#screaming like kilgharrah

[dollopole]

The thing that bothers me the most isn’t really Arthur’s death per se, but the how? Merlin was able to make some incantations and save Arthur from poison more than once while he was already dead, but suddenly he can’t get a fucking piece of metal out of Arthur’s fucking abdomen????? I’M GOING FERAL, I SWEAR, MERLIN’S MAGIC IS SO INCONSISTENT AND IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE THAT HE CAN CALL THUNDERS FROM THE SKY AND KILL AN ARMY AND GO BACK TO HIS YOUNG FORM BUT CAN’T HEAL ARTHUR FROM A BLADE FORGED IN A DRAGON’S BREATH AFTER HE REALISES HE’S MAGIC ITSELF AND HAS HEALED BY HIMSELF FROM SOME DEEP FUCKING WOUNDS CAUSED BY AN HIGH PRIESTESS’ MAGIC???? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE???

I’m chill.

NO, I’M NOT—

[justaz]

Young prince Arthur exploring the castle bc his emotionally and mostly physically absent father doesn’t care what he does as long as he gets his studies done. He pretends he’s a brave knight with a small wooden sword in hand and ventures down in the belly of the castle and stumbles upon a cavern under the castle. It’s not long before Kilgharrah lands before him and laughs at the young child before him, a baby really. This is no Once and Future King. But…Arthur does not scream and run, he holds up his wooden sword, shaking with terror as he stares down the ferocious beast, full of courage. And Kilgharrah stares and stares and stares before sighing heavily and going, “Fine. I’ll adopt you. Stop looking at me like that.”

Anyways, Arthur grows up visiting Kilgharrah and hearing about prophecies and destiny. He watches Kilgharrah perform small bits of magic and grows up knowing the truth of what’s happened. By the time merlin arrives in Camelot, Arthur is pro-magic and anti-Uther but holy fuck is he the most arrogant prick of all time. Not only did he grow up a prince to be king, he grew up knowing he was to be a king of legend. Merlin bullies him relentlessly like in canon and everything happens as it did.

But Arthur visits Kilgharrah for advice of magical threats and leaves like right before Merlin visits him for advice. Kilgharrah never says anything bc he likes to watch them be idiots. Arthur and Merlin sneaking behind each other’s back to use/consult magic (users) to help solve their issues and never telling the other. But Arthur keeps failing. He goes to find a powerful enough Druid or Sorcerer to combat magic from a High Priestess and he can’t find anyone. However, as if by magic (ha ha ha), the threat is neutralized without Arthur’s interference. Baby boy is so confused.

This goes on for years and slowly breaks down his confidence as he thought that being the Once and Future King meant conquering all these threats and protecting his people yet…he can’t. He hasn’t properly neutralized a threat in a while, bc I mean sometimes it happens but the other times he’s knocked out for SOME FUCKING REASON. So he’s moping in his room and Merlin’s like “What’s wrong?” In a super soft voice when he sees Arthur’s kicked puppy look.

Arthur barely thinks about it before telling Merlin. He’s wanted to for years but he never wanted to drag Merlin into danger by getting him involved in treason bc while his father would be irate with him, Uther wouldn’t hesitate before chopping off Merlin’s head. But Merlin has always been there for Arthur, and rebuilt his confidence despite the other times where he’s humbling him. So Arthur tells him everything. And Merlin is silent. And quiet. And silent. And quiet. And silent. And quiet. And-

He starts cursing the dragon angrily and drags Arthur down through the castle to Kilgharrah’s cavern. The dragon is already there laughing his ass off. Arthur is confused on how Merlin knew where to go. Merlin is shouting curses up at the dragon. Kilgharrah just looks down at them as he laughs and is like, “Finally, the Once and Future King and Emrys have united.”

Arthur (grew up knowing he had someone out there who was “half of his soul” as Kilgharrah said which he took to mean his soulmate and has been fantasizing about meeting this mysterious and powerful Emrys and…other things… Well, until he met Merlin. Then the fantasies featured all three of them) is…staring at Merlin wide eyed and flustered and a little turned on at how the small human is shouting angrily at the big dragon as if the big dragon couldn’t just stomp the both of the small humans or roast them alive. Arthur’s fantasies merge Merlin and Emrys together and it’s back to just the two of them.

Merlin is grumpy bc he had to hide his magic from Arthur for YEARS only to find out that the clotpole was ON HIS FUCKING SIDE?????? AND THE DAMN LIZARD KNEW ABOUT IT????? Oh, Merlin wants a set of Dragon scale armor and Kilgharrah’s golden scales would suit him nicely, he thinks. He’ll skin the damn beast himself-

[escespace]

Merlin and Arthur but someone help me I can't get it out of my head:

A threat, Merlin is going to face it, Investigate, fight, yadyadayada... The only solution is to make a deal that, in exchange for keeping Camelot safe for another day, Merlin must give up all the memories of his most precious person.

Obviously after running out of memories of ☆Arthur☆ He doesn't understand the importance of returning to Camelot, why is he still there if Gaius has taught him almost everything he can, Even kilgharrah isn't there anymore. For some reason, moreover, he feels that he often causes the poor physician more problems that should be... And all this without mentioning that before he wanted to see the world, he wanted to explore, to know and who knows? He might even make a name for himself... At least that's what he dreamed of as a child.

Again, why is he still in Camelot?

THEN HE GOES. JUST LIKE THAT

The next day Arthur can't find Merlin anywhere and we all know how he gets. He searches for him, he stresses, he screams... But it is not until night comes and he speaks with Gaius that the old man breaks his facade and Arthur notices the concern, that something is not right. He presses and presses until Gaius finally admits that he hasn't seen Merlin since the previous evening, that Merlin didn't sleep there and that he didn't even know where Merlin had gone.

It is canon that Arthur would immediately lose the marbles. As prince regent he order a wanted party. Nothing can stop him because *the power of the script*

Weeks go by with no sign of Merlin. Search efforts are dwindling as there are other priorities These priorities include certain strange occurrences in border villages.Some of these strange occurrences include a group of knights who were defeated by an entity they failed to see or recognize when they went to pick up an accused sorcerer. In addition, in the town next to that one, an entire family suspected of magic disappeared.

The council agrees that action must be taken or the people will begin to see those signs of weakness when it comes to responding to the law, with a sick king and having faced a mini conquest (I don't remember the chronological order of certain events, apologies); They must make it clear that Camelot is still the same as always...

Then, by the power of the script, the prince argues until he is the one who is designated to command the patrol of knights who will go to the villages in question (for honor, to make the people see him as a prince who executes his own orders or whatever)

Between surveys in the villages, some talks with peasants, follow clues... GUESS WHO THEY FIND?

Merlin has been wandering here and there, posing as a herb seller (because that must be good for something), Coincidentally, he has not left that specific town where the suspicious events occurred (he is that stupidly confident)...

He seems to vaguely recognize the knights. One of them he met in a tavern, another fighting a griffin, another is the brother of someone he met who-knows-where; and the other... He can't remember where he knows him from. That makes him feel strangely dizzy, there is a pressure in his head and there are pits that he does not want to question himself.In all this, Arthur does not stop shouting a thousand and one things at him. How stupid he is, how careless he is, how much work he has put in the backlog while touring every tavern in Albion...

Then Merlin says the three words that put Arthur's world Heel over head:

«who are You?»

[bane-huntress]

My Merlin Diorama... lol

Took my ages to finally find a base... which I found in my brothers Shed, is a wooden coaster with it's bark on the outside, it screamed at me to use it! I think it turned out okay ^_^

PS: For the original photos, I forgot I hadn't put Arthur's Helm on, or a scroll down.

Working on Photos:

Figures: Official 9cm figures from the show. "The Adventures of Merlin", Sets: Merlin, Arthur and Dragon {Kilgharrah]. Materials: Wood coaster, PVA glue, face tissue (covered in PVA to lift up plastic stone at the back), Model Static grass powder (with stone chips), Leather Bostic glue, Staple gun (To secure figures to the base), Triskelion silver pendant (was gonna be used in another project), Acrylic pains (to add depth to figures)

Took me about 5 day's to do... mostly waiting for the PVA Glue to dry, tehe. Hope you like ^_^

[boom-bada-boom]

in a dream i meet my dead friend

“He has, / I know, gone long and far, / and yet he is the same / for the dead are changeless. / They grow no older. / It is I who have changed, / grown strange to what I was.”

— A Meeting, Wendell Berry

when albion’s need is greatest, kilgharrah tells him. when albion’s need is greatest, freya tells him. when albion’s need is greatest, arthur will rise again.

when he first heard the words, he didn’t really understand them. arthur was dead, but he’d come back eventually— though how long was anyones guess. but for the moment, arthur was dead, the king was dead, and his kingdom deserved to know what happened.

he gives himself a day, the night and the dawn and the midday and the sunset, to remain in front of the lake, blood drying and crusting over on his hands and staining his clothes. he gives himself a day frozen keeling at the lake’s edge, before pushing himself to his feet and whispering, “i promise i’ll come back.” to the still still still waters.

it takes him a long time to fulfill that promise. by then, giaus is dead, percival is dead, leon is dead, and the only reason he ever returns to camelot at all is because of gwen, old now and confined to her bed, and because he needs to see the city, the castle, one last time; carve the picture into his memories. maybe carve a spell into the castle’s stone so it survives a while yet, while he runs away from his past.

he kneels once more before the shores of avalon, and the magic heavy over him like a thick winter coat slides off to reveal beneath it a face and body just the same as the one that had knelt there decades before.

“‘when albion’s need is greatest,’” he echoes across the years, and clutches at his own arms in a farce of a hug. there is a long pause, a long moment where the sun high above is hidden behind thick clouds, a long moment where the gentle breeze stills, a long moment where the sounds of the woodland at his back fades out. it passes.

“i want to see you, arthur.” merlin admits to the still waters. “i do. but i fear what threat we will be facing in the face of it.” he smiles, rueful, grieved, so tired already, at the sparkling reflections bouncing from the mirror-like work of nature and magic before him. “i’m— tired. of fighting. i think i’d just like to be with my friends. all of them.”

it’s not really directed to arthur, anymore, he doesn’t think. it’s more an observation of his own inner psyche, something he doesn’t oft do simply because he fears what he might find in the depths.

he knows he means it though, all of his friends. in his minds eye flashes the image of morgana, young, plagued with nightmares still, but brave and kind and righteous; the look of her smile, soft and loving, as she gazed upon gwen, a bundle of flowers in one hand and the other simply holding holding holding gwen’s own; the slight smirk as she looked down on arthur, play-threats and play-fights and all the camaraderie of siblings with none of the titles; the indulgent, caring look she bestowed upon him, in the long quiet moments where she thought him unaware.

all of them.

when the castle fell, merlin thought that this, maybe, was the moment arthur returned. he had not dared step foot in the city walls since gwen’s death, but he still always kept one ear out for news regarding it. his magic, embedded into the stones, strained and tried to protect the frame and those within it, but it could only do so much from the great chasm of distance between him and camelot. he was kneeling before the lake by the end of the day. he did not get up for a week, and then another, and by the time his body seemed liable to shake apart and was held together only by his own magic, and it was abundantly clear arthur would not be returning— by then, he just slammed his fists into the earth and screamed. screamed for a life and a future robbed from him, from arthur, from all his friends. screamed because while their life was robbed because it ended, his life was robbed because there was no end for him.

after that, time seemed to pass quicker, or maybe merlin cared less. camelot, its king and its knights and all the people it contained, was soon faded into myth and legend, a true story known only in the depths of his own mind, hidden behind the ancient old carved-in image of a castle now only ruins in life. history moved around him, through him, did not care for him.

he tried helping, at first. tried using magic to make things better, mostly by healing people. merlin learned soon enough though, and began to stop trying. after the next uncountable attempt at killing him for witchcraft, he stopped trying to help that way. not long after that, every other way too.

when the twenty-first century rolled around, merlin was tired most of all. tired and sad and worn and hopeless. arthur was not coming back, he realized. not if wars and plagues and massacres and destruction was not enough to raise him.

or maybe it is because these were all things merlin could have helped, could have possibly even prevented entirely if he could’ve brought himself to interfere. when albion’s need is greatest, but obviously there would be no need if merlin could fix the problem with a snap of his fingers.

for the nth time, he considered what that could mean. what could be the cause. what great, impossible threat was out there that even merlin couldn’t defeat, that even he could not prevent?

it had been over a thousand years, and he was tired and old and bitter. angry at his still-unfinished destiny and hateful of this immortal, unending life.

perhaps then that’s why he thinks, something merlin can’t defeat? well, he couldn’t very well defeat himself.

and perhaps that is where it starts.

when albion’s need is greatest, king arthur will rise again.

merlin decides he will bring about albion’s time of great need— anything to bring back arthur from his watery grave.

(he was so tired of living, tired of waiting. he just wanted his friend back, wanted to smile and call the king a prat and be looked at with the same fond admiration he’d always been given though never recognized during the moment.)

…

…

…

(below the waters of avalon, between life and death, king arthur pendragon, the once and future king, awakens from death with a gasp.)

(above those same waters, shadows walk the earth. shadows of albion, and of camelot, knights and magical creatures alike. all of them simply echoes given life by a magic more powerful than anything that has ever been or will ever be.)

the thing is, the lake of avalon had never just been the specific location. it is the veil between worlds, and thus the lake of avalon is everywhere where life and death meet.

so, as the world decends to chaos, and as merlin watches the lake shore like the bird he is named after, king arthur is thrust from the lake of avalon somewhere else entirely, far out of merlin’s reach. behind him, the knights of the round table, along with the queen guinevere and the lady morgana, rise just the same.

because, of course, nothing is ever quite simple.

merlin does not extend himself to learn of the whys and hows of the pockets of resistance against him. he does not want to know, just wants them crushed because then, maybe then, albion’s need will be greatest.

so, when a certain floundering group of someones begin carving a path of resistance towards the shadow castle built only from the image carved into merlin’s own head, he does not take note except to send more power to squash it.

(said group does not know much, truly. they do not know of the world they have found themselves in, though they always find people willing to help them in the unlikeliest of places. they do not know what the name of the great evil they face is, nor why it had come, only that they must stop it.)

(they do not know why the lady of the lake was crying, as she watched them stumble into life once more, nor why she handed them a rose, just a rose, still on the stem, and told them that it would lead them to their destiny.)

(it is not until she has disappeared that arthur thinks to ask, where is merlin?)

[dreamingbrownie]

Built on ruins, chapter 11

Kilgharrah landed on the banks of the river for the sole purpose to swipe anyone who was stupid enough to train a bow on the warriors of Camelot straight off their feet. The volleys going back and forth ceased: As ever, a dragon landing shook the earth in its foundations. People ran for their lives screaming. Many fell. They were trampled to death. The snow had become a treachedous sludge worse than soap, blood-soaked. Winter's beauty ruined.

Merlin breathed out his resolve. Yearning hooked into his heart, an urge pushing him forward like the rip of a lance in his unprotected back. He had never been separated from Arthur for so long in ten years. If he got hurt because Merlin - if he got killed - He had to find Arthur. He had to find Mordred and Aithusa.

Finale, part II: heavy angst, battle chapter thus violence&bloodshed, we're almost through to the conclusion you guys *taps the happy ending tag more insistently*

[theroundbartable]

I had a dream last night. And because my dreams are stories based on other stories, they sometimes end up to be really cool fanfictions.

For context, I'm currently watching that slime anime and I'm just past the episode where Rimuru destroyed that army. Although Rimuru is not a part of this story, This is where my dream begins and slowly turns into a Merlin fanfiction.

After the destruction of a village in similar fashion to that army by Rimuru, the people of Camelot are told to remain in their homes while the knights, Arthur and Merlin investigate the destruction side. It reminds me of the time Kilgharrah attacked.

The houses are destroyed, rubble lies in the streets and so do quite a few corpses. As Merlin tries to get closer and maybe find some survivors, their eyes snap open and they violently try to attack. It's like they have rabbies but in a different manner. Step by step, they transform into dragons and fly into the air to cause destruction elsewhere, attacking Knights and houses and whatever survivors had remained in their hiding spots.

Before the dragon can attack Merlin, Arthur pushes him back, dragging him to safety. The place where Merlin stood explodes in flames and stone rains on their heads.

There is now a dragon army on the loose and about to attack Camelot, so Merlin finally gives in and tells Arthur to stay behind. Arthur tries to stop him but Merlin begins shouting in Dragon, forcing the entire army to regroup and scream at him.

The entire dream was animated and the dragons look a little like a mix of Gabiru and Veldora. Anyways, this is where it ended.

[nonsensical-gashi]

Merlin season 3, part 1! :v

• There's a 1 year breach between season 2 and season 3

• Merlin was way more insolent that any servant should be allowed, obviously, but he was open when being like that. He can throw a comeback to Arthur with many soldiers around. That didn't stop him

• Since season 2 Merlin is being more intelligent about the use of magic.

What I mean is that, if he wants to fight against a knight in a horse, he would use a spell to break one of the belts of the saddle. Also, he would magnetize the opponent sword so he can't use it. It is creative, and even if the effects are weird it is kinda subtle, at least more subtle that a fire ball where you can pin point the caster and everyone would be distracted by it.

• Morgana is back in the freaking episode 1. (⁠╯⁠°⁠□⁠°⁠）⁠╯⁠︵⁠ ⁠┻⁠━⁠┻

• Season 3 is more serious, and with less vivid colors. It start with the return of Morgana in a double episode. It follows up more events, and connects more situations, and therefore the consequences felt heavier.

• "She's the darkness of your light, the hate of your love" Kilgharrah talking about Morgana

• Also, some reference of the size of Kilgharrah.

• Kilgharrah has to obey the dragon lord. He has no choice. But Merlin seems to be more grateful and respectful towards him and his advice. Until he doesn't...

• Chp 5 note, Merlin still imposes his moral over Kilgharrah's wisdom, and orders him if he doesn't agree. It seems that he never understood the pov of Kilgharrah, and how he felt. "Saving x live is more important, even of previous or future crimes", it doesn't matter that x is Uther, the responsible for the extinction of the dragons and magic. It doesn't matter if it's Morgana, the one destined to destroy the Kingdom. Kilgharrah is really mad he can't say no.

• There's a sword next to Arthur's bed

• There's an odd placing of comedy chapters in this series. Those felt so out of place in the series. Specially when there's a comedy chapter that ignores morgana because she's the main problem of this season and "you shouldn't take this chapter so serious!"

• Merlin told Gwaine that he met his father almost a year ago, before he died. As far as Arthur knows Merlin never met his father. This could lead to an interesting discussion, especially because Arthur and Merlin were together all that time, and he never mentioned anything, not about meeting him less his father dying.

• In the first season Merlin was excited to see Arthur fight in the tournament (chap 2). In season 3 Merlin is already sick of those kinds of competitions and is not happy that he has to be there (mostly to protect Arthur).

• Cenred attack towards Camelot's Castle, and their loss in battle (when Uther wasn't available due to the Mandragora), can be an important moment for the people of Camelot. Arthur proved that was ready to be a King.

• Uther was open to magic if that meant saving Morgana

• Uther had an affair with Vivian, Gorlois's wife, went he went to battle (final battle?). "Vivian was alone".

I don't feel this was planned since season 1.

• Arthur called Morgana her sister in chapter 5.

• The "I have to do something because I have the power to do it" is powerful on Merlin. He's too good for his own sake.

• "Morgana should have died a long time ago" Kilgharrah. It seems that everyone survived season 1 thanks to Merlin. Uther, Morgana and Moldred should be dead by now.

• Merlin can talk about a vision that he saw in the crystal cave (the bloody origin of magic), and say how it's going to be true soon, and Gaius is "Don't think about it". He still prefers that Merlin does nothing related to magic to avoid risky situations (even if that is screaming imminent danger).

• Arthur throws stuff to Merlin with more frequency.

• Arthur "I used to fear the forest when I was a child" Uther led Arthur to the forest when he was younger. "It seemed that every falling leaf was a bandit or a ghost"

• Merlin is able to enchant animals to do simple commands. He enchanted a snake to attack Morgana.

I was one week without internet, and before that the place where I watched the series crashed..... That's why it took too long for this entry.

See more!

Season 1 part 1 part 2 part 3

Season 2 part 1 part 2

Season 3 u're here part 2

Season 4 part 1

Season 5 part 1

[merlincinema]

Author: HadrianPeverellBlack (@evadne01) Title: The screams of the innocents Rating: Teen and Up Pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Kilgharrah, Cedric Warnings: N/A Word Count: 3048 Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53965219 Summary: Merlin, an FBI recruit, is tasked by his boss with drawing up the profile of a dangerous criminal. But it's never that simple. Author's Notes: Hi! This is my first entry for Merlin Cinema, inspired by Silence of the Lambs! I wanted to thank Sariel_Nightthorn and smartypantsflute for the amazing beta work they did! ❤❤❤ Also, since I am very proud of this, I will use it for my Merlin Bingo fill t6 - imprisoment I hope you'll like this!❤❤

[angelynmoon]

Even though her Magic was bound Merlin stil spent time teaching Morgana Magic, or more importantly the way it connected them to the world, the give and take, the Balance that Morgause had neglected in her bid for revenge.

He listened to her Dreams and helped her work through them, thankfully they were no longer as dark as they once were, but on nights she woke screaming Ellie would sleep at the end of her bed giving her a Dreamless sleep.

It was easy to tell that Morgana had a lot of guilt about what she had done under Morgause's influence but Merlin didn't know how to help her settle it, so he'd send Ellie or Effie to cuddle her or, more often than not, get her into some sort of Mischief with Gwaine and Percival.

Arthur kept trying to punish the two Hatchlings with the Dungeons but no cell in Camelot could hold a Dragon much less two, plus their Magic tended to backfire on Arthur much like the Goblin that had once terrorized the Castle.

Still, trying to unravel Dragon Magic was difficult and Merlin had kept his laughter to himself when Arthur had hopped over to him having been given similar attributes to a toad that had his skin a lingering green color and the king with a taste for insects that only Morgana and Gwaine were brave enough to comment on.

But for the most part the two Dragonlings split their time between Merlin and Lancelot, Effie prefering to join Lancelot on the training field in the mornings while Ellie would follow Merlin on his morning rounds to check Camelot's wards.

She'd ask how she could help but Merlin was reluctant to let them test the limits of their Magic when they were so young, he had them practicing by helping the growth of plants and they seemed to do well with it, he might have to expand their practice.

Ellie was more interested in the Magics, listening intently when Morgana had her lessons while Effie tended to try sneaking off, Merlin suspected he'd have to give her her own lessons without Morgana and Ellie, maybe she'd focus better one on one like Morgana sometimes did.

The worst of it was trying to figure out how to teach the two Dragonlings to fly, since Kilgharrah was in parts unknown searching for other eggs.

Which lead Merlin to this moment, he'd found a spell that would let out his inner animal, he just had to meditate long enough to find it in himself, supposedly finding his inner animal would let him transform at will, Merlin was hoping for a bird, so he could teach the girls how to fly.

But it was hard to meditate for long enough to go that deep inside of himself when he had two Hatchlings vying for his attention, not to mention Arthur and everyone else that wanted or needed him, even Lancelot had interrupted, though his was apologetic at least since he'd been fetching him for Gaius who needed to borrow some of his Magic for a healing spell that needed a little more oomph than Gaius could muster.

So, Merlin sat underneath a waterfall, hiding from his Dragonlings in the element most opposite their own and from Arthur and his Knights, using the thickness and sound of the water to keep them from tracking him.

Merlin followed his Magic down into his inner most self, smiling softly at the golden well of Magic that connected him to the world around him, if he hadn't been doing this with a certain purpose Merlin might open his eyes to see the golden strands that connected the trees to the earth, to the animals that ate them, to the people who ate those animals and the way those people connected to others, the world world would be awash in Golden Magic were Merlin to open his eyes right now.

Instead Merlin turned away from the well and instead focused on the creature wrapped around it, reaching out to the undefined form.

The moment Merlin touched the creature he felt the change overcome him, the twisting and lengthening of his bones, the hardening of his skin, the reshaping of his entire body.

Merlin's eyes snapped open as he let out a Roar that was very similar to when he called to Kilgharrah or scolded the Hatchlings in their own tongue.

Merlin jumped out of the waterfall, now changed the water annoyed him, so opposite from the fire that burned with him with greater strength than it had before.

Merlin flexed his jaw, the sharpness of his teeth taking a moment to get used to before he shifted his neck to see his body.

He was nowhere near the size of Kilgharrah but there was no mistaking him for anything other than a Dragon. Merlin lifted his wings and put them down, pumping them like he'd seen Kilgharrah do and began to rise from the ground.

Delighted, Merlin climbed higher and higher until he rose up over the trees. Oh, he could see for ages, it was amazing, it had been amazing on Kilgharrah's back but on his own it was even better.

Merlin heard his Hatchlings' cries, not hurt but playful, he could hear them from such a distance, he could even hear Lancelot's voice and soon after the rhythm of his heartbeat and Merlin could not help but answer it's call.

The distance that had taken him two days to get now seemed like nothing, oh, he could visit his mother without it taking a week to get there.

As Merlin's shadow passed over the Lower Town, people looked up and began to scream, their terror soon reaching the field where Arthur was sparring with Morgana and his knights.

Merlin passed over the field and roared a greeting to his Hatchlings and Mate.

And as the knights readied themselves for an attack Merlin realised that he did not know how to land.

At least the training field was wide and open, Merlin thought as he guided himself down, landing roughly, tail over head, and Merlin knew that Arthur was never going to let him live it down.

Merlin cooed at his Hatchlings as they bounded over to him in excitement, and then Merlin turned his golden ringed eyes to his Mate.

"Merlin!?" Lancelot shouted, both in question and relief.

Merlin nodded, "My Lancelot." Merlin said, voice a little more Dragontongue than human.

"Oh, thank heaven." Gwaine said, right before he passed out.

"You're beautiful." Lancelot said with reverence reaching out before stopping.

Merlin nudged him, "You want to fly with me?"

"Maybe save offering rides for after you've learned to land, Merlin!" Morgana shouted from where she'd been pulled to safety by Leon.

"Oh, right." Merlin said, "Not bad for my first landing though."

The group looked over the decimated training field.

"Hey, you try landing a brand new body." Merlin said, smoke curling out of his nostrils.

"Wow, talk about mad enough to breath fire." Elyan laughed, "Better watch out now, Lancelot, you might get burned literally."

Merlin turned his large eyes onto Elyan, "Watch how you speak to my Mate, Sir Elyan, because right now you look like a snack."

Elyan paled until Merlin let out a laugh and shifted back to his human form.

"Well, that's inconvenient." Merlin said as Gwen grabbed a cloak to cover Merlin, whose clothing, it appeared, had not transformed with him.

Arthur looked at Merlin, opened his mouth to sau sonething, then closed it, looked at the field and laughed.

"You must be the clumsiest Dragon that's ever existed." Arthur said as he looked back at Merlin.

"Hey!" Merlin cried.

Lancelot laughed too, letting his thumb trace over the silvery gold scales that remained near Merlin's eyes.

"But you're my clumsy Dragon." Lancelot said as he kissed Merlin while Percival and Morgana poked at Gwaine with sticks.

He'd never live down fainting at Merlin's Dragon form, if only because it was Merlin's form.

Later Lancelot would ask questions about Merlin calling him his Mate, he'd also yell at Merlin for stealing his cloaks and shirts for his nest and hoard. He'd also discover that most of Merlin's hair, all excepting that on his head, had turned to shimmering scales, and though he expected them to be rough against his skin, they were instead smooth as the silk Morgana and Gwen's clothes were made from.

They would later discover that Merlin could breath fire in human form whe they were attacked by bandits and one of them got a good hit on Lancelot.

But for now Lancelot kissed his Warlock as their Dragonlings joined Percival and Morgana by nibbling on Gwaine's boots.

--

A/n: this is an excuse for Dragon Merlin. Also Merlin's hoard consists of Lancelot, Ellie, Effie and anything that smells remotly like Lancelot.

Merlin is a silvery gold that shimmers in the right lighting, his scales show more on his cheekbones and forearms.

[dreamspring]

#yk when in dotd2 kilgharrah tells merlin ''all you've dreamt of came to pass'' and merlin screams ''i can't lose him! he's my friend!''?#like. that's the whole point. the whole point of season 5 and the point of the show and the whole point of merlin and arthur's relationship#like... arthur is dead and merlin doesn't care about their destiny or whatever kilgharrah tried to tell him#arthur is dead and merlin just wants him back because he loves him#he helped him and protected him and took care of him because he loved him#like that's the whole point of the show it's not even subtle#he held the man he loved in his arms while he died and simply asked him to stay with him#meanwhile arthur spent his last two days on earth speaking to merlin about their first meeting and what they were to each other#and his last request was to be held as he died and stared into the eyes of the man he loved#no words for the kingdom they both served no words for the people they both loved and cared about#it was about the two of them because that was the whole point#merlin would wait for millennia because he's waiting for arthur. arthur would give up his life-long beliefs because it's for merlin. via @/sainztander

it wasn’t about destiny, magic or the power behind the crown, it was about him.

[legends-of-time]

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 18: Le Morte d'Arthur

Masterlist

Amelia's POV

One night Amelia sneaks into the corner of the Council Chambers out of sight. She had seen Arthur, Merlin and some Knights rushing back into the Castle after a hunt, carrying a body with distraught looks on their faces.

She hides behind one of the columns in the corner and listens as Arthur describes a beast that they had been confronted with. It had the strong body of a leopard and the fearsome head of a snake. Amelia knows that this is the next episode from her notes.

After Arthur finishes, Gaius confirms her thoughts, "The creature you describe has all the characteristics of the Questing Beast."

"Surely that's a myth," Arthur says.

"According to the old books, the appearance of the Questing Beast is supposed to foreshadow a time of great upheaval." Gaius continues undeterred.

"Gaius, it's an old wives' tale," Uther says. Again with not listening to Gaius.

"Look, whatever it is, it's spreading panic. The people fear it will enter the City." Arthur mediates.

"Then we must kill it. Arthur, gather the Guard together. You ride at dawn." Everyone, except Uther and Gaius, leave the room.

"I beg you, Sire, do not dismiss this. The beast is an omen. I've seen it come before, the night your wife Ygraine passed away." Gaius pleads.

"I've told you not to speak of that night again. I have conquered the Old Religion. Its warnings mean nothing to me now. Arthur will destroy the beast and we will no longer suffer at its hand." You should not be so sure Uther.

——

That night, Amelia's dreams are not pleasant. She sees flashes of images. It is of Kilgharrah flaming before it becomes Merlin yelling "NO!" then Arthur and Merlin running in the woods, Arthur lying sick in bed, and the Questing Beast, just like Arthur had described.

She bolts up in bed screaming.

Faintly she hears someone calling her name but she does not respond as she is still trapped in the terror of her dream.

"Amelia? Amelia?! Wake up."

Someone then grabs her arms and she struggles against them but as she does, the voice breaks through.

"Wake up, it's me! It's Anne! Stop it! It was just another dream." She realises it is just Anne trying to calm her. Anne's face is in front of her, hands stroke her face.

"It was terrifying," Amelia says.

"Oh, it's going to be alright." Anne hugs her.

——

Amelia gets very little sleep that night. When she is asleep she would have the same dream and when she is awake the images of the dream kept flashing through her mind. She still feels hysterical from her dream by the time dawn breaks.

She hears voices in the Square and sees Arthur speaking to his Knights in the Square. She immediately rushes from her Chambers, still in her nightgown, to the Square in the desperate hope she can stop him. It is one thing to read in your notes that Arthur is going to be harmed but to see it in her dream and knowing that not everything is set in stone so he can still die, makes her panic.

"For the love of Camelot!" Arthur cries.

"For the love of Camelot!" The Knights reverberate.

Amelia bursts through the door of the Castle and runs down the steps to where Arthur and Merlin stand with the Knights in front of them.

"Arthur!" She cries.

"Amelia, what are you doing?" Arthur asks, turning to her.

"You cannot face this!" She cries, now reaching him. She tries to grab him, but Arthur struggles with her.

"Amelia, go back to bed. There is nothing to be afraid of." Arthur says. He doesn't understand!

"Please, Arthur. I have seen terrible things! You cannot go!" She begs.

It is at this moment that she hears Morgana emerge from the Castle. "Amelia? What is going on?"

Amelia does not respond to her and continues to struggle with Arthur. "She probably had a bad dream, Sire. I'll take her to see Gaius." Merlin murmurs to him.

Amelia looks at him feeling betrayed. "No! I will not let you go!" She has to keep fighting!

"Please, Merlin, get her inside," Arthur says, ignoring her.

"No!" Amelia cries. Arthur hands her off to Merlin and motions for the Guards to come down. Merlin guides her up the steps towards where Morgana and some Guards are coming towards them.

"I will make sure he's safe, Amelia. I promise." Merlin murmurs to her.

She shakes her head at him. "No!" Merlin hands her off to the Guards. "No!" Guards lead her inside.

"What happened Amelia?" Morgana asks her, coming to stand next to her. She takes Amelia away from the Guards to her Chambers.

"I had a dream! Arthur is in danger! He might die if he goes! You have to believe me!" Amelia tries to explain.

"Do not worry I believe you," Morgana tells her and with that reassurance, Amelia drops off to sleep as soon as she is placed in her bed.

——

Anne's POV

After Amelia's dream, coupled with the myths she had heard growing up, Anne has been anxious ever since Arthur, Merlin and the Knights had headed off to find the questing beast.

Her worst fears are met when, while she is with Gaius in his Chambers, Merlin suddenly bursts in and clears a table with one sweep. Guards come in after and place a stretcher with Arthur in it on the table.

"What's happened?" Gaius asks as he looks at Arthur's wound.

"He's been bitten." Anne feels herself going pale. She knows what this means. She steps forward to the other side of the table to look herself.

"I tried to save him," Merlin says.

"You must tell the King," Gaius says to the Guards, who leave to do just that.

"There must be something you can do," Merlin says, almost sounding like he is pleading.

"I wish there was."

"I'll find a cure." Merlin bolts to his Chamber.

"Merlin!" Gaius calls.

"Trust me!" Merlin says, entering his Chamber.

"Can you hear me, Sire?" Anne asks Arthur's unconscious body but she gets no response.

"Here." Merlin brings out his magic book.

"The King'll be here any moment!" Gaius says worriedly.

Merlin places the book on a table. "He can't die. It is my destiny to protect him. We haven't done all the things we're meant to do." He says desperately.

"That is a lament of all men," Gaius says unhelpfully.

"Gaius, he's my friend," Merlin begs.

This seems to get through to Gaius, who says, "Then save him." Stepping back from the table.

Merlin uses magic to flip through the book. "Gestathole." He chants but nothing happens. He flips through the book again. "Thurhhaele." Nothing happens.

"Maybe the spells need time to take effect," Merlin says, now even more desperate.

"The bite of the Questing Beast is a death sentence that no magic can overturn," Anne tells him. She hates her words as soon as she speaks them but she knows they are the truth.

She then hears Uther's voice echoing down the corridor. "Where is the Prince?! Where is my son?!"

Uther enters. "Arthur!" He cries as soon as he spots him.

Merlin quickly magically closes his magic book.

"Do something, Gaius!" Uther begs.

"I am trying, Your Majesty," Gaius says.

"Gaius will find a cure. He will not let him die." Merlin tells him.

Gaius seems to give him a look. "I will do everything in my power."

Uther desperately picks up Arthur himself. "I'll bear him to his Chambers."

Uther walks through the Square with Arthur in his arms, Anne, Merlin and Gaius following. Uther collapses in his grief. Four Knights come to bear Arthur inside as the King weeps on his knees. Merlin looks on heartbroken and Anne sees Morgana opening a window and watching the scene below. Anne cannot help but think about how Amelia will feel.

——

Amelia's POV

The dreams keep continuing though not always the same. Sometimes in a different order. In others, she can hardly remember what she had seen when she wakes up.

Amelia can tell something is occurring from the noises outside her Chambers and the look on Morgana's face seals it for her.

"Morgana?" Amelia asks when she enters. "What has happened?" She stands up from her bed.

"Your dream..." Morgana hesitates. Amelia feels she knows what Morgana is about to say before she says it. "It... Arthur's been bitten by the questing beast."

Amelia feels herself go ashen. She stumbles and Morgana reaches out and catches her. She realises she is mumbling "No" repeatedly over and over again without even realising it.

"It might not mean he is going to die. Remember how our dreams do not always come true." Morgana tries to comfort her, bringing her over to a seat by the window, but Amelia barely hears her.

She knows that Arthur may not die but others might. Or if not, there is going to be much suffering before it is over.

——

Anne's POV

Anne cannot bear to tell Amelia that her dream has begun to come true and instead goes with Merlin to the Dragon to hopefully find out what they can do.

"I have failed Arthur, failed in my destiny," Merlin says as soon as they reach the platform and see the Dragon sitting in front of them.

"And yet, you would not be here if that were true." He says.

"He was bitten by the Questing Beast. He's going to die." Anne tells him.

"Does he still breathe?"

"Only just." Merlin answers.

"Then there is still time to heal him." The Dragon says.

"I've tried. I cannot save him." Merlin says. Anne puts a hand on his shoulder in reassurance.

"You do not know how to save him." Anne cannot help but smile slightly, there is still hope!

"But you can tell us how?" Anne probes.

"Perhaps. It will not be easy." The Dragon says.

"I will do anything," Merlin says.

"Anything?" This question causes a pit to form in Anne's stomach. This reminds her that the Dragon is not always trustworthy.

"Please, just tell me what I have to do!" Merlin says. Anne chews her lip. Maybe she is worrying over nothing. Hopefully.

"Very well. The Questing Beast is a creature conjured by the powers of the Old Religion. You must use the same ancient magic to save him."

"But the Old Religion died out centuries ago." Merlin points out confused.

"The Old Religion is the magic of the earth itself. It is the essence which binds all things together. It will last long beyond the time of men." The Dragon says.

"But how can that help us save Arthur?" Anne asks.

"You must find those who still serve it. Those who hold dominion over life and death."

"Where?" Merlin asks.

"Go to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed, where the power of the ancients can still be felt. There you will discover Arthur's salvation." The Dragon explains.

"Thank you. Thank you." Merlin says gratefully.

They turn to go but before they do, the Dragon speaks one last time, "And Merlin, the young Pendragon must live, no matter what the cost."

——

They are walking hurriedly towards Gaius' Chambers when Merlin turns to her.

"I'll go alone. You do not need to come." He says.

"Why not? I can look after myself!" Anne says.

"I'm sure you can but this is my destiny let me do this. Promise me."

"But—"

"Please. You need to be here for Amelia." As she analyses his face she can see that he is not taking no for an answer.

"I—" She tries to argue again but the desperate look on Merlin's face stops her. "Fine!" She promises reluctantly. Anne turns and instead heads to Amelia's Chambers. And if she stomps as she goes then she will not admit it.

As she walks there, she cannot help but wonder what this cost is. The way the Dragon had said it felt very ominous.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia learns from Anne, who had finally come to her, that Merlin is going to head to the Isle of the Blessed to plead for Arthur's life. This does not reassure Amelia at all as she knows that a life is the cost and that Merlin will be offering himself.

She continues to drift between consciousness and unconsciousness. Never aware of which with the nightmares continuing as she wakes, the images flashing through her mind. She can't get any rest.

She does not know how long it has been but when she has one moment of clarity she looks out of her window and can see that it is dark. A crowd has gathered outside Arthur's window holding candles.

——

Anne's POV

Merlin arrives back in Camelot a couple of days later. Anne finds out when Gaius and Merlin both enter Arthur's Chambers, where she is caring for him, carrying a decorative canteen.

They only briefly glance at her before they begin giving Arthur the water. Anne realises that Merlin has found a cure but she wonders at what cost.

Uther then enters. "What are you doing, Physician? What are you giving him?"

"It's a... It's a tincture made from the lobelia plant, an ancient remedy for poisonous bites." Gaius supplies but Anne knows that it is likely not the true story.

"A cure?"

"We hope."

"Do you really think it will have some effect?" Uther asks.

"It's our last resort, Sire. Perhaps you should allow him to rest." Gaius suggests.

"I will not leave him." Anne follows Gaius and Merlin as they exit, chewing her lip nervously. Uther sits by Arthur's bedside.

Anne walks with Gaius and Merlin down the Red Ribbon Corridor when suddenly Merlin is grabbed by the arm and pulled into an alcove. This causes Anne to turn around and she sees it was Amelia who still looks like she has not properly slept in days and her blue eyes are glazed over as if she's in a trance.

"Please, Merlin, you must beware. This is only the beginning." Merlin pulls away and continues down the corridor. Amelia, however, had barely reacted to Merlin pulling away from her and instead stands there for a few moments before walking away. Anne walks with her in concern. Her words form a pit in Anne's stomach.

——

Amelia's POV

Arthur wakes that night and while she is pleased that he is not going to die, Amelia knows that this is only the beginning. Merlin believes that he has sacrificed himself for Arthur but he does not truly know the cost of what he has done.

She knows that Anne and Morgana are concerned about her but Amelia can't bring herself to care.

There is a thunderstorm that night which does not help her sleep. In fact, it seems to make her dreams worse. She can't tell what is occurring as the images came in too quick of a succession.

She then sees a figure entering Camelot on foot. A trembling diseased hand opens the door to the Gaius' Chambers. This causes her to bolt awake screaming.

Morning comes and Amelia learns from Anne and then Morgana that Merlin's mother had arrived last night and is deathly ill. Amelia knows that this is a consequence of Merlin's bargain.

She perceives that she should leave her Chambers to go comfort Merlin or talk him out of doing anything stupid but she can't bring herself to leave the room. The terror state she has been experiencing seems to prevent her from doing so. She understands that Anne will look after him.

——

Anne's POV

Her and Merlin immediately rush to the Dragon's Cave after learning that it is Merlin's mother that is to be sacrificed.

"You knew this would happen! You had me trade my mother's life for Arthur's!" Merlin yells as soon as they step onto the platform.

"You said you would do anything." This makes Anne feel even angrier than she already is. How can he be so careless?

"Did you know his mother would die?" Anne asks through clenched teeth.

"I knew the price would be a heavy one." Again he did not seem to care.

"But you sent me anyway." Merlin accuses.

"We need Arthur to live."

"I'm not one of you!" Merlin yells.

"Neither am I!" Anne glares at the Dragon. What is the point if they just let their own family die for the sake of this destiny?

"We are creatures of the Old Religion. It is the source of your power." The Dragon says.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Merlin asks. He looks at Anne as if she could explain but she shrugs. She had grown up with no one telling her anything.

"Your destiny is to protect the young Pendragon until he claims his crown, and when he does, magic can be returned to the realm. Only then will I be free." Anne now realises how selfish he is.

This angers Merlin as well. "Oh. So that's all you cared about? I thought you were my friend."

"I am more than that, Merlin. I am your kin." Despite the many times she had told Amelia off for wanting to commit violence, Anne really wants to hit him. How does this excuse what he has done?

"No. The only family I have is my mother, and you had me murder her."

"Her life has not been taken in vain. We will achieve great things together, you and I."

"You will never be released, for what you've done! I'll make sure you never see the light." Merlin says, beginning to turn away.

"Merlin!" The Dragon cries and breathes fire at him.

"Gescildan!" Anne cries and blocks the flames.

"You won't see us again," Anne says as her and Merlin leave the Cave with the Dragon yelling after them.

——

Anne bursts into Amelia’s Chambers making the woman in question jump.

"Anne?" She asks but Anne ignores her and begins pacing angrily. She is only stopped when Amelia stands and grabs her by the shoulders. "Anne!"

"Sorry." She mutters. "It's just the Dragon. I could never imagine someone would be so selfish! He let Merlin sacrifice his own mother just so he could be free!" Her voice raises as she continues to rant.

She looks up and sees the frown on Amelia's face. "Sorry," Anne says, "I know you care about him."

"Don't," Amelia says, "I always knew he seemed to have some ulterior motive." Yet Anne cannot help but feel bad for her.

"Still. You have been speaking to him since you were eight. He was your friend. There would be an attachment there." Anne reminds her.

"I know," Amelia sighs tiredly, "but there it is. He has too much anger and resentment to think of others."

Anne stays silent but then her eyes widen in horror when she realises something. "Oh no!"

"What?" Amelia asks.

"Merlin is going to try to sacrifice himself again to save his mother. That was probably the initial cost, a life. It is why his mother is dying, it is so that Arthur can live. Merlin will offer himself again. Is it selfish of me to hope that someone else will die?"

"No," Amelia says. "It makes you human."

"But now he definitely will try again and it might happen!" Anne then turns and rushes to Gaius' Chambers, hoping to catch Merlin.

——

Anne catches up to Merlin in one of the corridors. He seems to be heading towards Arthur's Chambers from Gaius'. She realises he must be doing his rounds of goodbyes.

"Merlin!" She cries colliding with him.

He makes a startled noise as he catches her, gripping her shoulders. "Anne?"

"I know what you are going to do Merlin! You cannot do this! I need you!" She pauses realising what she just said. "Camelot needs you!"

"I have to save her." He says sadly. "If the balance of the world needs a life, then Nimueh must take mine."

"What about Camelot?" Anne asks. "Your destiny."

"What is the point if my mother needs to die to fulfil it?"

Anne reaches forward and hugs him. She notices she is crying when a wet patch forms on Merlin's shoulder. "Goodbye then." She pulls back and kisses him on the cheek. He looks at her in surprise and nods clearing his throat awkwardly. His cheeks seem red. Anne realises how close they are and quickly pulls away and flashes him an awkward smile.

"I'll tell Amelia your goodbyes. Make things less difficult. She will not let you go if you go to see her." Anne says, trying to clear the air.

Merlin nods before continuing on his way. Anne then realises how warm her cheeks are meaning that she is blushing. She walks to Amelia's Chambers hoping it will go away. She wonders why her heart is also hammering in her chest.

——

Amelia's POV

She is sitting in her Chambers with Anne the next day, waiting anxiously to find out what has happened at the Isle of the Blessed. Anne paces while Amelia sits on her bed staring in the distance.

Suddenly her door bursts open and Merlin appears.

"Oh Merlin," Anne says awkwardly, Amelia wonders why. "I thought you would be leaving straight away." Anne flicks her eyes in Amelia's direction.

Merlin ignores her and raises his hand, which Amelia now notices, holds a piece of paper. "Gaius is sacrificing himself! We have to stop him."

Amelia grabs it and reads what it says.

Dear Merlin, My life is already near to its end. There has, for the most part, been very little purpose to it, very little that will be remembered. In contrast, Merlin, your life is destined for greatness. Live by the tenets I have taught you, and I believe you will, in time, become the greatest Warlock ever. To have known you has been my greatest pleasure, and to sacrifice myself for you is but an honour. You are and always will be the son I never had.

"We must do something." She says, looking up at the other two people in her Chambers.

"Right. Amelia, you stay—" Anne begins but Amelia stops her.

"No, I'm coming to. I have spent enough time sitting in my room in fear." 

Anne and Merlin seem to accept this though still look unsure. Amelia knows she looks like she is in a right state. She won't be surprised if her blue eyes have bags underneath them and her brown hair is like a bird's nest.

——

They travel to the island, that sits in the middle of a misty lake. They get on a boat that floats into what appears to be a ruin. Once they get to the edge and get off, Amelia registers that she can hear chanting.

"Ic, séo héahsácerd, þe ácwile strengþe ealdan æwfæstnesse!"

"Stop!" Merlin cries once they enter they enter what seems to have once been a courtyard with Nimueh standing in the middle. She stands by a stone table and Gaius is slumped at her feet.

"Back again so soon, Warlock?" Nimueh asks, smirking as if she has no care in the world. "And you have brought friends?"

"Gaius?" Anne calls in worry.

"What have you done?" Merlin demands.

"Your mother is safe. Isn't that what you wanted?" Nimueh asks.

"But is Gaius dead?" Amelia asks. "Have you killed him?" She tries to look around Nimueh to see if Gaius is truly dead. This cannot be the end of Gaius, surely?

"It was his wish," Nimueh says, again with the careless attitude.

"How dare you! You have killed him!" Anne yells.

"I bid my life for Arthur's, not my mother's, not Gaius'!" Merlin's voice raises in volume the longer he speaks.

Nimueh meets his volume. "The Old Religion does not care who lives and who dies! Only that the balance of the world is restored. To save a life, a life must be taken." Her voice then lowers. "Gaius knew this."

Amelia can't take seeing Nimueh act like she's in the right any longer. "Do not act as if you are innocent. It is not the Old Religion that has done this. You were the one who made it happen!" Amelia cries out.

Nimueh looks at her in surprise but recovers quickly and again smirks at all of them. "Come now. We are all too valuable to each other to be enemies."

"No! We share nothing with you!" Merlin yells.

"With my help, Arthur will become King." And her previous actions had helped?!

"I will make Arthur King. But you will never see that day." Merlin says ominously before sticking his hand out in Nimueh's direction. "Ástríce!"

Before the bolt of light and fire could hit her, Nimueh sticks up her hand and uses the back of it to absorb his attack. Oh god, what are they going to do now?

"Your childish tricks are useless against me, Merlin. I am a Priestess of the Old Religion." As she speaks, Nimueh uses the same hand that had absorbed Merlin's attack to begin circling it to build up a ball of flames before chanting, "Forbærne!" And sending it flying in their direction. Before it can hit them, Amelia, Anne and Merlin are able to duck out of the way and it hits the wall behind them. Amelia gasps in pain from the motion of landing hard on the floor despite it being grass. Well, this is going to be more difficult than she thought.

They all stand as Nimueh walks over to them with another fireball in her hand. "You, too, are a creature of the Old Religion. You should join me." While Nimueh is entirely focused on Merlin, Amelia feels herself being pulled and grasps that it is Anne pulling her behind some stone that sticks out in the middle of the courtyard.

"Stay here," Anne whispers before going back to where the conversation had continued in the meantime. Amelia does as she is told. Anne and Merlin are the ones with the power to stop Nimueh.

Merlin had clearly given Nimueh an answer she's not happy with as Nimueh then says, "So be it. Ácwele!" The fireball in her hand surges forward and hits Merlin directly in the chest knocking him down. Smoke emanates from his chest. Anne rushes forward about to chant her own spell but Nimueh simply flicks her hand to the side and Anne is thrown into the stone, that Amelia stands behind, knocking her out. Amelia darts forward to her side. Thankfully there seems to be no mortal injuries only those that will give Anne a concussion.

"Pity." Amelia looks up and sees that Nimueh is standing over Merlin who is still on the floor. Amelia frowns in worry. "Together we could've ruled the world." Nimueh walks away. Merlin then, thankfully, gets up and glares at her.

"You should not have killed my friend." He says causing Nimueh to turn and look at him. He looks up raising his hand to the sky. The clouds start to form together and begin to rumble. Merlin then uses the power from the clouds to strike Nimueh down with a bolt of lightning. There is a crack and a flash of light when it hits her. Amelia quickly looks away as the light becomes too bright, she hears a screech and when she looks back there's nothing left when it clears.

Merlin rushes towards Gaius. "Gaius! Gaius!" He cradles an unconscious Gaius.

Amelia then hears coughing and looks down to see Anne coming round. "Anne!" She cries in relief and hugs her. She hears a rumble and the sky begins to pour down rain.

"Oh hello, what did I miss?" Anne mumbles.

"Nimueh is gone but we need to go to Gaius," Amelia tells her, skipping to the point. Anne looks past her, in the direction of Merlin and Gaius. She stands up, stumbling slightly. Amelia puts an arm out to catch in case she falls and when she does not, they both hurry towards the stone table.

"Gaius?! Gaius?!" Amelia cries, launching herself to the floor in front of Gaius. Anne crouches next to her.

"No! No!" Merlin shouts crying. Amelia bends her head down, she swore that he was supposed to live longer than this but maybe her notes are wrong and that things have changed.

When she begins to think he is truly dead, she hears a voice, "Merlin."

Amelia looks up and sees that Gaius is coming round.

"Gaius. Gaius. Gaius, you're alive!" Merlin cries but this time with happiness. Amelia feels herself being pulled into a hug by Anne as she laughs in relief.

"What did you do?" Gaius asks wearily.

"Nimueh's dead," Amelia says.

"Meaning that Merlin has restored the balance of the world," Anne says.

"Merlin you amaze me." Gaius splutters. "You've mastered the power of life and death itself. We'll make a great Warlock of you yet."

"So you believe in me now?" Merlin asks with a smile on his face.

"Well, I would do if...if you could stop this blasted rain." This causes all of them to begin laughing this time. Amelia can't tell if the liquid running down her face is tears or rain but she does not care, not when Gaius is alright.

Eventually, they are able to get Gaius up and they leave the Isle of the Blessed as the sky begins to clear.

Amelia can't help but smile in relief. She and the others have gotten through the first season. She feels herself relax. However, once they reach Camelot, her relief is soon over when she recalls, not only of what she remembered of the legends but also her notes, that this is not over and there is worse to come. That just because they have gotten over this hurdle doesn't mean they are done.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

Merlin will return.

[justaz]

battle of camlann but merlin wasn’t ancient as shit. he blasts the warriors around arthur away and arthur turns to see a glowering, golden-eyed merlin. he tightens his grip on his sword but isn’t able to raise it. the inconceivable notion that merlin has betrayed him runs through his mind but he cant quite grasp it. his father is screaming in his head to kill the wretched sorcerer but all arthur can see is his friend wearing a face that looks too much like morgana’s. merlin glances up at arthur and the expression of rage fizzles into one tinged with fear and concern - all too confusing for him to unpack in the midst of battle. merlin is slow to approach his side and even then he keeps his distance. before either of them can say anything, mordred appears, sword in hand, glaring at arthur.

merlin tries to draw the former knights attention away from arthur, tries to goad him into fighting merlin instead, but mordred is deadset on fighting arthur. he calls morgana over instead and says emrys’s fight is with her while his is with arthur. with the extra seconds of back and forth, arthur isn’t as shocked when he raises his sword against mordred’s. morgana and merlin blast each other great distances until they’re far away from modred vs arthur and land on the front line between the two armies. both armies back off and watch the light show as morgana and emrys battle until morgana’s army uses the distraction to close in on camelot’s army.

three battles occurring at once until morgana gets a lucky hit in and merlin goes flying. he lands next to a gwaine who is currently bleeding out. he smiles when he sees who’s next to him “merlin!” which sounds so much like his greeting every time they ran into each other before gwaine became a knight. he reaches out and heals gwaine’s wound and leon just looks up at him for a moment before going “you’re always full of surprises, aren’t you merlin?” merlin grins and goes “i got one more” he stands up on surprisingly steady legs and calls on kilgharrah. in for a penny, out for a pound. arthur is already fuming at him, might as well rip the bandaid off right?

kilgharrah attacks morgana’s army while merlin orders aithusa to stand down. camelot’s army is able to march through the charred army and bring down those who remain, mordred is loosing but persevering through rage and spite alone, morgana is screaming (like she always is nowadays). merlin and morgana battle once more until mordred and morgana’s armies have fallen. merlin makes a tactical retreat to arthur who is still staring at him wearily (and definitely irate). he requests permission to kill morgana which is baffling but she is his sister and he’s always cared for her even after her betrayal so he supposes it makes sense. once he gives it, their fight doesn’t last longer than a minute. emrys was always stronger than her, he was just buying time.

camelot emerges victorious though they don’t seem all that excited about it. the other warriors cheer and clap each other on the back, but arthur is just watching merlin. the knights watch them uneasily. merlin returns arthur’s gaze. “is that the fucking dragon i killed?” merlin looks up at kilgharrah who is needlessly burning the remains of morgana’s army. merlin turns back to him “yes.”

[tiodolma]

the way merlin murdered sophia still haunts me bruh. like. that wasn't even an act of self defense, he didn't even see arthur's body in her possession, she was just screaming for her father... there was absolutely no goddamn reason for him to blast her to death with her own staff like that.

mindblowing and totally cruel.

and violent.

istg in a court case, merlin would've lost that one. that was just plain simple murder. there was no negotiation, no bargaining despite him knowing the reason why they did what they did (they just wanted to go home, to be free).

now you know why he was so conflicted when kilgharrah blatantly told him to just kill morgana to undo the sleeping curse.

he had done it before with no hesitation and no remorse to sophia as as the way to end the romantic enchantment on arthur.

Whether it be killing Sophia or Morgana or Edwin or Nimueh. what difference would it make? it would keep the king, his son and camelot safe after all... that's the most important.

if i was kilgharrah i would've taunted merlin on that fact too.

[camelotsheart]

It’s time for me to go to back to spiraling apparently, because my brain refuses to let me stop thinking about the symbolism behind ygraine’s sigil until i actually jot it down. so, here we go.

I guess the first and obvious question that needs to be addressed is what kind of bird is on the sigil because - let’s not kid ourselves - many of us had the faint hope that it would be a Merlin, which unfortunately after a few google image searches, doesn’t quite fit the bill. I’ve come to the conclusion that it is most likely a phoenix because 1) the bird on the du bois crest looks like a phoenix, 2) the phoenix is a symbol of immortality through death and resurrection, which happens to three members of the du bois family - tristan, ygraine (at least in spirit form) and arthur, and 3) the phoenix is commonly used to symbolise the sun, and this fits with the symbolism of the sigil.

The sigil is in the form of a sun cross, which is an ancient european symbol (ancient as in originating in 7000 BC) for, you guessed it, the sun. If you look closely to the sigil, you could infer the golden carvings on the four rods as light rays, and the petal-like patterns on the border of the circle as the sun’s corona. Here are various sun cross symbols:

The four rods symbolise the equinoxes, and therefore the sun cross as a whole represents the changing of the seasons as well as the sun. The relation to seasons then reminded me of the concept of the wheel of fortune as well as the silver wheel. (Word of warning: if the above meta was already far-fetched, the meta below is going to be really really far-fetched). 

The wheel of fortune or Rota Fortuna is an ancient greek concept on the nature of fate, and it’s fickle and volatile nature. When upright in tarot, it’s used to symbolise change, cycles, destiny, luck and unexpected events. While researching this, I realised that a metaphysical wheel is, in fact, mentioned in Merlin. This is in regards to Gwen being consumed by the Mandrake Root and being “bound to the silver wheel for all eternity”. The silver wheel in mythology is actually a feature of the goddess Arianrhod, whose name literally means “silver wheel” and is mentioned in the same episode as the owner of the Cauldron of Arianrhod. The following is a description of her:

Arianrhod was also called the Silver Wheel because the dead were carried on her Oar Wheel to Emania (the Moon-land or land of death), which belonged to her as a deity of reincarnation and karma. It is said that Arianrhod hosts the dead between incarnations, giving them rest and peace before rebirth. Each initiate’s soul is said to withdraw between incarnations to her constellation in the Aurora Borealis called Caer Arianrhod. (x)

(This is absolutely unrelated but I’m screaming at the fact that the Boötes constelation which has the star Arcturus which a few scholars say was the source of King Arthur’s name is right next to Aurora Borealis)

There are many interesting (merthur) metaphors (if you guys thought this wouldn’t turn into merthur do you even know me) I can draw from all of this including the correlation between the story of Icarus (the imagery of a winged figure flying towards the sun) to that of Merlin and Arthur. How the sun cross being used to symbolise earth in modern times almost seem like a union between camelot/albion (symbolised by the earth) and magic (the sun, a symbol of life and light) - there is magic at the heart of Camelot. How the phoenix which could technically symbolise both Merlin and Arthur is trapped in the centre of the wheel that symbolises fate (especially considering how in 5x10 Kilgharrah refers to death as a 'cycle of life'). And How it’s so fitting that the gift is from Ygraine - someone who’s life was taken because of magic, while Arthur is then protected in the arms of magic itself; an interesting parallel to both the destructive and life-giving properties of the sun.

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

Long Lost Prince Part 2;

Merlin leads his people home and Arthur grapples with whether he should keep his feelings to himself or not.

Part 1

Just like Arthur promised, a portion of Camelot's army mixed with around fifty of Merlin's knights are marching towards the Dragonlands within a month.

Merlin and Arthur lead the way, Sir Thornway, Sir Leon, and Sir Mordred following closely behind. It was decided fairly quickly that Hunith and Gaius would stay in Camelot; they were desperate to get home, but they weren't fighters, and whilst the chance of attack was fairly low considering the army behind them and the two dragons circling ahead, Arthur and Merlin were unwilling to risk it.

At a quick pace, Arthur reckons they could've made the journey in a week, but the army is slow-moving, and it takes them almost three to reach the border. They don't hear a peep out of anyone as they move through the countryside, though Arthur does raise an amused eyebrow at Merlin every once in a while, as and when the Warlock chuckles at Kilgharrah whispering in his head about all the various pathetic mercenaries and bandits running away screaming at the sight of his silhouette against the clouds.

The Dragonland, in comparison to Camelot, was a very small kingdom, but it’s capital city was near the far border, backed by miles and miles of towering mountains. In one of the many sessions of reminiscing that Merlin, Thornway, and Kilgharrah have in the evenings, they discuss the mountains at length. They were mostly uninhabited by people, even before the purge, they were far too treacherous for those without a guide and strong magic, and even then the paths were still dangerous.

The great mountains were where the Dragon’s resided; in a network of twisting tunnels and great caverns carved with fire and magic. Merlin vaguely remembers being taken there a few weeks before... before they left. Thornway told him that retreating into the mountains was one of the back up plans, if Uther’s army was too big and there was no hope of escape through the countryside.

(Arthur frowned at that. He was frowning at a lot nowadays, but Merlin just squeezed his leg under the blanket they were sharing (Leon did NOT smirk and Arthur did NOT blush) and whispered, yet again, that he was not his father.)

The escape through the mountains was planned to be a last ditch effort though, even with the dragons leading them and their strongest sorcerers protecting them, the perilous paths, with their knife edge drops and loose rocks and harsh snow, would have taken too many casualties to count. Though, in the end, escaping through the countryside had been just as deadly.

Arthur also used the journey to think about what Leon had said. Though Merlin and The King stuck close by for the whole trek, conversation was sparse (though the silences were comfortable); Arthur was unsure how to bring up the inevitable change in their relationship, though he knows that, for his own peace of mind if nothing else, he should.

They were deep into the Kingdom, having passed all the now doubly abandoned outer villages (Arthur was right in thinking that two dragons and a marching army scared away all the various mercenary groups and bandits) and now only a day’s ride from the capital, that Arthur asked Merlin the question that had been plaguing his mind for weeks. The two of them were sat against a fallen log, the night flourishing around them. The silence over the rest of the camp was tense, the knowledge that they were close hanging in the air, but the silence between Merlin and Arthur was comfortable, peaceful:

“What are you planning on doing?”

Merlin took a noticeably deep breath and Arthur turned to him, trying desperately to keep the worried frown off his face:

“I don’t know. I didn’t really discuss it with ma, we just... wanted to get home, and work from there, see what happens I guess.”

Arthur nodded, gulping slightly before he responds:

“Do you think she wants the throne? Your mother? Or will you become King?”

Merlin chuckles, but Arthur clenches his hands and looks away at the humourless lilt the noise has:

“I’d love to see her back in her crown, on her throne, but it’s been a long time. She did everything with my father by her side, I don’t know if... if she would want to do it on her own. I don’t know that she would cope.-”

The Warlock turns to face Arthur, and it strikes The King how close they are when he can feel Merlin’s breath on his cheek. He turns to meet his gaze once more:

“-What would you do, Arthur? In my place?”

Arthur can only hold his stare for a few moments before he looks to his lap, shaking his head slightly:

“I don’t know, Merlin. Tell me what’s on your mind, I... I can’t promise that I’ll have the answers, but maybe saying things out-loud will help.”

Merlin nods as he shuffles in his spot slightly, and Arthur likes to think that he was moving closer:

“I... I’m desperate to get home. But at the same time, I waited. I waited for twenty years, I’ve built myself a life in Camelot, I’d... given up on ever returning home, and I was just about coming to terms with the fact that Camelot was my home now. And then... this. I have to lead my people back, I know that, I owe it to them, it’s my job to protect them and give them back their heritage-”

Arthur interrupts quietly:

“Your heritage.”

Merlin sighs:

“-yeah, my heritage. My mother, and Gaius, and my people, and... and I, we deserve to go home. But I was only six when we left, I never got all the lessons on how to be a Politician, a King. Yes, I’m the heir, yes, I remember home and the crown and being a little Prince, but I am not built to be a King, Arthur, I don’t want to- I can’t fail my people, but I fear I will. I... I’ve been putting up a brave front for my mum, for Thornway, but I’m terrified. I have no idea what I’m doing, Arthur. What if I mess up?”

Arthur allows a small smile to slip onto his face as he takes Merlin’s fidgeting hands in his own. He shakes his head as he huffs out a short laugh and Merlin looks at him incredulously:

“You couldn’t possibly, Merlin. I know you well, do I not?-”

Merlin nods his head vigorously:

“Better than anyone.”

Arthur fights the blush:

“-And I’m telling you, that you have nothing to worry about. You may not have had official lessons, but you have the mind for politics.-”

Arthur glances to his lap briefly as he takes a fortifying breath, stroking his thumbs over the back of Merlin’s hands, still clutched in his, and looking up to him again:

“-I had all those lessons. All that training, and practicing, and tutoring. But I was still so... lost when I became King. I don’t think I ever told you, Merlin, but the only thing that got me through was you, always by my side. Because I knew that you would never let me fail, because I trusted you to see my shortcomings and make up for them without fuss, without fault. And you did, without asking for any thanks, or recognition, like you do with everything. To this day, you think I’m a good King because of destiny, but that’s utter bollocks and I’ve always known it. I’m a good King, Merlin, because you made me a good man first. And on days when I doubt my own rule, I remind myself of how much faith you have in me, and it gives me strength, because I know you would never allow me to fail, and on the off chance I fall, I know you would catch me. Every good King who cares about his people has doubts, Merlin, but however much faith you have in me? I have the same amount, if not more, in you. You’ll do just fine.”

Merlin looks at him with wide, teary eyes, and Arthur flushes under the scrutiny. The King goes to say something, maybe a flippant joke to de-charge the atmosphere, but before he can utter even a word, Merlin throws himself at him, wrapping tight arms around his shoulders and burying his face in his neck. Arthur almost falls back, but he holds steady, chuckling slightly as he returns Merlin’s hug with equal intensity. Merlin’s muffled voice from his shoulder has Arthur tightening his grip:

“Will you catch me? If I fall?”

Arthur moves a hand up to cradle the back of Merlin’s head:

“You won’t fall. But I’d spend the rest of my life stood below you with my arms out ready, Merlin, if that gave you just a fraction of the belief in yourself that you should have.”

Neither pulled away for what felt like hours, and by the time Thornway wondered over to check on them, they had fallen asleep against the log, arms still firmly wrapped around each other.

He smiles mournfully as he drapes a blanket over them. You would have to be blind to miss the odd moroseness that had overtaken them both, and the old knight knew that his Prince was dreading having to leave Arthur, and that Arthur was dreading the same. They shuffle in their sleep, and Thornway freezes, worried that he had woken them, but when Arthur just mutters Merlin’s name and moves impossibly closer to the other man Thornway sighs. This is going to be... painful for the two of them, and he’s not quite sure how he can help.

~

After another day of travel, they find themselves moving through the capital city, towards the castle sitting at the foot of the mountains.

The army was left with orders to methodically clear the city whilst Arthur, Leon, Thornway, and Mordred headed straight for the citadel gates. Though the city had fallen into disrepair, the castle looked like it had barely been touched, even by the elements, and Thornway explained that powerful enchantments laid over the ancient building, preventing it from being invaded or damaged by even the strongest of armies:

“It was meant to be a stronghold, somewhere we could hide and keep our people safe in emergencies, but we knew if we did that we would have backed ourselves into a corner. Uther was taking over more and more of the city every day, if we locked ourselves in... we would have just starved. Trying to escape through the city and out into the wilderness was our only hope.”

Merlin nods absent-mindedly as he stares up at the main door:

“Can we even get in?”

His voice is quiet and shaky, and Mordred steps forward to put a hand on his shoulder as Thornway replies with a small smile:

“You’re the heir, the doors will always open for you, Little Falcon.”

Merlin replies with a weak smirk and flushed cheeks:

“You know, I’m not all that little anymore.”

Thornway barks out a laugh as he shakes his head slightly, ruffling Merlin’s hair as the younger man pouts:

“Well, you’ll always be littler than me.-”

Merlin goes to retort, but before he can, his knight steps back and gestures to the great doors in front of them:

“-Go on, it’s time for us to finally come home, I think.”

Merlin gulps and nods, and Mordred lets his hand fall back to his side as the older Warlock takes the steps two at a time, hesitating only slightly before he wraps his hand around one of the doors’ metal rings. It twists easily in his grip, and the door swings open. Merlin has to take a step back and cover his mouth with his sleeve as he coughs, the billowing clouds of dust being disturbed for the first time in two decades making it almost impossible to see into the dark hall.

It settles after a few moments and Merlin takes a deep breath, reaching behind him wordlessly and relaxing only when he feels Arthur take his hand. The blonde King gives his hand a comforting squeeze, and Merlin takes his first shaking steps across the threshold.

He walks through the dark corridors slowly, one hand tightly clenched in Arthur’s, the other trailing along the wall next to him. The rest of the group is silent as they follow him, and nothing can be heard bar their muffled steps over the dusty rugs, and the deep breathing of Merlin and Thornway.

Merlin seems to know where he’s going, so no one questions the corners he turns and the rooms he passes without second thought. The deeper into the castle they get, the darker it becomes, until finally Merlin stops, a long hall stretched out in front of him. His eyes flash gold and the torches lining the walls flare up, illuminating the corridor in golden light. Arthur turns to look at the Warlock beside him, empathetic tears gathering in his eyes as he sees tracks on Merlin’s cheeks. 

Merlin turns to glance at Thornway, whose in a similar state, before closing his eyes and flattening his free hand against the wall, digging his fingertips into the cracks as his voice comes out quiet and raspy:

“I know these halls, this stone.-”

Thornway takes a deep stuttering breath, muttering Merlin’s name. Merlin steps away from the wall, looking back to his knight with a weak, teary smile:

“-Do you remember? Chambers filled with golden light, vast halls bustling with people and dragons and magic?”

Thornway gulps and nods, slowly moving towards Merlin and putting a hand on his shoulder:

“I remember.-”

He nods down the corridor, taking a deep breath and clearing his throat before asking:

“-You remember what’s down there?”

Merlin smiles and nods, squeezing Arthur’s hand and leading the group down the hall, obviously impatient to get to wherever their destination is, but unwilling to walk any quicker.

Leon and Arthur share a confused and slightly concerned look but don’t say anything, allowing Merlin and Thornway to lead the way. Once again, Merlin hesitates only slightly before pushing the door at the end of the corridor open. and the six of them gather inside the immense chamber. Like the rest of the castle, it was dusty, but untouched; unlike the rest of the castle, it was bathed in colourful light. The walls were high, the ceiling obviously stretching far above the surrounding rooms, and the afternoon sun shone brightly through giant stained glass windows. 

Reds and blues and greens and every other colour imaginable were splashed across the stone floor, painting pictures of dragons and flowers and family, but everyone’s eyes skip over the colourful artwork, instead being drawn to the two golden thrones sat on a dais at the other end of the hall. Merlin lets go of Arthur’s hand, walking towards the thrones with wide eyes as the others stay back, watching with a mix of pride and grief. Thornway follows after a few moments and Leon has to put a hand on Arthur’s shoulder, shaking his head slightly when the King looks at him. Arthur clenches his hands and looks away, but stays by the door, wanting more than anything to be with Merlin through this but also understanding that it wasn’t his place.

Merlin finally reaches the thrones.

He wipes the thick dust from the armrests with shaking, but reverent hands before sitting down on the steps, slightly to the side of the golden seats. He runs his fingertips over the stone, remembering every bump and crack and texture, and Thornway stands behind him, in line with the thrones, putting a hand on his shoulder and muttering:

“Now this brings back memories.”

Merlin nods, looking up at him, tears no longer flowing, but still gathering in his eyes:

“I... I don’t remember much, but I still... know. I know this is where I sat, with you behind me, ma and dad next to me on their thrones. I remember dad promising that when I was older, they’d have a throne made for me, so I could sit with them.”

Thornway nods, slowly moving to sit beside him, ignoring the creaking in his bones as he lets his weight fall onto the stone steps:

“Hmm. foreign royalty and dignitaries thought it odd that the King and Queen let you sit in on meetings, even as a young child, but they were always adamant; they didn’t want to hide you away. You were always safe, of course, but they wanted you exposed to the people and the people exposed to you. I suppose they wanted to nurture a natural love and protectiveness of your people in you; how could they expect you to serve the Kingdom well if you were only doing so out of duty, and not genuine love?”

Merlin hums thoughtfully before smiling briefly up at Arthur, still stood on the other side of the room. When Arthur tentatively returns the smile, despite not hearing the hushed conversation, Merlin looks to Thornway next to him, bumping shoulders with a short giggle:

“Probably why I’ve always been so disrespectful to Arthur, everyone in here was equal, no matter what. I guess that’s why the treatment of servants and commoners was such a shock when I moved to Camelot, I don’t really remember much of home, but it definitely felt different.”

Thornway nods as Merlin stands, holding out a hand to the knight and pulling him to his feet. Merlin’s gaze moves around the room, though he stays rooted to the spot, and Thornway asks his question quietly:

“What do you want to do? Do you want to finish clearing the castle and the city first, or fetch your mother and uncle first?”

Merlin gulps before taking a deep breath, staring at the floor and saying in a small voice:

“I don’t know... what do you think I should do?”

Thornway chuckles and shakes his head:

“This is your decision, Little Falcon. You are the Crown Prince, this is your Kingdom, your city, your people, trust your instincts. What should be done?”

Merlin looks to Arthur once again, reminding himself of the King’s promise to catch him should he fall, before looking back at Thornway with a determined expression:

“Send Kilgharrah to fetch ma and Gaius. We no longer need him as a deterrent, and we’ll still have Aithusa. He can make the journey to Camelot and back in a week at most, knights, even on horseback, will take at least twice that. It’s been a while since either of them went flying, but they’ll remember soon enough, and I trust Kilgharrah to keep them safe. We can keep clearing the city and start rough plans for rebuilding whilst we wait.”

Thornway grins and nods proudly:

“Exactly what I would have suggested. See? You’ll be just fine.-”

Merlin returns his grin shyly, blushing slightly as he rubs the back of his neck. Thornway rolls his eyes good-naturedly before gesturing to the others:

“-Come, My Lord, we should let the others know and head out to send Kilgharrah off as soon as possible.”

Merlin pushes the older knight’s shoulder playfully at the use of a title, but Thornway just smirks and waves Merlin ahead of him.

~

Arthur, Leon, and Mordred were told of the plan as the group made their way out of the castle again, having to cover their eyes when they step into the bright sunlight. They all smiled fondly as they saw Merlin’s growing confidence, though Arthur had to stamp down the growing anxiety swirling in his stomach; he refused to be sad for himself.

Kilgharrah was flying back towards Camelot within the hour, and Merlin was separating the army into groups and assigning tasks with a strong voice and straight back, taking every question and suggestion in his stride and organising hundreds of people without issue.

Arthur knew that there was still a conversation to be had between himself and Merlin, though with every day that passed he questioned whether it was the right thing to do. He wasn’t oblivious enough not to notice the way Merlin always asked for his council, even when he didn’t need it, always searched for his eyes in the crowd when he addressed his people, but that didn’t mean that his... affections, were returned.

Everyone, even Thornway now, kept shooting him pitying looks, and he figured out fairly quickly that he wasn’t as subtle as he’d like to believe. Leon was the only one he could rely on to convincingly pretend nothing was wrong, and Arthur used that to back up his deliberate ignoring of his stupid emotions.

Six days had passed and the clearing of debris from the lower town was well on its way when Kilgharrah landed in the castle courtyard, his two passengers tense and teary. Only Hunith, Gaius, Merlin, and Thornway took the journey through the castle this time; the others continued to help with the work in the town, not quite feeling that they would be welcome on the emotional tour.

Hunith decided fairly quickly that she would move on to become Queen Mother. Merlin would be crowned King (though he put his foot down and insisted that it wouldn’t happen until everything was properly sorted, and the people were settled back in the city), and though Hunith would still be the most senior of the royals, Merlin would technically have the most power. 

Arthur had mixed feelings about that. 

As King, Merlin would be a lot busier, would have a lot more responsibilities, but equally, he would have much more control over the use of his time; somehow making it both harder and easier to organise visits between the two of them. Though Arthur, of course, didn’t mention such feelings, just pulled Merlin into another tight hug and congratulated him with a grin.

With the help of Merlin and Mordred’s magic, and the few sorcerers scattered throughout the army they had brought, clearing the town of debris and rebuilding what they could with whatever was left went fairly quickly. Soon enough, the blacksmith’s and an infirmary were up and running, and the farms were ready for work to commence, just as soon as the resources from Camelot arrived.

The castle, whilst it had been fully explored by Merlin, Hunith, Thornway, and Gaius, had yet to be opened up to others or cleaned properly, but no one mentioned it. The gang slept happily in homes rebuilt in the upper town, and accepted Merlin’s excuse of wanting to focus on the people’s infrastructure first.

It was a week or so after Hunith and Gaius had arrived, Kilgharrah and Aithusa had disappeared into the mountains with Merlin’s approval, and Arthur once again found Merlin stood in the otherwise empty, still dusty throne room, staring at the golden seats with his hands in his pockets and his face tense.

Years ago, Arthur would’ve been wrong in his assumption that Merlin hadn’t heard him approach, but just this once he knows that he’s right. Arthur had slowly become an expert on picking up Merlin’s ticks, and even in the low light of the evening the blonde could tell that Merlin had no clue he was there.

Arthur didn’t want to feel like he was intruding, so cleared his throat quietly, only walking closer to the other man when his head whipped around, smiling slightly when he saw it was just Arthur.

Arthur stepped up next to him, and they both stared at the thrones in silence, shoulders brushing ever so slightly. Everything had been so busy in recent weeks that, other than the conversation two weeks earlier, Arthur and Merlin had spent barely any time together, just the two of them; every other time Arthur had found Merlin alone in the throne room he had shut the door quietly behind him and left, too afraid to intrude, not quite ready to start a conversation. The conversation.

After a few minutes, he clears his throat again and speaks in a quiet voice, not looking to the Warlock next to him:

“What’s on your mind?”

Merlin responds almost immediately, but like Arthur, he speaks quietly and doesn’t move his gaze from the thrones:

“Nothing, everything. I’m... doing ok, I think.-”

Arthur nods with a small smile, but Merlin continues before he can say anything:

“-But I’m scared that I’m only doing well because you’re here. You have to go back to Camelot eventually and... it sounds stupid, but I... I don’t want you to go. I need you, Arthur.”

Arthur gulps, finally looking to Merlin’s sorrowful face, though the other man refuses to meet his gaze. He takes his hands out of his pockets, fiddling with them roughly, rubbing his knuckles together and scratching his palms harshly. Arthur clenches his jaw, taking one of Merlin’s hands in his own gently and running soothing fingers over the younger man’s callouses:

“I know what you mean.-”

Merlin looks to him in surprise, his eyes widening, and Arthur continues with a small smile:

“-I told you, Merlin, I’m only a good King because of you. I’ve never had to rule on my own before and I’m dreading going back to Camelot without you.-”

Merlin shakes his head roughly, but Arthur continues once again, before he can disagree:

“-No, Merlin, don’t argue, it’s true. I... I need you as well, I don’t want to be without you, and I’ve no clue how I’m going to cope with a week’s ride between us. Leon tried talking some sense into me back in Camelot, and I know he was right, that all relationships take effort and we’ll have to work incredibly hard to stay in each other’s lives in any significant capacity, and I’m absolutely willing to do anything to keep you close, if not physically then... otherwise, but I’m still...-”

Arthur sighs and looks away, his cheeks just a little bit pink as he continues quietly:

“-I’m still scared to be without you.”

Merlin gulps and squeezes Arthur’s hand in his own, waiting for the blonde to finally look up at him again. The Warlock smiles at the eye contact and Arthur returns it weakly as Merlin finally replies:

“The last ten years of my life have revolved around you, completely and utterly, and I know it’s selfish of me to... not want that to change. I know I’m staying here, with my people, as their King. I would never consider abandoning them, not really, but I desperately want to, just so I can stay with you. We... we’ll figure something out, find some way to communicate quickly. I’m magic incarnate, there has to be a way, I... I’ll make a way, if I have to.”

The tears in Arthur’s eyes finally overflow at Merlin’s determined tone, but before the other man can say anything about it, Arthur pulls him into a tight hug, clutching his cloak in shaking fingers and burying his face in his shoulder, for once feeling grateful for the extra inch in height that Merlin has on him. Merlin returns the hug without hesitation, closing his eyes against the tears, though not managing to stop them from falling as he quietly speaks, his voice thick:

“I promised that I would stay with you until the day I died, but I... I have to leave, I... I can’t-”

Arthur tightens the hug as he interrupts him:

“No, Merlin, you owe me nothing, you don’t have to explain. You’ve already given me my kingdom, now it’s my chance to return the favour. I would never ever ask you to leave this behind just for me.”

Arthur can feel Merlin’s body shaking with silent sobs, and he runs a hand through his hair softly, breathing deeply in an effort to hold in his own bawling. 

They stand wrapped in each other for a while, neither willing to let go even when their tears dry up and their breathing evens out. Eventually Merlin rasps out a whispered:

“I don’t want to lose you.”

Arthur pulls back at long last, but doesn’t go far, leaning his forehead against Merlin’s and closing his eyes before replying:

“You won’t. We’ll take turns hosting Yule celebrations, and I can visit on your birthday, and there’ll be tournaments of course, and trade routes, and shared patrols near the border. I refuse to let you slip from my grasp, Merlin, you’ll never be without me, not for long anyway.”

Merlin huffs out a gentle laugh, and Arthur thinks the flutter of his breath over his cheeks and through his eyelashes is the most beautiful thing he’s ever felt. Both of them open their eyes, but they don’t move away from each other, even as they stare, becoming increasingly aware of the very little amount of space between them. Arthur’s brows crease slightly but he ignores the concerned question in Merlin’s eyes, instead lifting a hand to gently cup his jaw, gulping as Merlin’s expression falls into a soft smile.

The King takes a deep breath as he summons his courage, eyes filling with tears again as he clears his throat, whispering so quietly that it’s a miracle Merlin hears him, even with only inches between them:

“Merlin, I... you mean a great deal to... I mean I... -”

He cuts himself off with a quiet huff, and Merlin smirks at the slight blush dusting his cheeks, patiently waiting for him to continue. Arthur shuts his eyes tightly, taking another deep breath before opening them with a newfound determination. He meant it, he’d come this far, he was not going to let Merlin slip away:

“I love you, you are the single most important person in my life, and I would go to the ends of this world just to see you smile. I owe you my life, and so much more than that; you’ve been making promises and swearing oaths to my crown for years-”

Merlin interrupts him quietly:

“To you, to Arthur, not the crown, to you.”

Arthur huffs slightly and rolls his eyes:

“I’m trying to confess my undying love here Merlin, and I’m not very good with this whole... expressing shit, so shut up and let me finish.-”

Merlin snorts but stays otherwise silent, raising an eyebrow to prompt Arthur to continue:

“-Like I was saying. You’ve been swearing things for years, and now it’s my turn.-”

Arthur steps back, taking Merlin’s hands tightly in his own as he lowers himself to one knee, pressing his forehead to the Warlock’s knuckles:

“-I swear on my crown and in the name of Camelot, that I will always love you, that I will always be ready catch you, and that I will never stop putting the work in to make sure I don’t lose you, that you don’t lose me.”

The blonde can hear Merlin’s stuttered breathe and barely has time to process Merlin’s whispered-

“I accept your oath.”

-before he’s being pulled to his feet and urgently kissed.

One of Merlin’s hands settles on the side of Arthur’s neck and the other grips his hip. Arthur’s arms flail for only a moment in his shock before he moves to clutch Merlin’s collar tightly, closing his eyes and kissing back, pushing as much of his devotion into the action as possible and wanting nothing more than to sooth the stress-induced bite marks on Merlin’s lips.

They pull back far too soon, as far as both of them are concerned, once again resting their foreheads against each other as they catch their breath. Arthur’s face slowly morphs into a grin as he says:

“And to think I was stressing over whether I should tell you for weeks.”

Merlin rolls his eyes in response, snorting in amusement as he admits, much to Arthur’s chagrin:

“Believe me, I already knew, you weren’t very subtle. You’ve been sulking.”

Arthur lets out an incredulous huff and pulls back, still holding Merlin’s collar but staring at Merlin’s amused raised eyebrow with wide eyes:

“I am a King, Merlin, I do not sulk.”

Merlin chuckles:

“Well so am I, and yes you do.”

Arthur narrows his eyes slightly:

“Not yet you’re not. That’s besides the point, if you knew... why didn’t you say anything?”

Merlin’ face falls slightly, and if Arthur had to guess, he’d say that Merlin looked a little guilty. The blonde furrowed his brows but pulls his Warlock close again, stroking his jaw softly with his thumb as he waits for an answer:

“I... I love you, Arthur, more than anything, but... I wanted see if you would do anything about it. I knew I would do anything for you, but I needed... I needed to know if you thought I was worth the distance, the effort. If I said something first, I never would have known... I would always be second guessing if you were about to... to break it off, because you didn’t want to put in the frankly ridiculous amount of effort it’s going to take to keep things... good.”

Arthur smiles and shakes his head disbelievingly, landing a quick kiss to the tip of Merlin’s nose and smirking at the way his face scrunches in response:

“Well, now you do know. I will do anything, everything, to keep you happy and safe and loved. You will always be in my heart, if not by my side.”

Merlin smiles, and the two of them resolutely ignore the tears gathering in their eyes as he whispers his reply:

“As will I. I’ll talk to the Druids, Kilgharrah, Thornway, I’m sure we’ll be able to figure out some magical way to communicate.”

Arthur just smiles and nods, taking Merlin’s hands in his own once more:

“Ready to head to sleep? It’s late, and I know you’re tired.”

Merlin takes a deep breath, glancing to the thrones before walking towards the door, keeping Arthur’s hand securely in his:

“Yeah. Though unless we sneak past the others I doubt we’ll get to sleep for a while. Morgana’s been speaking to me in my head and teasing me for weeks and my mum keeps hinting at how politically beneficial a marriage between the kingdoms would be.”

Arthur doesn’t even try to hide his snort, but nods in agreement and squeezes Merlin’s hand, following him out into the star-lit evening with a newfound enthusiasm to see what the future will bring.

~

THE END OF PART 2!!!

I think I’ll write one more reeeaally short part, a ten years later sort of thing, just because I have a few more ideas about this, but no real huge plot points, just cute little things I want to add in but haven’t found space for yet.

This took a little longer than I expected to come out, but I hope y’all enjoyed it!!

(and yes, I may have taken a little inspiration from The Hobbit movies, sue me (pls don’t, I’m kidding))