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The warriors fled. They were running back through the canyon, where they had come from. Arthur and his knights were standing in Camlann, as victors. They heard the sound of a horn, it signaled for the warriors to retreat. Arthur and his men let out a scream and ran after them, to reassure that they were leaving. When they stopped Arthur looked around at his knights, his brothers. Of course, they wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for that sorcerer, who struck them with lightning and made that dragon go away. Arthur made a mental note to find that sorcerer and thank him personally. Maybe not all sorcerers were evil.
They breathed heavily with smiles on their faces. “Search for survivors.” Arthur said to them. There would come another time for them to celebrate, but now they needed to save those they could. The men split up searching the area. It was depressing finding so many good soldiers who had passed, but they were all thankful for their service, they died as heroes.
After searching for a while, without any success Arthur was prepared to call his men back to the camp. Where the celebrations would begin, and maybe if he was lucky would his useless servant be there by now to celebrate with him. Then suddenly, a loud scream was heard. The scream seemed recognizable, like it came from someone well known, but the person in question never screamed. Arthur looked at the knights he had with him at the moment, which was Leon and Gwaine.
The three of them started running towards where the scream had come from. When rounding a corner of the cliffs they found Lancelot on his knees, with Percival standing beside him. Just then did they connect the scream with Lancelot. Before seeing all that was happening, they ran up to them, Arthur asking. “Lancelot are you hurt?” As they got closer did, they see a figure laying in front of Lancelot.
Arthur saw the shoes to the person peaking out beside Lancelot. As soon as Arthur laid his eyes on the shoes did, he connect them to its owner. “No.”
He ran up and knelled down at the other side of Merlin. His Merlin. He was wounded, mortally wounded. Arthur examined the body of his friends with his eyes. Looking at every millimeter of him. He could hear Lancelot sobbing, and Gwaine throwing his sword into the ground while screaming. Elyan had now come up to them, placing himself beside Percival, looking down at Merlin.
Leon was looking over the battlefield, that surrounded them, where Merlin have fought. There wasn’t as many dead bodies at this part of the valley, two of the bodies stuck out to him though. Morgana and Modred. Morgana was not far away from Merlin, Modred where a bit further away. Both of them was laying dead, Leon could see the color of them being striped away.
After a few seconds of everyone being unmovable, did Elyan squat down beside Lancelot. Placing two fingers at Merlin’s neck. There was still a pulse. Elyan breathed out in relief, there was still hope for their friend. Both Arthur and Lancelot made themselves ready to lift up Merlin, but then Elyan said. “Percival, take him to Gaius.” Percival blinked a few fast times, to get the tears out of his eyes. Then he scooped Merlin up and started carry him away.
Percival and Elyan started to move towards the camp. The rest of them followed, before Leon stopped them. “Do you think Merlin fought them alone.” He was still looking out over the dead bodies. Gwaine, Lancelot and Arthur turned to him, looking at the bodies. “Who?” Gwaine said. “Morgana and Modred.” Leon said.
Then they saw them. They saw their former friends laying dead on the ground. One well trained knight, that had magic and a high prissiest. Merlin wouldn’t stand a chance, Arthur thought. “That stubborn little bastard. Needed to save us again.” Lancelot just said in a low voice. Arthur gave him a question look, but Lancelot was not going to answer it, not yet.
Elyan ran before the others to fetch Gaius. He had meet Gwen on the way, she came to meet the rest of them. She nearly lost her balance when she saw Merlin laying still in Percival arms. Arthur came up to her. Embracing her in a tight hug, they both needed it desperately. Both for the victory and that it means they will share their future together, they will build a family and even a kingdom together. But also, for the fear of losing their closest friend, who they both wanted to have on their side during the journey.
Elyan then came back, with Gaius not far behind him, they went into a tent. “Place him there.” Gaius said pointing at an empty table. He still hadn’t given Merlin a look. He walked hasty to another table with herbs and potions on it. He grabbed a few branches, that had been cut down from a bush. Then he went over to Merlin on the table. As he placed the back of his hand on Merlin’s forehead did, he murmur. “My poor boy. I’m sorry.”
“Can you save him Gaius?” Gwen asked. Everyone was wondering the same question, but no one dared to ask it, until Gwen stepped up. “I’m afraid I cannot. But he might be able to do it.” For everyone except Lancelot, was these words very confusing. It was unclear of who “he” was. “Do whatever you must Gaius.” Lancelot said, looking at the old man. Gaius nodded at him and took the branch and placed it over a candle.
Smoke arose from the branches. When Gaius thought that it was enough smoke, did he start moving the branch over Merlin’s body. Gaius gave Arthur a wage look and then he started to cast a spell. Gaius’s eyes turned gold. “Noisette इति! Noisette!”
Gaius lowered the branch laying it down on a table. He looked at Merlin that after a few seconds started to breath in a normal pace. His chest could be seen rising and lowering. Everyone let out a breath.
Merlin’s eyelids started to move slowly. Then he blinked a few times. When the realization hit him that he was still alive he hasty tried to sit up. Gaius put his hands on Merlin’s shoulders, stopping him from making it all the way. “Morgana.” Merlin said, fighting Gaius. “Where is she – I need to –“Merlin said still trying to sit up. And if no one was going to stop him, he would probably run all the way down to the battlefield. Lancelot stepped up on the other side of Merlin, placing his hand on his shoulder, helping Gaius to keep him down.
“She’s dead Merlin. We won.” Merlin glanced up at Lancelot. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t save her I tired –“ “Merlin you did what you had to do.” Lancelot said understanding the sorrow Morganas death would bring Merlin. Merlin shook his head, he didn’t forgive himself. “Mordred:” He then said, then he tried to sit up again. “He’s also gone.” Lancelot said again.
Merlin gave in. He laid still on the table looking up at the celling of the tent. He felt tears forming, he started to realize the situation he was in. He took his right hand and placed it over his wound, that he had on his side. He could feel the warm blood spilling out of him. He brought the hand up to his face. He saw the dark red blood that was his own, he smelled the copper from it. “You need to heal yourself.” Gaius said hesitating. But there was no reason to continue hiding now, they didn’t have time. Merlin shook his head. Lancelot and Gaius had taken their hands of him, giving him some space. Well as much space that was possible in the little tent, with all the knights in it. “I know you haven’t practiced many healing spells, but the spell of agriotne, would do.” Merlin continued shaking his head.
“I’m tired Gaius.” Merlin looked up at the old man. There was a depth in Merlin’s words that usually wasn’t there. It scared everyone in the tent. None of them gave a shit that Merlin had magic at the moment, if it would make him live it wouldn’t matter. Arthur had barley understood it yet, but he wasn’t mad, just worried for his friend.
“I know you are, but –“Merlin cut Gaius of. “No Gaius. I am tired. It is time for me to rest.” Everyone tried to comprehend what Merlin was saying. Of course he would be given time to rest, he needed to regain his strength they all needed that. Merlin’s breathing started to slow down, the affect of Gaius’s spell was fading. Merlin reached for Gaius hand. “Look after for mother.” Tears was falling down Gaius eyes. First now did everyone in the room understand Merlin. He wasn’t talking about a normal kind of rest, he was talking about the eternal rest.
“She deserves to be happy after all of this.” Merlin was struggling to get the words out. Every single one of them thought so do you Merlin, more then anyone. Gaius nodded to Merlin and squeezed his hand. “You were always her biggest happiness, I hope you know that.” Merlin gave Gaius a wage smile. It was hurting them all to see how much effort that was put in that little smile that usually was seen on Merlin.
He then once again looked at the celling. When he heard Gwen sobbing beside him. He looked at her, forcing himself to keep that smile on his face. As he faced her, he saw how the other knights were also crying. He took his time looking at his friends, he felt how his heart was starting to fail him. As he lastly laid his eyes on Arthur did, he speak. “Thank you.” The words were harsh and weak. It made Arthur’s heart clutch in his chest, it hurt. Merlin was in agony, and there was nothing he could do about it. Arthur gently grabbed Merlin’s hand.
Merlin then looked over the room once more. “All of you. It’s been an honor.” Merlin needed to draw deep breaths in-between the words. Arthur squeezed his hand. Then Merlin let his head back down at the table, looking at the celling. He drew one last breath. Arthur felt how Merlin’s hand went numb. “Merlin.” Arthur said, with tears coming down. “Merlin!” Arthur gently shook Merlin by his arm, hooping for him to wake back up. But Merlin remained still.
A weak “no.” Was heard from Gwaine and Percival put his arm around him, giving him a side-hug. Gwen had started full on crying, not even trying to hide it anymore. Lancelot put a hand on her shoulder, while his own silent tears streamed down. Gaius went up the table once more. Placing two of his fingers on merlin’s eyelids and moved them down. Covering Merlin’s clear blue eyes, that was known for the life and joy that they contained.
Arthur squeezed Merlin’s hand one last time, hoping for him to open his eyes, so that he could see them one last time. When he didn’t Arthur took Merlin’s hand up to his face, kissing the hand gently.
Merlin was given a funeral worthy of a knight. He was put in a boat, surrounded with flowers. Lancelot shoot a burning arrow at the boat, setting it on flames. Many had come to watch, Hunith and even some druids were present during the funeral. Gaius and Lancelot told many stories from Merlin’s life, that the others hadn’t heard before. By the end of it did Arthur understand why Merlin couldn’t tell him. But it still hurt, that Arthur had given of the expression to Merlin, his best friend, that he couldn’t tell him this. After Merlin’s death, was there a lot of changes in Camelot.
6 months after Merlin’s passing.
“Stop him!” Leon scream at Percival, Gwaine and Elyan who were going towards the tavern. They stopped and looked at Leon down the street who seemed to be chasing a boy. “Stop him!” Leon screamed once again, and this caused them to act. They tried to catch him. But the boy was fast and clever. He overturned some barrels. The barrels rolled towards the knights, blocking their way to the boy. This caused the knights to start running alongside Leon. “Made a new friend, I see!” Gwaine said to Leon. Leon was out of breath “I have been chasing him since lower town! Where the hell have you’ve been?” Gwaine laughed, the fact that Leon had been outrun by this boy, was quiet funny to him.
The boy sprinted up the street of the upper town towards the citadel. People were moving out of his way, afraid that he might run into them. It made it easier for the knights to run up the city when the people willingly moved. They boy had a dark green coat on him, with a hood over his head. The coat suggested that the boy was a druid, which made the situation weirder, since king Arthur had made peace with the druids some time ago.
The boy was now running up the stairs up to the citadel. His long legs for limbs, easily carried him up the stairs, he skipped some of the steps of the stair to make his way faster. There was something about the way he ran that was familiar to them, at moments they were even forgetting why they were chasing him.
Lancelot was walking through the courtyard when he saw the druid boy run over it. He then saw how his friends were chasing him. He let out a laugh, to see four full grown men, who was one of the country finest knights chasing the druid was quite funny. Leon shoots an angry look at Lancelot, this made Lancelot realize that he maybe should be helping them, instead of laughing at them. He quickly came up to them, hearing that everyone of them was out of breath he drew the conclusion that this had been going on for a while. “What do he want?” Lancelot then asked. “Unclear. He was just running towards the citadel.” Gwaine says back.
The druid boy ran through the corridors without much effort. He knew where he was going. He never once looked back at the knights, he just kept on heading to wherever he was heading. When he was rounding a corner, he almost ran into the queen. He grabbed her by her arms, making sure that she didn’t fall. Then he quickly realized that he was being chased by the knights and continued running down the corridor, screaming “Sorry!” to the queen. The queen stood still for a second, watching the druid boy run through the corridor. It was almost as if this had happened to her before, more than once as well, the familiarity suggested that this used to happen on a daily basis. When the knights had passed her, did she also start running after the boy.
Elyan turned to his sister. “Gwen! You shouldn’t be running in your condition.” Gwen, who felt how quickly she was getting tired, still turned to him and gave him a look that said: I am the queen, you cannot tell me what to do. Elyan did not say anything more, but that didn’t mean he approved of her running.
The boy seemed to have come to a dead end. There was only one door there and it led to the armory, which didn’t have anymore doors inside, which meant that he was trapped. The boy stepped into the armory, locking the door behind him. The group gather outside of the door, Gwaine knocked on the door, as if he expected the boy just to open it for him.
“Open up!” Leon shouted. There was a moment of silence before the boy answered. [Fake high pitch voice] “I need to see Gaius.” Leon looked around at the group. Percival and Gwaine seemed to be holding themselves back, not to laugh. They would have guessed that the boy was young, but they had at least guest that he had gone through puberty, thinking about how tall he was. Lancelot rolled his eyes at them, but he too had a smile on his face.
“Why do you wish to meet the court physician?” Leon asked. The boy was silent, then he said. [High pitch voice] “I will not leave before I have meet him!” Now Gwaine and Percival couldn’t contain their laughter anymore. Leon shook his head, ashamed of them being one of the best knights in Camelot. He then looked at Gwen seeking her advice. “Elyan, Lancelot, go fetch Gaius.” Gwen said. Elyan and Lancelot who was looking at their friends who was dying of laughter, with a smile on their faces ran of to find Gaius.
After a few minuets did they return, with Gaius. It seemed as Gwaine and Percival just had collected themselves. Leon knocked on the door. “Gaius is here now. Let us in.” [Fake high pitch voice] “Only Gaius may come in.” Gwaine lost it when he heard the voice again, now tears came down his cheeks. Leon looked at Gaius, as if asking if Gaius was okay with it. Gaius nodded and went up to the door. “I’m coming in alone.” The lock on the door could be heard being opened, then some other sound suggesting that the boy was moving around in there. Leon said to Gaius in a low voice. “Let us know if you need help, and we will come right in.” Gaius nodded, then he went into the armory.
The boy stood in the other end of the room when Gaius entered, he was looking down at the floor with the hood over his head. It wasn’t until Gaius had closed the door behind him that any movements came from the boy. Gaius looked at the boy wondering if he had meet him before, he seemed to carry himself in a way that Gaius thought he knew someone else do. “What seems to be the problem?” Gaius finally says. The boy took one steep closer to Gaius. The boy then started to tilt his head up to meet Gaius’s eyes. The boy had a finger over his moth gesturing to Gaius to keep quiet.
When the boy stood up right could Gaius see his face clearly, he breath out. “Merlin.” There was disbelief in Gaius voice. He was aware of the prophecies of Emrys being immortal, therefore Gaius did have a little bit of hope the first day after Merlin’s passing. Then he was told about a sword that had been found Mordred’s hands, the sword had been forged in a dragon’s breath. Then all of Gaius hope of seeing Merlin was stripped away, he knew that nothing could conquer the power of a sword like that. But here he was, Merlin. Standing right in front of him. Merlin breathed out Gaius name in return. Then he ran up to the old man embracing him in a tight and warm hug, everything that Merlin had wished for.
“My boy. You’re alive.” Gaius said into Merlin’s neck. Merlin caught himself tearing up by the situation. Gaius pulled away looking at Merlin. He looked much healthier than last time he had seen him, which wasn’t much to beat, considering he was dead then. But Merlin looked well rested for the first time in years, he had regained the joy in his eyes that Gaius recall Merlin had lost during his years in Camelot. Gaius placed his hand on Merlin’s cheeks. He had so many questions, but he figured there was a reason of why Merlin wanted to meet him, and why he had come dressed as a druid.
“I need your help.” Merlin then said, remembering of why he was here in the first place. Without missing a beat Gaius said. “Anything.” A knock was heard on the door. “Is everything alright in there, Gaius?” It was Leon. Merlin smiled at the sound of his voice, he had missed them all so much. Gaius turned towards the door, and in a loud voice did he reply. “Yes, yes, everything is fine. We will soon come out.” Gaius looked back at Merlin leading him towards the door with him.
“Don’t say anything. Keep your head down. We will go to my chambers where we can come up with a plan, for whatever you need help with.” Merlin nodded, then he drew the hood back over his head. Gaius opened the door stepping outside.
“The boy has come to ask for help with a disease that has come to his druid camp. I would advice you to stay away from him because it is highly contagious. I will bring him to my chambers to give him what he needs.” The knights looked at the boy. For some wired reason did they not want to leave him. There was this familiarity around him that made them want to stay with him, for a while longer. Gaius started walking towards his chambers, with the boy right behind him. “We will escort you there, Gaius.” Gwaine suddenly says. “Yes! Great idea, incase he would try to run off again.” Leon said after Gwaine, giving Gaius a reason not to say no to them. “Very well then.” Gaius says. Then all of them starts walking towards the chambers.
Even though Merlin could not see his friends, the sound of their voices was more then enough. Their conversation was however rather boring. It was about a new training technique that Arthur had tried with them the past week. The situation brought Merlin back to all the hunting trips that he had been with them, and all their meaningless conversations that he had sheared with them under the years. It was impossible for Merlin to not keep smiling.
As they were rounding a corner to start walking up some stair did Merlin heard a familiar voice. “Aha! Now what is this? Here I am thinking I’m going to be late for the meeting at the round table, when you are all here taking a stroll around the palace.” It was Arthur who came down the stairs. Merlin grinned under the hood, bowing his head a bit more, to make sure Arthur would not see him. Everyone had remembered the meeting, even Percival, Gwaine and Elyan who had intentionally planned to go to the tavern instead, it was well thought out by them.
“We were just escorting Gaius to his chambers.” Leon said as if it would explain it. “Ah, I see Gaius needs five of the kingdoms greatest knights, plus it’s queen, to take himself to his chambers where he has lived for the past 30 years.” Arthur says looking at them all. “I said they didn’t have to come, sire.” Gaius began. “And who is this?” Arthur gestured to Merlin. Merlin saw how two well know boots steeped into the floor that he was staring at. Before realizing the danger of Arthur standing so close to him, Merlin thought that the boots needed to be polished, old habit. Then he heard Gaius only beginning his waring before he felt the hood that was covering his head being yanked away. Merlin still looking at the boots, thought that there was no reason trying to hide anymore. He looked up at Arthur who stood before him. “Hello Arthur.”
In a heartbeat did Arthur grab Merlin by his throat, pushing him into the wall behind him. Arthur took a dagger from his belt putting it up to Merlin’s throat, screaming at him. “Who are you! And why do you look like my Merlin!” Arthur couldn’t believe this. Someone had copied Merlin’s appearance to sneak into the palace, and he was probably going to use it to get what he wants. Arthur had heard about that kind of sorcery, but he would have never thought someone would use Merlin for it. He was sad that people wouldn’t let them morn I peace. Only Gwaine and Elyan had their swords on them. They both drew them and put themselves in front of everyone else, ready to protect their friends.
Merlin tried to speak, but only choking sound came out from him. He patted Arthur on his arm, trying to show his defeat. “Sire, I would advise you not to.” Gaius spoke calmly, looking at Arthur. Arthur looked at Gaius then he, let go of Merlin, stepping a few steps back to stand with his knights. Merlin bent towards placing his hands on his knees, while catching his breath. “Well, you haven’t changed a bit!” Merlin said, then raising one hand to his throat to massage the pain out of it. “Who are you!” Arthur commanded, still pointing the dagger towards him. As Merlin brought himself back at full length did, he speak. “Merlin, Emrys, whatever, to you I am mostly know as idiot.” Merlin waived his arm in the air, as gesturing he was expecting harder questions. He looked at his friends Before he could even begin trying to understand their expressions did, he see something that he was truly choked to see.
“Gwen! You’re pregnant!” Merlin could not contain his happiness. He looked at the belly then up at Gwen who seemed startled. Elyan put out a protective arm in front of Gwen. A playful smirk was forming on Merlin’s face, one that was well known by them all. Merlin put his hands on his waist. “Okay let’s be honest. Were you going to name it after me if was a boy?” Merlin’s eyes were going between Arthur and Gwen, not really caring that Arthur held a knife up against him. Gaius hit Merlin lightly in the back of his head, because of the improper comment. But Gaius could still not contain the smile on his face, he knew that they had spoken about naming it Merlin, amongst other names. Merlin turned to Gaius. “Ow.” He said lightly, still with a smile on his face, he started to rub the back of his head, even though it didn’t hurt the slightest.
As he was turned to Gaius had Gwen moved Elyan out of her way, and she came up to Merlin embracing him in a hug. It took Merlin a few seconds to realize what was happening, but as soon as he did, he hugged her back. “Merlin.” Gwen whispered. As merlin placed his head on hers could he smell the wage smell of lavender, it came from the soap she had been using since the day he meet her. “Missed me?” He asked gently. “That doesn’t even begin to cover it.” Gwen answers as she let go of him. She still has one arm on Merlin when Gwaine come up to him, he came fast towards Merlin, hugging him. But Merlin did spot the tears in his friends’ eyes, before the hug started. “What took you so long my friend?” Gwaine said as he let go and patted him on the arm, then Lancelot come to give Merlin a hug before he can answer. Lancelot didn’t say anything he just nodded to Merlin as he let go. “Well, I needed to catch up with my father.” Merlin quickly said to Gwaine before he goes on hugging the rest of them. All of them was laughing and crying in disbelief that it was truly Merlin who was there in front of them.
When it only was Arthur left, Merlin quickly looked down at his boots then back up at Arthur again. “I believe your boots needs to be polished, sire.” Merlin had a warm smile on his face. As Arthur went to grab him for a hug he replied. “Well, I haven’t had my idiot of a servant here to help me with that. Glad to finally have him back.” Merlin buried his head in Arthur’s neck, feeling the warmth from his body. They pulled away from each other, but Arthur let one hand linger on Merlin’s shoulder, not planning to let go.
“So, when is it due?” Merlin asks looking at Gwen’s round belly. “In a few weeks.” Gwen says. “Wait! That means you were pregnant during Camlann.” Merlin turns to Arthur again. “How could you let your pregnant wife be that close to a battlefield!?” Arthur smile weakened a bit, but it was still there, knowing that Merlin didn’t judge him too much. “Well, I guess for the same reason I let you run straight to Morgana and Mordred. Obviously, I didn’t know, Merlin!” “Yhee, sorry about that.” Merlin tries. Arthur holds up a hand, stopping him. “It doesn’t matter at the moment, the only thing that matters is that you are here now.” Merlin smiles at him. “But you are obligated to tell us what happened.” Merlin nods.
So, he goes on to spend the evening with his old friends. He told them everything that happened just before Camlann and after, knowing that Gaius and Lancelot had covered most of what had happened before. He told them about the crystal cave, where he regained his powers, then about the fight he had between him and Morgana. He tried to explain to them how sorry he was that he couldn’t find any other way to save Morgana, they all knew that she was out of reach, and that it wasn’t Merlin’s fault.
He then told them about when he came to the spirit world, where he got to meet his father again, he also meets Will and Freya. He wished he could have stayed there longer, but they couldn’t contain a living man there any longer, so after a few weeks he was back in his body. He was at a shore when he woke up, not sure of where he was. But he set his mind on going back to Ealdor to spend time with his mother. Since then, have he made sure that the people that counted on him was safe. He went to visit the druids and helped them, as good as he could.
He told his friends how proud and happy he was the druids told him that magic was once again legal in Camelot, it was hard for Merlin to still understand it. It took him everything in his power not to come back to them then, but he knew there was a few things more he needed to fix.
They all listened carefully as Merlin spoke. By the end of the evening did they had somewhat of a better understanding of their friend. They all had remaining questions for him but understood that there would be another time for those. Even thought Merlin wanted to stay he needed to continue the quest, he currently was on. He therefore left in the morning after, but he asked them to send for him when the baby had come, so that he could return to Camelot.
Arthur was awake early in the morning saying goodbye to Merlin as he left. They hugged goodbye, Arthur not wanting him to go, worried that it all had been one dream. A wonderful dream where he got to meet his friend again. Merlin reassured him that he would come back. Camelot was his home, after all.
The end.