Chapter Four

Arthur and Merlin stepped to the center of the room. Merlin stood with arms crossed a little behind the king. Arthur motioned Gwen over.

"I should go last."

Gwen sighed, "Arthur does it really matter?"

Arthur gave her a smile that would have made her flush. Except at this point it was just getting on her nerves and by Merlin's smirk he knew it too.

"Don't worry, Gwen. He can go last, it won't help him win either way."

Gwen sighed and motioned Merlin forward before she set a practiced smile on her face and turned back to the audience.

"Our court warlock sure looks a bit different doesn't he folks. Merlin, can you tell us about your beard? How long have you been growing it out?"

"In two weeks it will probably be four months. I can't remember exactly how long, but probably a little after I came back from visiting the druid camps with Arthur."

"That is quite a while. Could you tell us what made you decide to grow it out."

Merlin laughed "Well that's quite the story, your majesty."

"I'm sure the people would love to hear it."

"Well as you all know after Camlann we all barely made it back with our lives. Arthur had been near dead and if it weren't for the Great Dragon's help and his sacrifice the King would be dead."

"We honor his sacrifice and all those we lost."

"As it should be. Most of you are also aware how I managed to kill Morgana and stop her dragon, Aithusa. Even bringing her dragon to be seen as a force for good and light as she was always meant to. Dragons were once creatures who lived and coincided with humans before the Purge. Aithusa is one of the rare few true dragons, but because of her alliance with Morgana she understands why many mistrust her.

For that reason I have her stay near the caves by the mountains. She keeps guard and provides protection to the druids. I also make a trek every full moon to see her.

On one particular trek I decided to take my mother. She had never really met a dragon and I thought it would be good. A way for her to get to know me and that part of my life as a Dragonlord.

My mother and I stayed with Aithusa in the mountains. In a cave really. With just the two of us I may have stopped shaving not a lot but in a few days there was already a somewhat noticeable difference. One evening as the sun was setting and mum was making dinner I was making sure Aithusa was comfortable.

I think the light must have hit me in some sort of way where it cast a shadow. I don't know but at that moment mum saw me and she said I looked like my father when she first helped him. How she always pictured him to look like with Kilgharrah."

Merlin paused as Gwen and several other women in the audience gasped and got teary eyed knowing how Merlin grew up without a father.

"We had similar reactions. We were upset and angry at all the memories that never came to be. But we didn't let it fester. We cried and shared our memories of him and we were happy. And I could see my reflection in her eyes and for a moment I could see my father and feel his presence. We never felt closer to him."

Arthur pressed his lips together. He knew about Balinor and what he meant to Merlin. It was also the first time he was hearing the whole story as Merlin told him about taking Hunith to visit Aithusa. Arthur also thought that Merlin looked like his father especially now. He could respect it if he lost to his friend… that didnt mean he would be happy about losing.

Merlin cleared his throat, "Anyway soon after that I had Aithusa drop mother off back in Ealdor and met up with Arthur at one of the druid villages. I kept my beard long but made sure to trim and take care of it. I don't use any pomade like Gwaine but I do have some potions of my own that one of the druids taught me to make that helps to keep it healthy… and I wash with soap."

Gwen nodded to Merlin reaching her hand out to grasp his hand.Giving it a gentle squeeze as the crowd cheered. Gwen let go and motioned for Merlin to take a step back.

"Thank you, Merlin. That was our Court Sorcery on his routine. He is also to be rated based on length as his and Gwaine's are a bit more outgrown than Sir Leon and King Arthur. There will also be a brief intermission before our last and final contestant. Please converse amongst yourselves and feel free to enjoy some food."

Gwen turned to Merlin and grabbed his arm before pulling him and Arthur towards one of the servant passages to an empty hallway.