Arthur stared.

While he had suggested the combined communication, it was really a last-ditch idea that he wasn't even sure would work. He certainly never expected the sounds that now filled the room. He was sure he'd never heard anything so hauntingly beautiful in either of his lives.

Then he noticed that he wasn't the only one entranced.

Both of the dragons were still, facing Merlin and Branwen, heads swaying and eyes half-lidded in bliss.

He descended and approached the green-and-gold cautiously, relieved when she ignored him. This was his chance to put an end to the threat that these creatures posed. But now, outside of the heat of battle, he found himself strangely hesitant. The hybrids were unique, and beautiful in their own way. And as demented as Draconis had seemed, Arthur couldn't help but admire the talent and tenacity he'd exhibited to bring them to life.

He sighed. As much as he regretted the fact, Merlin was right. These creatures had no place in the world. They only way he could honor them was to make their deaths and quick and painless as possible. He pressed the edge of his blade against the dragon's neck and looked up at Merlin for a final confirmation. The dragonlord hesitated for just a moment, and then nodded. Arthur thought he saw a tear make its way down Branwen's face before he turned back. He whispered, "I'm sorry," then sliced deep.

She didn't react at all, but her head drooped lower and lower as her lifeblood drained away, until it was resting on the floor, eyes still fixed on the singing couple. Arthur bent his head in reverence a moment before going to the red-and-purple and repeating the process.

It was only after the dragons' lives had completely drained away that Merlin and Branwen ceased their singing. Merlin felt Branwen's magic withdraw and the sudden loss of that intimacy had him pulling her into his arms and kissing her fervently. Judging from her own ardor, it seemed she felt the same. Merlin only drew back when he felt her knees start to buckle, remembering suddenly her captivity and unnatural drain on her magic.

"Are you alright?"

She smiled softly at him. "Just tired."

"I'm so sorry. I should've thought –" his words died behind her finger on his lips.

"No apologies. We did what we had to do."

When he nodded, she removed her finger. "Now to see about these doors."

"No. The doors can wait a few more minutes. You need to rest," he eased her down to sit against the wall and produced his leftover breakfast, "and eat."

Her eyes lit up. "Please tell me that Maudie made that."

He grinned. "She did, indeed."

She held out her hand in a gesture as imperious as any of Arthur's had ever been. "Give."

He undid the box spell and handed her the plate, watching affectionately as she dug in.

"Everything all right up there?"

"Yeah, we're good. You?"

Arthur waved the question away. "Minor damage."

"You're hurt?!"

"Relax. It's nothing major."

Merlin grinned. "Just enough to impress the ladies?"

Arthur turned and smiled at Jazmine, who had come up and nestled under his arm. "Seems like."

"Told you they'd get along," Branwen commented around a bite. She swallowed and handed the plate back to Merlin. "Thanks, love."

"Feel better?"

"Much."

"Ready to tackle these doors?"

She nodded and he pulled her to her feet. They made their way with Arthur and the twins back to the entrance stairs. The group waited patiently while Branwen slowly undid the magic keeping them in.

OoOoOoOoO

The next hours were spent making sure all of the kidnapping victims were unharmed and their families contacted. Merlin had apparated Gavin and Maudie to the building and they were making their way around the room, checking and double-checking the recovery progress.

Merlin noted that Jaxson was being particularly solicitous of one young woman, who smiled and blushed when he was near and who watched him with doe-eyed fascination when he wasn't. He also noted that Arthur and Jazmine rarely strayed far from each other and he was sure he'd witnessed at least one discreet kiss between the two.

For his part, Merlin was currently following Gavin's instructions to stay with Branwen. The healer had insisted that no magic would help her recover more quickly than Merlin's, and the warlock wasn't about to argue. He was grateful to be allowed some selfishness and just revel in Branwen's closeness.

He wasn't sure what the future might bring. He didn't know if Draconis would reappear (he wouldn't, if he knew what was good for him). But all of the missing people had been recovered, the threat of the dragon hybrids had been dealt with, and he had Arthur and Branwen back at his side. All was once again right with his world.

At least for the moment.

A/N: Well, that's it. Thanks for sticking with me! I'm pretty sure I'm actually finished with Merlin now.

Time to play with the Avengers, methinks. :)