Okay, this is the end of the fest I've been doing the last few prompts for, so next I'll be back to your requests :) (probably... the muses have been fickle lately so whatever comes will have to do).
Prompt: Is everything perfect? Is everything unperfect? Or am I just confused and conflicted?
Things had been a bit awkward for a while there as Freya learned to be herself in the world once more, and again as she and Merlin truly got to know one another. Then it was strange for everyone to have Merlin focused on a girl of all things. Arthur still hadn't gotten over it, staring intently every time the two appeared together- which had basically become a constant... except for this moment.
Merlin gazed upon the white expanse and sighed gustily, letting himself fall backward until he was lying on his back, embedded in the snow.
Magic had returned, his loved ones were safe and nearby, there hadn't been any real conflict in years. Everything was perfect.
Which was why he was confused – he should be happy now, right?
He sighed again, dragging his arms through the snow and wrapping them around his face so his torso was half-covered in cold fluff. Why wasn't he happy?
He went through the list again.
Arthur had survived Camlann and ushered in a new age of peace and prosperity with magic free once more. His mother had come to live in Camelot and was living in Gwen's old house, running a small but profitable business as a seamstress. Gilli was now serving as Gaius' aide; he had no head for the learning of a physician, but he provided welcome support to the aging man and Alice, who had also returned. Most of the knights had settled down – apart from Gwaine, of course. Even Merlin himself was getting married, Freya having accepted his proposal only last week.
Another sigh would have been born if not for the fur of his cloak, which entered his nose on the inhale and caused him to sneeze instead.
"This is ridiculous!" The noise startled a bird that had settled above and it flew off, dislodging the snow from its branch and sending it down onto the warlock.
"Getting cold feet?"
Merlin tensed for only a moment at Arthur's sudden appearance, the man now chuckling at his own joke, before flinging an arm back over his face.
"The wedding's not for another month," he grumbled.
"Yes, it is unlike you to be early." Ice crunched as the king sat beside his friend.
Merlin grunted noncommittally and silence reigned.
"If this were a couple years ago, bandits would have attacked by now." Merlin was trying for a joking tone, but it came out sounding more nostalgic than anything. Arthur hummed in agreement.
"I miss it too."
Birds sang in the distance as if mocking them with the peaceful serenity of the forest.
Another pile of snow landed on Merlin as Arthur surged to his feet, putting out a hand to help his former servant up.
"What do you say to going on an adventure?"
The warlock sat up, eyebrow raised and mouth quirking.
"Oh, an adventure, is it? What did you have in mind?"
"Hmmmm..." Arthur cast about as if expecting a quest to present itself. "I'm certain something will turn up. Coming?"
Merlin grabbed his friend's hand and struggled out of the snow."Alright, but I'll remind you – I don't want to die horribly."
Arthur laughed, face alight with childlike glee as he hooked one arm about Merlin's shoulders and steered the two of them deeper into the wood.
"Adventure, ho!"