A/N I'm back! I actually don't know how long this will last, but I do have a few chapters ready to publish here, but my life is going to be pretty hectic for the next couple of months, so stay tuned...
Thank you so much for those of you who have commented, and thank you for reading

In the guise of the Dolma, Merlin shuffled into the small chamber, often used when it was just Arthur and his knights, and when the meeting party was small.

Arthur and Gwen were already there, standing in one of the small corners, talking softly to each other in the flickering half light of the torches and candles.

He knocked lightly on the door, bringing himself to their attention.

Gwen smiled warmly, already moving, skirts swishing on the floor as she moved to welcome the Dolma into the room.

"I hope that you have been treated well during your stay in Camelot," she began, linking her arm through his own, guiding the Dolma towards the table situated in the middle of the room.

"Ah, yes, I have been treated with the utmost kindness while I have been here," the Dolma smiled, while inwardly Merlin sighed. It was at times like these in which he wished he could tell them everything. But despite everything, he didn't want Arthur to legalise magic just because they were friends, he wanted him to legalise it because he saw the good in magic. It wouldn't feel the same if Arthur legalised it out of necessity towards Merlin.

"That is good to hear," Arthur replied, pulling out chairs for both the Dolma and Gwen, before going to sit in his own seat.

"However," the Dolma began, Merlin's heart pounding in his chest. He knew that he wouldn't be able to keep this up forever, this lie, this deceit. He was already beginning to feel the effects of it, the tiredness catching up to him quicker, magic starting to feel strained, like muscles that hadn't been used in years. "While I have enjoyed my time here, I fear that it has come to an end, and I must return to my home."

The proclamation came with a hushed silence, and Merlin saw as Gwen and Arthur sent glances to each other, a conversation between the two happening in the space of a second.

"Of course," Gwen said, a sad smile running across her features. "Both Arthur and I understand that you must return to your home, however, we hope that you understand that you will be welcome into Camelot anytime into the future."

"Thank you, your majesty," Merlin could feel a lump forming in his throat, and he had to stop himself from choking up with tears.

"There is one thing, however, we would like to discuss with you before you leave however," Arthur said, fidgeting slightly with his ring, as he often did when he was nervous.

"Oh?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow, embodying this persona as much as he could.

Arthur coughed, taking a deep breath before he began.

"Guinevere and I have had much discussion over the past week and a bit since you have arrived, and it has come to both of our attention that perhaps some of my father's ideals were wrong. After everything I have gone through, you would of course forgive me for still being wary of magic, however, in hindsight, I believe that many of the attacks would not have occurred had my father not prosecuted those with magic and, more often than not, those who did not have magic themselves."

Arthur paused, turning to look at Gwen for support, and Merlin saw the way she gripped his hand imperceptibly, giving him a small look of encouragement.

He could feel his heart beat in his chest. This couldn't be happening, could it? Merlin drew in a shaky breath, trying to steady his fluttering nerves.

Time seemed to stretch into oblivion for a second, as Arthur squared his shoulders.

"Which is why Guinevere and I have both decided it would be beneficial for Camelot to reevaluate the ban on magic."

Merlin (as the Dolma) gasped, hand clutching at his chest, tears flowing freely from his eyes.

"Truly?" he whispered, staring at Arthur. This.. surely this was a dream? Merlin was half sure that he would suddenly wake up in his chambers, this dinner nothing but a dream.

Gwen nodded at his question, "Truly, Dolma."

Merlin picked up his goblet of wine and took a sip. This… this was massive, and the news wasn't something to be taken lightly. When he looked up, Arthur was smiling, Gwen looking at him with a hopeful gaze.

"In fact," Arthur began. "We were rather hoping that you would help lead the way. Neither Guinevere nor I know the slightest bit about magic, and Gaius has not practised magic since before the Purge. It would be understandable, if you would like to return back to your home, and hand over the burden to someone else, but I do ask that you think about our proposal."

"I- '' Merlin choked, reminding himself to breathe in and out. Arthur was asking him… well, not him him, but Arthur was thinking about repealing the ban on magic because he was willing to learn, to open his mind, to try and heal after everything his father had done. But a part of Merlin still hurt. Still hurt that despite all this, despite Arthur's words and apologies, he still couldn't see Merlin. But that irrational part of his brain was quickly dispelled. This was what he had wanted after all, to show Arthur the good in magic, to have the magic ban repealed because Arthur himself believed that it should be repealed.

It was a good start, and perhaps it could lead to Merlin telling Arthur about everything… his heart felt lighter than it had in weeks, and Merlin could picture a future where he wouldn't have to hide his magic ever again.

He had had a taste in the past week, and he couldn't wait until he no longer had to hide behind masks and deceit to protect his friends.

The scars in his soul and heart were starting to heal.

Lancelot had almost been falling asleep by the time Merlin returned, Gaius having retired about an hour ago, leaving Lancelot in the half light of the chambers, a lone candle lighting his surroundings.

But before he could nod off, the amusement of the last week starting to wear off, despite what Merlin claimed, said friend appeared in the door, bursting with energy, eyes sparkling, tears running down his face.

Lancelot tensed, almost pushing over the chair in his haste to go and comfort his friend. But it was not comfort which Merlin wanted, his face splitting into a huge grin as soon as he saw Lancelot, running his hand through his hair, before flinging himself at Lancelot, wrapping his arms tightly around Lancelot.

His next words caused Lancelot to squeeze back, heart lighter than it had been in the years he had known Merlin.

"I'm going to be free, Lancelot. I'm finally going to be free."