Another Merlin fic. I don't own it, BBC does though. This came to me after much reading of Merlin fanfiction. (I've become obsessed with Merlin fanfiction.) It will be slightly dark, not sure how dark, but there will be some violence and of course lots of smut, though that's later in the story. [sigh] I just love this pairing. Again I don't own these Merlin characters and be warned that this is a YAOI story, so don't read if you don't like that style.
Until Next Time
~Reiya
Chapter 12.
Epilogue
He walked at the head of the procession calmly, showing nothing. He could hear the bearers behind him, carrying their large burden. Soon, the late King Uther of Camelot would be sent to rest among his peers, laying next to his wife for all of eternity.
Arthur felt on relief mixed with a small tinge of sadness. Relief that it was over. That his father's reign was done and he could set about fixing his mistakes. He was also relieved that his father had finally died. He had gotten steadily worse over the last few months and he could now rest easy. Soon, five years of waiting would be over.
Arthur could still remember his last night. His father had cried in the end, calling out blindly for his long since dead wife. In the end, Uther had died a man instead of a king and Arthur thought it was fitting.
They were headed for the crypts, the world all around hushed in respect of the departed king…and as they walked in silence, they heard it. It was just a low noise, but it soon built in pitch. A howl of a lone wolf, crying mournfully to the heavens. Soon others followed, singing the old king to his rest.
It was a fitting touch, that one who hated magic so, was sung to rest by one who was magic. The people stirred and slowly they continued on as one by one the wolves grew silent until only the first remained, voice drawn out until it too tapered off into silence.
Soon after that, the king was laid to rest next to his wife. Arthur said a few words about his hope for the future of Camelot and his people watched on, still unsure of their new king, but hopeful for a change for the better.
Five days later, life was still going on and as night fell, Camelot's people went in for the night. Those who remained out took no notice of the shadow moving through other shadows. It moved silently and stealthily through the city towards the castle.
It passed through the gates without any seeing it and positioned itself in the center of the courtyard, blue eyes trained on the looming building before it. It sat there, waiting and watching through the night until dawn brought the rising sun.
And as the first rays broke over the edge of the castle wall, something seemed to ripple around the shadowed form, until any who looked its way would be able to see it. It was a maid who noticed it first. On her way to get her mistress's food for the morning, she had crossed the courtyard and saw it sitting there.
Her scream roused the guards who took notice of the creature sitting in the courtyard as if it owned it. It never stirred as they moved around it, positioned to strike if it so much as twitched. One was sent to warn the king and any knights who were awake at the moment.
Soon, knights were pouring out of the main door, moving to surround the statuesque wolf that sat there. Not once did it move, even with swords pointed at it from all sides, spears waiting to be thrown at it. Only one knight seemed to be keeping them from attacking it.
"Wait!" He yelled, barely keeping order. "It is no ordinary wolf. It must be here for a purpose. Wait for the king to arrive." Lancelot was staring at the wolf cautiously, nervous of its intent, but it never glanced around once. Just sat there staring at the castle.
Soon the guard sent to get the king returned with news that he was on his way. A hush fell over the crowd as Arthur descended the steps, parting those gathered around the creature with a wave of his hand.
He stopped for a moment, staring at the wolf, their eyes seeming to lock in a silent staring contest…and than he took a step forward, walking right up to the creature. His hand went out and they all stared in shock as the king petted the animal.
What was even more unusual was the way the wolf was act towards Arthur, more like a loyal dog than a wild wolf.
Arthur smiled down at Merlin, feeling the softness of his fur for the first time in five years. Finally, he spoke his name softly. "Merlin."
He stood back as Merlin began to shift, tugging his cloak off at the same time. Soon, Merlin sat there at his feet, bare of anything and Arthur threw the cloak over his naked form. "What took so long?" He asked, not even caring that they had an audience.
Merlin smiled sheepishly up at him. "Sorry, it took me a few days to remember how to change back without hurting myself." That made Arthur look down, seeing the scarred leg poking out from underneath the red cloak. The scars had faded some, but they were still there.
Holding a hand out, he helped the warlock to his feet. Although he couldn't do it here, he would hold Merlin later. For now, he helped him inside, ignoring the stunned people around them. He didn't care. He had his wild warlock and this time, he wasn't letting him go.
xXx
…And it's done. I hope you enjoyed this. I may do a small continuation of this, a maybe though. I hope you enjoyed and look for my other stories. Also thanks for all who reviewed/favorited/alerted this story. The reviews made me laugh and all three made me really happy. Enjoy.
Until Next Time
~Reiya
