Third Person's Point of View

Arthur stood tall and regal on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, hands clasped at the waist. His golden crown rested comfortably upon his head, and his blue eyes sparked with nerves calmed by the knowledge that Gwen was waiting for him in the throne room. Much had gone into the preparation of this day, and Merlin couldn't help but smile proudly from his position in the shadows.

Men, women, and children alike gathered in the square with white knuckles and grim frowns, unsure of what lay in store for them.

He raised one hand and smiled warmly down at his people, hoping to offer some sort of comfort before tearing the world they knew irreparably in two.

"Good people of Camelot," he began, "I have asked you here today, to share a revelation with you. My father, Uther Pendragon, was a great King and a good man. But he was misguided. He believed magic and those who wielded it could do no good. I know now that he was wrong."

Already he could hear the whispering of the people growing louder, prepared at any moment to morph into a roar of confusion.

"Magic is not evil, nor is it good. It is merely a sword, bent to the will of its master. Those who control it decide the nature of their powers. People with magic are not cursed, nor should they be considered criminals. We are all the same, we are all citizens of Camelot. My father feared magic in its entirety, and so he fought against it. I aim to do things differently. On this day, I declare that those with magic will no longer be persecuted for their gifts. Magic is no longer punishable by death."

Merlin,
I am glad to hear things are going along as you had hoped, and I can say with joy that news of Arthur's decision has already spread through Ealdor. The general attitude towards his stance on magic is relief, though there are some who are angry. Yet no one is particularly concerned since the village is not a part of Camelot. I hope my words reassure you some, and find you in good spirits. Your mother has been teaching me much in my time here, how to garden and cook and clean, I never truly understood Gwen's duties until now! As for your mother I can see that she misses you a great deal, but she is ever so proud of the work you've been doing in Camelot, and never lets an opportunity to say so pass by. I also must tell you how deeply I blushed when I read the words you put down of our last moment together, and I hope you know I miss you as well. Sometimes when I lay on the cot at night to sleep, I think of your hands on my waist and the taste of your lips on my tongue, and wish you were here with me. I hope we will see one another soon. Also, I have enclosed letters to both Arthur and Guinevere, please see that they get them.

Sincerely,
Morgana

Merlin could feel his cheeks stretch as he grinned, carefully re-folding the heavy writing stock, his fingers tracing the swooping letters of his name. Sitting up on his cot he tucked her letter in the crevice between his bed and the wooden frame, draping the blanket to keep it out of sight.

He could feel the tips of his ears grow hot as he blushed, thinking back on her scandalous words.

The taste of your lips on my tongue resonated in his head and he felt a shiver crawl down his spine as he tucked Gwen and Arthur's letters into the waistband of his trousers.

Ducking out of his small room he shut the door behind him and stepped out into the hall, creeping quietly towards the new King's chambers.

The ban on magic had been lifted a little over a week ago, and though he'd been pardoned publicly for his actions at Morgana's execution he still felt it best to keep out of sight. Things were changing rapidly in Camelot but he still felt the familiar instinct to stay hidden to stay safe as strongly as ever.

Merlin stopped outside the door to Arthur's study and knocked, his brows furrowing at the whispering from within. The king cleared his throat and called for him to enter. Guinevere stood at the window, skirts somewhat rumpled and cheeks flushed. "Good morning Merlin!" she greeted cheerfully.

Arthur, in his chair at the desk kept his eyes on his papers. Merlin rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Good morning, Gwen, Arthur." He stepped closer, glancing down at the list of names Arthur's fingers were drumming over. "Is that the registry?"

"Yes. Only thirty have come forward." He murmured, sounding disheartened.

"Thirty? That's wonderful! It's only been a few days, the numbers will only keep climbing." He encouraged. "As time passes, they will see you've taken no action against those who've already signed the register. More will come."

"I suppose you're right. I just expected the people to feel safe enough with me. A bit naïve of me, really." He laughed a tad bitterly. Gwen stepped behind his chair, laying a hand comfortingly on his shoulder.

The pounding of boots came from the hall and the door flew open without warning, Sir Leon standing breathless in the doorway. "My Lord, a large party of druids approaches. They're making for the gates."

Arthur and Merlin exchanged a glance, hope coloring their harried thoughts. Together they made for the citadel steps, Guinevere on their heels. Approaching slowly, Albius led his clan towards them, men, women, and children alike, carrying their belongings and all they owned with them.

Arthur, back straight and head held high, smiled as he walked to meet the druid leader. As they met, they clasped hands and Arthur allowed a laugh to bubble from his lips. "I cannot express how very glad I am to see you."

Morgana watched as the skins of the potatoes dropped to the bowl at her feet, knife moving quickly under her hands. Hunith stood at the pot over the fire, preparing another element to their dinner.

There was a commotion from outside and Morgana stood, walking towards the window. Outside in the streets, their neighbors and fellow villagers streamed from their homes, adding to the crowd gathered at the village line. Curious, Morgana walked from the house and into the yard, Hunith hurrying behind her.

"Arnold." Hunith called out to their elderly neighbor. "What's going on?"

He shrugged, then gestured to the forest, past the villagers. Only just visible through the trees, a clan of druids moved quickly past Ealdor. The carried packs and towed wagons behind them as they moved through the shade of the wood, ignoring the stares and whispers of the people.

Morgana slipped from Hunith's side and into the trees at the back of the house. She knew the kindness of druids, knew that despite their caution they would not harm her if she approached. She made her way around the village to the other side of the trees, across from the village line and the other side of the druids.

She called out quietly as a woman with children walked past. "Excuse me, miss." The woman stopped, bewildered until she spotted Morgana nearby. Warily, she approached, squeezing her children's hands tight. "Not to impose, but may I ask where you're all headed?"

The young woman smiled. "We're going to Camelot, to live in the King's peaceful new kingdom."

Morgana froze. The King's peaceful new kingdom. She had never thought to hear such words, especially regarding Camelot. She smiled, tears welling in her eyes despite herself. Nearly all her life she had feared the King she lived under, feared for her very life. The magic she possessed painted a target on her back, and caused her terror she had never thought to know. To think, these young children would never know such a life, and in Camelot, made her heart race with joy.

But with joy came sadness. Sadness, that she would not be there to partake in such happiness, that she would not see the peace Arthur had brought about.

Clearing her throat she thanked the druid woman. "Thank you." She walked away, back into the shadows of the forest, allowing the tears to come down her cheeks.

so i've been updating this on ao3 (links now up on my main page), and completely forgot its posted here as well. i'm up to chapter sixteen on ao3 if you'd rather read it now but i'm gonna post the next three chapters over this week. sorry i'm a dummy. anyway please review and don't forget to check my tumblr for any updates on my other stuff if you're interested.