their revenge. It would not be weakness to make a compromise. The people would respect you for making this step, they want an end to it all. The Druids have earned respect among the people, for you to be seen opposing them, it would turn them against you."

Merlin smiled with satisfaction. He'd always liked Sir Leon.

Sir Drefan however turned to him in horror.

"How can you as a Knight of Camelot possibly condone a compromise with sorcerers?"

"Because Drefan I will not condemn the city I love."

Drefan spluttered in outrage, but he did not retaliate.

Uther looked up at Fyrmest.

"Your Druids are vastly outnumbered by my men. We could easily turn against you. How do I know you're not hiding anything?"

Fyrmest looked at him squarely.

"We refuse to kill innocents."

"Then you are at our mercy."

"No, you are at ours. For we are the stronger."

They stared silently at each other, silently regarding the other's statement.

Merlin felt hope ignite the room. Things were going well. It seemed, amazingly, Uther was yielding.

It seemed Drefan had noticed this too.

"My lord! You cannot be considering a compromise?" He yelled in outrage.

Uther glanced at him.

"What else would you have me do?"

"Anything Sire! Anything but yield to this vermin! They have as good as admitted they could turn against Camelot in a moment and destroy us all!"

Merlin snorted.

"When did we ever say that?"

Drefan turned to him in a fury.

"'We are the stronger.' That was as good as a threat in my books."

This time Morgana let out a derisive laugh.

"That wasn't a threat you idiot. It only proved that we are stronger because we don't fight."

Drefan sneered at her.

"Sorcerers are tricksters. They say not what they mean. Look at you, turning against the city that was once your home, allying yourself with your guardian's enemies. Are you the example we should follow? No good can come of this."

"And no more good can come of years more of fighting and hatred Drefan." Uther spoke quietly. "Continued fighting will just grow and grow and we shall never be rid of it. It is a pestilence which will continue to infect our kingdom. It cannot go on; a truce must be made."

Merlin's jaw dropped: was this really Uther talking? He hardly dared believe it.

Uther once more fixed Fyrmest with a cold stare.

"I hate magic. I suppose I always shall. But if you are willing, then so am I, to ensure the prosperity of both our peoples."

Fyrmest simply nodded.

Arthur, who had remained oddly quiet until now, spoke:

"Then let this be a new beginning. Fyrmest, name the terms of the compromise."

Fyrmest spoke simply:

"Freedom."

Merlin respected him more than ever at this moment.

Drefan spoke again:

"I refuse to live in a city, side-by-side with sorcerers; how am I ever to feel safe again?"

"With a face like yours Drefan I'm surprised you ever feel safe, what with all the monster hunters and all." Morgana snapped.

Fyrmest held up a hand to silence her.

"You need not concern yourself. We have no wish to live in Camelot. A city does not lend itself well to our means. We prefer to be in nature."

"You'd rather live in the mud than a city?" Uther asked incredulously.

"No, we'd rather live in the fresh air than in streets of sewage," Lyft retorted.

Uther shot him an annoyed look.

"So be it. All the better for Camelot."

Fyrmest continued:

"What we wish is that all executions of magic-users be ceased with immediate effect."

"Impossible. How are we ever to maintain our laws without punishment?"

"Simple, we change the law!" Arthur growled, intense dislike etched on his face.

Fyrmest shook his head.

"We do not ask for your laws to be changed. Although we do not agree with it, we respect the need for the freedom of people to make their own laws. All that we ask, is that instead of executing these sorcerers, you send them to us. We shall train them how to control their magic, how to use it for good, and to know when to use it. They shall live with us in peace."

"And swell your numbers so as to train your own private army?" jeered Drefan.

"No. So that we can raise new sorcerers without hate and fear away from Camelot, and teach them the values of magic. Raise future generations who have no need to rise against Camelot." Fyrmest spoke calmly.

Uther considered.

"Doable. I will not tolerate magic-users in my kingdom, if they live elsewhere then I will have no problem. As long as I do not need to associate with them."

Fyrmest nodded.

"Secondly, we want to be left in peace in our village, to not be disturbed or hunted like wild animals." Here Fyrmest's voice grew unnaturally cold. "Our village will be protected by you Uther, no harm shall come to it. We shall be left in peace."

Uther nodded.

"If you leave Camelot in peace and do not interfere in our affairs we shall not interfere with yours."

"We also wish to be allowed freedom to roam Camelot-"

"Absolutely not." Uther said shortly. "If you agree to live well away from its walls we have no issue but I will not have you in my kingdom!"

"In return," Fyrmest continued, his voice growing harder. "We will swear not to use magic within the confines of the city. We do not wish to hide away like common criminals, with no freedom to go where we please. We need supplies on occasion, and I'm sure that you would rather we traded fairly in Camelot than being forced to take what we need. We can also be of use to you. We often come into contact with other Druid clans or disillusioned sorcerers. We promise to do all in our power to protect this city. To warn you of magical attacks, try to prevent them in the first place, you will be surprised how much influence we can hold. You need never fear another attack on Camelot."

Uther fell silent, thinking hard. Merlin could see what it cost him, he hated the idea of his people mixing freely with Druids, but the temptations of no more magical attacks on Camelot were clearly on his mind.

Merlin felt overwhelmed at what was happening, the momentous agreements being made. That Uther would even consider such things astonished him, and Merlin could only admire Fyrmest's patience and wisdom in this matter, which Merlin knew was personally painful for him.

At the same time however Merlin felt slightly disappointed. All of this to ensure a better future for the Druids, and they weren't going to be allowed to use magic in Camelot? Merlin knew it was still a huge step forward and he should be grateful Uther wasn't trying to have them all executed right now, but he couldn't help but feel let down. Was the hatred and fear of magic going to stop when it was still banned from the kingdom? Worse still, Uther's refusal to allow no magic in Camelot, meant Merlin would have to leave. As free as a life with the Druids would be, when they were finally free from being hunted by Uther, Merlin would still be trapped. Unlike the Druids, he wanted to be in Camelot. He felt as though his destiny was being denied to him. Being himself was still a criminal act in the city he had come to call home.

Uther's considerations finally came to an end, and he leaned over the table towards Fyrmest.

"No magic?"

Fyrmest looked at him seriously, eye to eye.

"I swear to you Uther Pendragon, my Druids and I shall never use magic within the walls of your city, unless you yourself command it."

Uther's face remained expressionless for a brief moment that lasted a lifetime, and stood up suddenly, his chair scraping across the flagstones. Arthur jerked, as though he thought his father was about to attack the Druids but Uther simply stood. Fyrmest followed suit.

Uther held out his hand.

"To a lasting peace."

Fyrmest looked down at the hand, and then grasped it with his own. A hand roughened with years of war, and a hand roughed by years of farming, enclosed within each other.

"To a new beginning."

As they shook hands, Merlin felt the strangest feeling inside of him. As though he were watching this from a far distance. He knew history was being made.

Fyrmest began to extract his hand from Uther's, but Uther gripped it tight, in a vice-like grip and pulled Fyrmest closer. From staying remarkably calm throughout the council Uther now looked more like the dangerous power-mad person he had been before.

"But remember Druid. If any of these terms are broken, I will not hesitate to burn your village to the ground." Uther hissed menacingly.

Fyrmest gripped Uther's hand just as tightly, and said almost as dangerously:

"I would expect nothing less. But you should remember, just how much you stand to lose by waging another war against magic. More death and destruction on your part may not end as amicably as it does now."

Merlin honestly thought for a moment Uther would strike Fyrmest, but was astounded to hear a small chuckle escape his lips.

"It seems you and I understand each other Druid."

Everyone in the room clapped, save Drefan, who still looked outraged, but Merlin couldn't really care less about him at the moment. Everything was perfect now.

But still something nagged at him, the fact that under the new agreement, he would have to leave Camelot. A part of him had always wished for this, to be able to live in a place and practise magic with others of his kind without fear, but at this present moment he almost felt he would rather trade all that in just to be able to stay in Camelot and be Arthur's servant again, with no one knowing or caring about Merlin's deepest secrets.

The other Druids stood up also and faced the Knights, who also stood.

No one said a word, but so much was said.

Brim and Sir Leon shook hands, both smiling.

Sir Drefan and Lyft shook hands, grudgingly, letting go of the other's hand as quickly as humanly possible.

Morgana threw her arms around Arthur's neck, who embraced her fondly.

Merlin just stood there awkwardly.

Arthur soon noticed.

"What about Merlin?"

Uther cast him a glance, a look of disgust thrown in for good measure.

"He too can leave with the Druids, no harm will come to him if he stays with them."

Arthur looked from Uther to Merlin.

"But he can't leave, he has to stay in Camelot!"

"Nonsense, Arthur, he'll be happier with his own kind, and so would I be knowing he's far away."

Merlin's heart sank.

Arthur shook his head.

"No."

"I'm sorry?"

Arthur stood with his arms folded.

"No."

A flash of anger gleamed in Uther's eyes.

"He will abide by the terms of this agreement, as will all other users of magic!"

"Merlin isn't simply a user of magic Father. He's more than that." Arthur entreated his father. "He's saved my life more times than I can count!"

"No one can be exempt from this!"

"He saved my life using magic in front of all of Camelot Father. Isn't that worth anything? The whole of Camelot saw you give him that permission! What sort of peace gesture is it that commands that you send him away? The people want him to have some sort of recognition."

Uther shook his head.

"These terms must be absolute! No exceptions!"

Uther's voice rang out through the room, defeating any more protests from Arthur.

"What if he didn't use magic?" Asked Morgana. "Would you allow him to stay if he agreed to forsake his magic?"

Merlin's heart leaped in his chest, something painful growing there.

Uther paused for a moment, and looking resigned, spoke:

"If he took an oath publicly, swearing that he has forsworn his former beliefs, then he may stay."

Arthur shook his head.

"Father you can't ask him to-"

Uther cut him off.

"What does he have to say?"

They all looked to him, and Merlin felt as though a great tempest was raging through his mind. Give up his magic? He couldn't even contemplate the idea. Life without magic, just...it just wasn't life. It was his very being, his soul, his essence, he couldn't give it up.

But was his magic more important than Arthur? Could he abandon him because he cannot make a sacrifice? How much did Arthur sacrifice to bring them all together like this?

But how could he possibly hope to protect Arthur without magic? He was nothing without it. Arthur wouldn't need his help, he'd be even worthless than before.

But did that matter? Arthur hadn't appreciated him, nor cared about him because of his magic, but because of the friendship and companionship he had offered, was that not more important?

He supposed he could always keep it a secret, as he had done before, but the thought of continually living his life as a lie all over again wearied him. He was weary of secrets and concealment. Besides, this time if he was caught, it was not only his own neck on the line, but all of the Druids as well. If he was discovered using magic, he would have broken the terms of the agreement, and the peace would be at an end. Should he really risk that?

In desperation he looked to Fyrmest for guidance. Surely he would tell him what to do?

However Fyrmest did not immediately provide an answer.

He stared at Merlin with an odd expression, neither one of encouragement nor disapproval.

"This is a choice you must make yourself. I cannot help you. You must decide, how much do you value your friendship with Arthur? Shall you be Merlin, or Emrys?"

Merlin gaped at him, his mouth opening and closing.

They couldn't be asking this of him. They couldn't be making him choose.

Then, when all seemed to be lost, Sir Leon spoke up.

"Sire, if I may?"

Uther nodded for him to continue.

"It seems to me, the people need a gesture, something which shows Camelot's new attitude, and desire for peace. Wouldn't showing that magic can be tolerated within the city go leaps and bounds to prove this? Someone who can be a citizen of Camelot, yet still use magic, to demonstrate how we can live together. We need a link Sire, a link between the people of Camelot, and the Druids. An ambassador if you will. That link can be Merlin."

Everyone stood in shock at this statement. Even Arthur looked incredulous. Merlin, an ambassador?

He continued:

"It would show the people that magic can be used for good. It'd be an example to the people, a symbol that magic and non-magical peoples can work together."

Silence fell after this statement, and Merlin felt his head spinning. Him? Seriously?

Uther breathed in deeply and looked as though he were about to speak but Fyrmest interjected:

"Suggestions that Merlin may not use his magic would be fruitless Uther. You cannot split the two; Merlin is magic."

Uther observed him for a moment and threw his head back as though crying out to the heavens for any other option. Presently, he looked back at Merlin and said grudgingly

"I see I have little choice."

Fyrmest smiled broadly, looking happier than ever, and Arthur grinned also, though still looked as though he was in shock.

Merlin definitely was.

How the hell could they think he could be an ambassador? It was insane! He wasn't an advisor or a peace-keeper, he couldn't do it!

The entire thing was ridiculous. There was no way he'd ever be able to do it.

Then again, he thought, he hadn't exactly been much good at his old job either...

What the heck...

"I'll do it."

Uther nodded slowly, not looking entirely happy, but then, nothing about this made him happy.

Merlin held out his hand expectantly, Uther just looked at it. Merlin waited a few moments, enjoying the torturous expression on Uther's face, before Uther quickly held out his own hand and shook Merlin's letting go as quickly as possible, throwing him a look of hatred.

But Merlin didn't pay any attention.

Uther muttered:

"This will be the end of Camelot."

Merlin stared back at him evenly.

"Only if you want it to be."

Uther had nothing to say back to this, and Merlin felt rather pleased with himself. It wasn't often he came up with smart retorts like that, especially to someone who had previously scared the living daylights out of him.

Uther then stormed past him, his red cloak sweeping out behind him, and his Knights followed in his wake, Sir Drefan glaring at him, Sir Leon smiling.

It seemed Merlin had a lot of work on his plate.

The Druids began to disperse and Arthur made his way over to Merlin, looking pretty amused.

"Ambassador? I'll bet you can't even spell that!"

"Don't judge everyone else by your own abilities Arthur,"said Merlin grinning.

Arthur grinned as well and clapped Merlin on the shoulder.

The sound of Arthur's name being bellowed down the hallway brought a grimace to Arthur's face.

"My father will be wanting me then."

"Take your armour."

"I would but someone hasn't cleaned it."

"Why would I clean it? I'm an ambassador."

"Don't get too self-satisfied Merlin, you're in for a hell of a time."

"Can't be any worse than my old job."

Arthur chuckled, but sighed at the sound of his name being called once again.

He strode past Merlin and followed his father out of the oak doors.

Merlin stood by himself for a moment, swaying on the spot, completely overwhelmed by what had happened. This was just insane, all of it. All his life he'd lived in a tiny village where the most exciting thing that ever happened was a cow getting stuck in some mud, and now momentous things were now happening all around him. It was just beyond belief.

Fyrmest came up beside him.

"You seem troubled. Are you not pleased with what had transpired?"

"Of course I am! This is huge, maybe too huge. I'm just trying to take it all in."

Fyrmest nodded.

"Change does not come easily. But come it must, and this is only the beginning."

Merlin frowned.

"How so?"

Fyrmest just smiled.

They stood in silence a few more minutes, Merlin's head pounding, before Fyrmest turned to him again.

"I know you're not completely happy with the terms of the Treaty Merlin. Why is that?"

Merlin struggled to find the words.

"It's just, magic is still banned in Camelot. What's the point in coming so far, just to fall short of the target?"

"Our target was never to turn Camelot into a city of magic Merlin. If we resent the restrictions once placed on us, being told what to do and how to live, why should we try to impose our beliefs on others? But soon a day will come when both ways of living will be embraced equally."

"When?"

Fyrmest cast his eyes to the door Arthur had just passed through.

"I think you know."

Merlin thought. Yes, he did know.

Fyrmest laced a hand on Merlin's arm.

"Just keep him alive until then Merlin."

Merlin laughed.

"That might be easier said than done." Merlin felt the heavy burden weighing him down. "How am I supposed to protect him when I'm always running between the two of you? How can I possibly do all of this?"

"Do not worry yourself Merlin. I have no doubt you will restore the peace between us all. You have already done so much for us all you will always be remembered as a great man, regardless of what happens now. Trust in yourself Merlin."

Merlin remembered giving that same advice to Arthur, a long time ago, and smiled. Then a thought struck him.

"Since when did you start calling me Merlin?"

Fyrmest looked at him in surprise.

"That is who you are, is it not?"

"I thought I was 'Emrys?'"

"Yes, you are. You are both, and now you have realised that Merlin. I've seen that in you this past while. You've accepted your other half, you are now whole. You realised you could not choose between Arthur and your magic. That is why I asked you. That is why I now truly know, you are one with yourself, both Merlin the manservant, and Emrys the warlock."

Merlin blinked, and realised this was true. He had come to notice the change within himself, there had always been a part of him he repressed, because he feared it. Now he had accepted it, he felt new, like he was truly who he was supposed to be. He felt it release inside of him. His destiny was here, and he was finally living it.

Fyrmest clapped him on the shoulder as Arthur had done, and left the room, leaving Merlin alone.

Merlin looked up at the sunlight streaming into the room, and smiled.

Finally.

A/N: Second last chapter done! Getting close to the end now!

Just out of interest, what do you guys think? Arthur or magic? What do you think Merlin would have picked? Honestly myself I have no idea, which is why I left the question hanging. I just thought it'd be an interesting little conundrum (see, I use big words) for Merlin!

Last chapter now written and being uploaded straight away coz I just can't drag this out any longer. I feel so empty now!

As always, I'd love a review! :D