Chapter Text
Merlin guided everyone into the palace, where waverns, druids and others were roaming and going about their day, bowing their heads as they passed by. The palace looked like it had been reconstructed, and was more homely than Arthur remembered.
“Love what you did with the place Merlin.” Gawine said proudly.
“I just helped fix the walls, the druids, warlocks and witches did the rest.” Merlin said.
“Warlocks and witches?” Percy asked.
“Yeah, those born with magic. A few sorcerers and sorceresses but they prefer to be further out in the land.” Merlin explained like it was just another day. Arthur was quietly observing and listening to everything in his surroundings; the walls were fixed and looked sturdy, there were red and green clothes hanging from the walls and ceilings. There was even a soft rug under his feet, there were people walking by but also a few beasts that he could not describe. There were even druids walking with baskets in their hands.
Arthur thought they preferred to live a nomadic life, but what did he know after all he hadn't even realized people could be born with magic.
“Born with magic‽ is that really possible?” Leon questioned excitedly. Merlin turned his head, looking slightly confused.
“Yes, it is. It is more common than you think. Those who want to be rid of their anger, are just tired and want to live a peaceful life come here, to the Sanctuary.” Merlin said with a slight smile. They reached a pair of rather large sets of doors, no one was there to greet them, yet Merlin simply looked at the doors and they opened. Inside was a large round table with chairs all around them, about 20 if he was counting properly. There was a fire place to the left and a young boy came running in to place wood there. He then whispered a word and the flame roared to life. Arthur wanted to accept this, he even felt that magic had its place in the world but open displays like this still made him uncomfortable.
Merlin motioned for everyone to sit and out of habit they all took the spots they normally would have, unfortunately it meant they were spread out so everyone changed seats to get closer. A silence settled over the table and everyone seemed tense slightly. Arthur finally had enough when a young girl with antlers approached with food and drinks.
“You ran.” Was all he could say. Arthur's eyes fixed on Merlin as a hand was brought up to the back of his head and scratched. A nervous habit he had seen before.
“Yeah, about that.” Merlin started.
“You didn't even give us a chance to talk to you.” Arthur pressed his frustration bubbling over.
“Princess.” Gawine started.
“We had no idea where you were, no idea what was happening, if you were ok. You didn't come back. You just left, almost as if you didn't think for a second we wouldn't behead you.” Arthur seethed. His last words caused something to clatter to the ground and Merlin frowned and stood up, Arthur watching his every move. Merlin helped another young girl pick up what she dropped and whispered something. Merlin then turned to Arthur.
“There are rules here Arthur and mentioning that punishment is not allowed, unless it is someone speaking about a fallen loved one.” Merlin almost seemed like he was commanding Arthur, but there was a softness to his tone. “And yes, that was a fear of mine. Magic has caused you a lot of harm and pain over the years, but in that moment my fear had become amplified because of the Serkets. And that fear is thanks to Morgana and Morgause.”
Arthur started to stand, ready to yell at Merlin when Leon placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Merlin, we were just worried about you. All of us were.” Leon stated.
“You're our brother.” Percy let out a huge smile. “Weither you like it or not.”
“I understand, but you have to understand my side as well. Everyone who lives here side. We have lived in hiding for years, some of us our whole lives. I know the rules, I know what you would be required to do, what the law requires and that fear of being discovered never goes away. I have witnessed my fair share of burnings, was almost burned myself once.” Merlin threw up a hand to stop any comments. “Long story. My point is, my magic reacted to my fear that day to protect me, and with it being so powerful a feeling coupled with being discovered knowing the laws. That was my only course of action.”
“You Idiot!" Arthur yelled. “You really think I wouldn't hear you out.”
“You are the king Arthur, you can not make an exception for me!” Merlin yelled back then all the doors of the room had slammed shut. Arthur briefly saw the gold fade from Merlin's eyes. He looked down and his voice became quieter. “On top of that magic can not return to Camelot yet. It is too early.
“Mate.” Gwaine tried.
“No Gwaine. No expectations, the law is the law. I can not return to Camelot in an official capacity or at all where someone could see me.” Merlin said with such authority that even Arthur almost backed down.
“No one else knows.” Arthur responded in his own quiet voice. “Only the round table, no one else.”