This was written for the 'Wish Fulfillment' drabble challenge on the Heart of Camelot website:

Write about something you would have loved to see happen in Series 5. Doesn't have to fall in line with what really happened. Doesn't even have to be plausible. Hold the writing team hostage and do it your way.

This is something I certainly would have liked to see in the series. It is set immediately after the end of S4.

A/N My usual thanks to my beta LyricalSinger and to Moon Fox for some brainstorming

Recognition

Merlin shivered. It was chilly in the Great Hall, and he was glad for his new jacket. Although he'd initially been self-conscious about wearing something so fine, Arthur had insisted. 'It's either this or the feathered hat,' the King had warned on gifting it to him, with the instructions to burn his old one or do whatever else it took to never to be seen in public with it again.

Tonight Arthur was bestowing new knighthoods and gifting lands as a reward to many of the supporters who had aided in liberating Camelot from Morgana's latest reign of terror.

In addition to all of his other duties, Merlin had eagerly helped with the research and other preparations when Arthur had told him of his plans.

Now the young servant looked contentedly around the room full of grateful and fiercely loyal citizens, which included many newly-knighted commoners who stood proudly wearing their Dragon-emblazoned cloaks.

All eyes were on Arthur as he rose to his feet, every inch the Once and Future King.

"I wish now to acknowledge someone whose loyalty and dedication to Camelot are unmatched," he began, giving a regal nod towards Sir Leon, who began to move towards the front of the room.

Merlin beamed, for it looked as though the stalwart knight was to be specially rewarded.

"Someone who reminded me of my duty in my darkest hours and who almost single-handedly ensured that we were in a position to fight back against Morgana," Arthur continued.

Leon had by now drawn level with Merlin where, to the warlock's surprise, he stopped.

"Someone who stayed by my side even when I didn't want him there," Arthur admitted fondly. "Sir Leon, please escort Merlin before the Throne."

The next thing he knew, Merlin was facing his smiling King, and Arthur was saying "For his extraordinary service to the Kingdom of Camelot, I hereby make Merlin, son of Hunith, First Advisor to the Crown."

The young servant stood in shock, worried that his legs may give out beneath him. "I don't know what to say!" he stammered, as Arthur turned him to face the crowd.

"Well, that would be a first!" laughed Arthur, coming to his side, "but here's an idea: how about trying the words 'I accept, Sire'?"