Title: It's Like Magic

Author: Kiki1770

Rating: T for Language

Setting: Season 5

Summary: Three times Merlin had to choose between Arthur and Freya, three times he chose Arthur.

A/N: And thus we come to the conclusion of another short story. The first two parts were probably a bit confusing on their own, but this third one will wrap it up and answer any previous confusion. Thank you as always for your wonderful reviews and amazing support! I'm starting my Junior year of High school in a week, and as my American readers know, Junior year is a hellish year! I most likely wont update as regularly but this drabble series will continue!

Short Story 8: Choices III

Three times Merlin had to choose between Arthur and Freya. And three times he had chosen Arthur. Merlin managed to save Arthur with the cure in the nick of time, but Freya died in his arms only minutes later.

When Arthur came around, he was horrified by the choice his closest friend was forced to make. While he was grateful to be alive, it shouldn't have been at the expanse of Merlin's loved one. Merlin had gone after Morgana and nearly killed her with the most inhumane curse that he had ever created, but somehow Arthur had managed to pull Merlin out of his grief induced frenzy. Instead, Merlin had stripped Morgana of her magic, and now the witch was locked in Camelot's dungeons for all eternity. Neither alive nor dead, barely even an existence, Morgana rotted in her four wall cell.

But Merlin was never the same after Freya's death. Arthur would catch him from time to time, staring off into the distance with a blank look in his eyes. Or worse, the one time he'd found Merlin drinking in the tavern, staring at the wedding ring that never made it onto Freya's fingers. Arthur felt his heart break for Merlin. The man had sacrificed and lost so much because of him, so much so that even Arthur's life couldn't pay for the sacrifices that Merlin made.

"Come on Merlin, we're getting out of here," Arthur said as he slid onto the bench across from Merlin. The warlock didn't even look up.

"I'm not drunk Arthur…the alcohol numbs my senses but I could never truly get drunk." He replied stoically, playing with the ring and taking large gulps of mead. He slammed the tankard down and gestured for the barmaid to refill it. Arthur could only stare at Merlin. He knew that he of all people didn't have the right to placate Merlin. He would only add salt to the wounds. "I've carried this ring for over two years, you know? I wanted to give it to her, but it never seemed like the right time."

"Merlin…"

"We could've been married by now, maybe even had a kid." Merlin mumbled without thinking. "But I kept putting her off. I put my destiny over Freya and I hurt her. I knew she was hurting, I knew she was in pain. I knew that she sometimes cried herself to sleep when I wasn't there. And yet she always stayed by my side. I guess…I kept putting her off because…I thought she'd always be by my side." Merlin grunted bitterly, hanging his head so that Arthur couldn't see his face.

"Merlin, I'm so sor-"

"She was right though. Fate wanted me to choose between you and her. I couldn't have you both and she knew that." Silent tears rolled down Merlin's face. And Arthur could see it, the deep scars that Merlin had carried all his life. Freya left a huge whole in Merlin's heart; one that Arthur knew could never be filled.

"I'm so sorry Merlin. If there is any way I can make this up to you-"

"You can't bring back the dead Arthur." Merlin cut him off. Arthur curled his fists, he'd never felt so useless in life. He had unintentionally cost the best friend he ever had the most unbearable pain a man was ever forced to burden. How could Arthur live knowing that his existence cost Merlin so much pain? "If you really want to make it up to me, you prat, then do me a favor and throw this ring in the lake."

"L-lake?"

"The Lake of Avalon, Freya's resting place. At least in death she will have this ring with her." Merlin dropped the golden band into Arthur's hand and sluggishly left the tavern

Arthur's fist curled around the tiny golden ring, he sprung out of his bench and ran for the stables. He grabbed the first horse he could spot and took off into a furious gallop before his guards or knights could stop him. He urged his horse to go faster, his sense of urgency overriding his more rational side. This wasn't just for Merlin, Arthur had hurt Freya as well and he needed to make peace with her. He couldn't live with himself otherwise.

Through the break of the trees Arthur spotted the reflection of the beautiful Lake of Avalon. He jumped off his horse and hastily tied the girth to a tree but as he approached the lake, he felt his previous hype wear off, leaving him a nervous wreck. He walked slowly, taking in the feeling of his feet sinking into soft sand till he was right at the water's edge.

Arthur sank to his knees. "I'm sorry…" He whispered. "You've suffered so much because of me and my family. My father took away your childhood, and I took away your future. I'm so sorry for taking Merlin from you. I know I can't ask you for forgiveness but please…look after Merlin." He smiled softly, echoing back the same words Freya told him so many years ago. With one last look at the beautiful gold ring, Arthur threw it back into the lake with all his might.

With a gently plop the ring dutifully sank below the waves and disappeared into the depths of Avalon. Arthur rose to his feet and headed back for his horse, wondering how to make it up to the poor creature when a sudden chill made him freeze. He spun around in time to see the hazy image of a woman in beautiful red gown standing atop the water, waving at Arthur, a gold ring adorned on her fourth finger. The image lasted for a second and drifted away with the breeze. Arthur smiled, unable to take his eyes of the glistening lake and the beautiful White Mountains that surrounded the Lake of Avalon.

I have a new arc in mind, one that focuses on Merlin's responsibilities as Emrys. What do you think?

Review, review, review.

Kiki1770