Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lancelot walked towards the campfire. No one sat around it, but he saw a woman standing by the side. He looked behind him, watching the veil close. He saw Merlin desperately looking back at him, tears in his eyes. Lancelot teared his eyes away from him, looking at the camp that was in front of him.

He went up to the camp, feeling the familiarity surround him. He sat down at one of the stocks, sighing. He then turned to look at the woman, she looked towards where the veil had been. Lancelot hopped to get an explanation from her. She did not turn and look at Lancelot until he spoke.

“So? This is it then? I’m dead.” The woman turned to look at him.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I did it for a good cause, and I know that my friends will be safe.” The woman nodded to him, pleased with his response.

“You truly are the bravest and most noble of them all.” She went to sit at one of the stocks opposite Lancelot. “I’m grateful for what you did towards Merlin. Not only now at the veil, but all throughout your friendship.”

“You know him?” Lancelot lighted up by the realization that they had Merlin in common.

“Yes. He is and always will be a part of me. I’m afraid I never will be able to return what he did towards me.”

Silence fell over them. It was not uncomfortable, to Lancelot’s delight. He felt weirdly draw towards the woman, and that she loved Merlin was a good sign. After a few moments of silence did Lancelot decide to speak again.

“What happens now?”

“You will have time to rest. But there will come a time where your service is needed once more. Until then you are free to do what ever you’d like.” Lancelot looked at the woman, understanding that she only meant well.

“What’s your name?” He said as she rose up from the stock, that she had sat on.

“Freya.” He nodded to her. Freya walked away, out of his sight. There was a weird blue fog surrounding the camp. He decided to explore the area later.

Freya came and visited Lancelot, time from time. They mainly spoke about Merlin. Freya never talked about how she knew him. But she spoke good about him, and it was clear she was also very found of Merlin. Lancelot was grateful for the company, even if she could be a bit crypted at times.

Freya had shown him a pond beside the fire where he was able to watch over his living friends. Time moved differently for him then it did for them in the living world. Months could pass for them, but for Lancelot, in the spirit world, would only a few minutes pass.

He mostly watched over Merlin, seeing him face all the dangers alone. It hurt Lancelot to see Merlin like that, he whished he could be with him, to comfort him. He started to realize everything that Merlin had sacrificed for Camelot and all the dangers he faced daily.

One day, while Lancelot was resting by the fire, feeling restless, wishing that Freya would pay him a visit, did something happen. He saw a figure walking towards him through the fog, which was weird because Freya just magically appeared, she never came through the fog. Lancelot stood up, looking at the figure.

“Freya?” He said, with a loud voice. The figure came closer, and the outline of them became clearer. Lancelot could see it was a man wearing armor. He then regretted not looking in the pond, at his living friends, while he rested, then he might have had some ide of what was happening.

“Lancelot?” Did he hear a familiar voice, from the fog. “Is that you?” Then Lancelot saw who it was.

“Elyan.” He let out in a breath. He heard Elyan laugh in response. Then the two knights ran to each other, embracing one another. They held on to each other for a while, letting their tears fall freely.

“Where are we?” Elyan asked as they broke apart.

“The after life, I suppose. It is still a bit unclear. There’s this woman, Freya, she seems to know more.” Elyan nodded, then they went to the camp where Freya now was standing. She greeted the knights with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Sir Elyan.”

“Thank you. Freya?” Freya chuckled.

“Yes, Freya.” They all sat down at the stocks around the fire. Asking each other questions. Elyan was, to say the least, shocked when he found out about Merlin’s magic, he even felt a bit angry at the man, for lying abut something so important to all of them. But the more Elyan watched as their friends lives continued, and saw what Merlin did, he eventually forgave him, and gladly accepted the fact that Merlin was the greatest sorcerer to exist, and that he was on their side.

Lancelot was over the moon with the extra company. He and Elyan never stood each other particularly close during their lifetime, so he gladly accepted this bonding time with the man, who he had great respect for.

Not long after that Elyan had died did thing escalate in the living world. Lancelot and Elyan both looked with horror as everything unfolded. The pressure that they constantly saw being put on Merlin’s shoulders was to say the least unfair. They both dammed the dragon for not helping him more.

At the fight in Camlann did they watch their friends fight for Camelot with love and adoration. They both cheered when Merlin came to their rescue, casting lightning at Morganas men. They thought that the fight was won, until Mordred came up to Arthur. They watched the previous knights stab their king.

They understood the urgency there was to save Arthur, they both hoped that Merlin would succeed. They also saw how Gwaine and Percival went out to find Morgana on their own. They watched as Morgana torture Gwaine, until he had no power left. Grateful for that Percival was there to hold him as he drew his last breath.

They turned around as they heard footsteps behind them. They both understood who it was. They left the camp and ran to the man and embraced him. Gwaine chuckled at the sight of them, but regret was all over his face, as he clearly remembered what he had done.

Lancelot and Elyan quickly tried to tell him where they were and what was going on, as they sat around, they fire. Freya had come and joined them, looking at the pond where Merlin was giving Arthur water to drink.

Gwaine, different from Elyan was not to surprised to be told that Merlin had magic. He always knew there was something special about Merlin, even from the day he meet him in the tavern.

Fear covered Lancelot’s body when Morgana had caught up with Merlin and Arthur. Gwaine cursed himself in a low whisper when she did. The tension that had spread through the air was broken when Merlin put a sword in Morgana’s stomach. None of them grieved as much as Merlin did, because none of them had known her very well before she had fled Camelot, not as well as Merlin had.

Even though their king was dying in front of their eyes, did they smile. Arthur had accepted Merlin for who he was, and Merlin was finally being acknowledged by the king. Tears still came to their eyes, as Merlin shook Arthurs body. When Arthur did not respond did Lancelot prepare himself to great another guest.

As Merlin screamed at the dragon did someone come up behind them. They had been to focus on Merlin, that they had forgot their surroundings.

“Where am I?” A weak voice was heard. Lancelot spun around seeing his king stand there, mighty even in death. Lancelot went up to him, with tears in his eyes did he hug him, as he whispered.

“You’re safe.” Then Elyan and Gwaine both came up and embraced Arthur. Arthur’s sorrow grew when he saw Gwaine amongst the men. He hadn’t whished this on any of them when he choose to fight in Camlann.

Freya nodded to Arthur, as they went back to the campfire. Arthur decided that he did not need to know who, or what she was at the moment. They saw as Merlin prepared the boat to put Arthur’s body in. It felt weird for Arthur to watch his own funeral, and even though it was not a funeral worthy of a king, he was happy about it.

They went on to watch Guinevere to be crowned as queen. They all knew the people already loved her, and they hoped that the nobles wouldn’t be to rough to her. A few days after the ceremony, had Merlin and Gwen started looking over the laws of magic, then Gaius decided to confront her about that he thought she might be pregnant. Which he was right about. Arthur almost passed out, if that even is possible in the spirit world, when Gaius said it. Elyan gave him a weird look, uncomfortable with knowing what they had done it, even though he already knew it, he just didn’t want to admit it. Lancelot also felt a bit wired about it at first, but he was truly happy for his friends.

Gwen was scared to raise a child on her own, but they reassured her that they would do anything in their power to help her. Which they all did. When the baby came, did she choose to name him Eric. He was the mark of a new Pendragon era, one where magic was accepted. It had been hard to make the council agree with their terms and Merlin had spent hundreds of hours talking to them, trying to prove to them that magic wasn’t evil.

Merlin had been noticeable less treated after that his magic had been revealed. One time he was physically abused by three nobles, causing Gwaine to speak the most unholy words the rest of them ever heard, but they couldn’t agree more.

But when Eric was born, magic was officially back into Camelot, and Merlin was made court sorcerer. Against his will did Gwen prepare a celebration for him. Freya hadn’t spent as much time with the knights since Arthur had come, but the evening of Merlin’s celebration did she stay the whole night. The knights all agreed that they liked Freya, even though they did not know much about her.

After that life continued, five years after Eric was born did Gaius pass away. The night Gaius died was Merlin devastated. He might have been his mentor, but he was also the closest he ever had to a father. They all expected Gaius to come, but when he didn’t, they turned questioning to Freya.

“Gaius was very dear to Merlin and all of Camelot. But he is not considered needed for his service again, as you are. Therefore, he will be given the eternal rest. I’m sorry for your lost.” They all nodded. Wondering who else that will be needed again, they had always assumed it would be the ones closest to Merlin, but now when that didn’t seem to be the case anymore, they grew a bit scared. They all wanted to meet their friends again.

Percival later died in battle, ten years after Gaius. He and Leon still fought beside one another. Both Leon and Merlin blamed themselves for his passing. Percival was however grateful to see all of his friends again, who he had thought was gone forever.

Leon did not die long after that. He died of a sickness, Merlin could not cure him, but he made sure that he did not feel any pain as he left the livings. Leon practically exploded in happiness when all the knights greeted him in the spirit world.

When Eric was 35 years old did Guinevere lay on her deathbed. Eric had grown up to be a strong man, with all the qualities of a great king. They all had kept their promises, helping Gwen raise him, especially Merlin. Merlin was proud of the young Pendragon, and everyday did he find himself hoping that Arthur would be to. Eric favorite thing when he was younger was to hear about the adventures Merlin and Arthur used to go on, and Merlin loved to tell him about them, using the sparks from a fire to make the stories come to life.

As Gwen laid there, did she hand over her ring to Eric. Merlin was there with them, holding Gwen’s hand. She passed away peacefully during the early morning, Eric, and Merlin on either side of her. She came out of the fog as if she had just woken up. Elyan and Arthur ran up to her embracing her. Arthur passionately kissed, breathing her in. When the others came up, did they all hug their queen. When they were back around the fire was Freya with them.

Eric’s coronation had begun in the puddle. They heard Merlin’s voice clear as day.

“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?”

“I solemnly swear so to do.” Merlin smiled at the young man in front of him. Eric smiled back at Merlin. Thankful to have Merlin with him.

“Will you, to your power, cause law and justice, in mercy to be executed in all your judgments?”

“I will.” Merlin lifted the crown up above Eric’s head.

“Then by the sacred law vested in me I crown you, Eric Pendragon, King of Camelot.” Merlin said as he placed the crown on Eric’s head. Then Eric turned around facing the people in the hall, as one of his knights started.

“Long live the king!” They all shouted. Merlin looked at Eric from the side, seeing the likeness to his father. Then he joined into the choir “Long live the king!” Though Arthur always will remain his true king.

As the evening went on, did they have a feast. The people around the campfire also enjoyed themselves. They thought that it wouldn’t be long now before they all were together again, soon Merlin would come to them.

“Now that you all here are gathered, it’s time for me to declare why you’re all here.” Freya spoke. She had been with them, silently observing them, but it wasn’t until the feast for the livings had started that she choose to speak.

“What do you mean? Merlin’s still left.” Gwaine protested.

“I’m afraid Merlin will not join you here.” They all made themselves ready to protest again, demanding that Merlin would be with them on whatever she wanted them to do. But before they had time to speak, did she continue. “Merlin will stay amongst the livings, watching over them for generations to come.”

“But that’s not possible.” Lancelot said in disbelief. He desperately longed after Merlin, he was the one who had not seen him in the longest.

“I know Merlin has aged like fine vine, but generations? I will have to agree with Lancelot here, that’s simply not possible.” Gwaine said, patting Lancelot on the shoulder as they sat beside each other. He was telling the truth to, Merlin had grown a beard, which was very suiting on him, but other than that had he only gained a few wrinkles. He almost looked the same as when Lancelot died.

“But it is possible, for Merlin. He is destined to remain amongst the living until your return.”

“You mean he is immortal.” Leon said. Freya nodded.

“Until you return, yes.”

“How long?” Arthur asked, already tired of waiting until they would all be together again. Freya looked questioning on him, waiting for him to finish his question, which he did. “How long until we will be back with him?” Freya looked sadly on them.

“Centuries. Not even I know for sure when, but the world as we know it will no longer exist and everything will be different.”

“He’s going to be all alone for that long? You can’t just expect us to sit around here, watching him all alone down there. Send one of us back, let us help him.” Gwaine said, prepared to be the one to go back into the living. If it would help Merlin, it would be worth it.

“Your loyalty is admirable. But you will not be here, waiting around. You will go into a deep rest, much alike death, where you no longer are aware of time. Then when Albion and Merlin needs you the most, will you return to him. The only reason why you are together now, is because Merlin would have wanted it.” Arthur opened his mouth to speak again but didn’t when he heard Merlin speaking through the puddle.

“Freya!? Freya, please!” They turned to look at the puddle, where they saw Merlin standing at a shore, it was the shore of Avalon. He had tears in his eyes and looked miserable. “Freya I – please.”

Freya excused herself and dispersed from the spirit world, only for her to reaper, standing in the lake, in front of Merlin.

“Has this ever happened before?” Gwen said, clearly knowing that it was impossible to keep track of everything Merlin was doing all the time. It would not surprise her if he went and meet up with a lady at a lake from time to time.

“No. Never.” Lancelot said. Not looking away from the scene.

Merlin lit up when he saw her, it was the most genuine smile they had seen him do in a while. He ran into the water, knee deep. He reached out to hug her, but instead his hands went through her. He retreated his hands back to his body, it looked like he tried to hug himself instead. Misery came back into his expression, but he did not look away from Freya, clearly still happy to see her. Then he remembered why he had come.

Lancelot thought back at his time in the spirit world. He could never recall anyone touching Freya.

“They are all gone.” He said, barley a whisper, but everyone heard him.

“I know, my love.” Freya said, grieving with him. Some of the knights gasped.

“Wait, what?” Arthur mumbled. Merlin never told him anything about consorting anyone, he knew he had many secrets, but he couldn’t phantom, why that needed to be kept a secret. No one had an answer to give, they would just have to wait until Freya came back, and to ask her then.

“I don’t know what to do.” Merlin’s chin was shivering, trying to contain the tears, but his voice had already broken. “I thought he’d be back till now.” Freya looked sadly upon Merlin.

“I’m sorry.” Freya walked closer placing her hand against Merlin’s face. Even though he could not feel it, did he lean into her hand. “You are meant to stay Camelot, keeping it’s king safe. Until the once and future one comes back.” Merlin let a tear fall, Freya carefully wiped it away with her thumb.

“How will I know when it’s time?”

“You won’t.” Merlin nodded, straightening himself.

“Then I will be ready. When ever the time comes.” Freya smiled in adoration at him.

“I have to go.” She whispered. She did not want to leave him, but she couldn’t stay. She leaned towards him, letting their foreheads touch. Merlin couldn’t feel it, but he focused on her instead, that she was here now.

“I know.” Merlin whispered back.

“Please take care of yourself.” Freya begged, as she pulled away, Merlin gave her a smile in return, telling her that he would think about it, and couldn’t promise anything. This caused her to smile back. “I love you, Merlin.” She then said as she let go.

“I love you too.” Merlin said, waving goodbye to her.

Then in the blink of an eye was she gone. Merlin stood there, knee deep into the water alone.

Freya came back to them around the campfire. It was not until she sniffled that they had realized that she was there. As they turned to face her, did she dry a few tears with her hands. “I’m sorry.” She whispered. Gwen gave her a warm smile. Then Freya looked up at them.

“Merlin will be ready for you. The best you can do for him is to be well rested when you meet him again.” It was clear none of them were at peace with this, but it was also clear there was nothing they could do to change that.

“How do you know Merlin?” Lancelot asked. He had asked this question earlier, but then she had avoided answering it.

“We meet when we both were very young. After we feel in love, did he want to run away with me. Even though I wanted to, I couldn’t allow him throw everything he loved away. His life was in Camelot, and not with me. I was not welcomed in Camelot and Merlin had kept me hidden, and before we were meant to leave, did I try to flee. But I got caught, and was left to die. When Merlin found me, it was too late for me. Merlin saved me in more ways than I can say. I promised I would repay him one day, I just hope it will be enough.”

They all nodded and agreed with her. After realizing what Merlin had done for all of them and Camelot, all they ever wanted to do was to repay him.

“I understand.” Arthur said, meeting Freya’s eyes.

They spread out around the camp, then they all fell into a deep slumber, letting centuries pass them by.

Chapter Text

Merlin had his running shoes on, he was out on his morning run, as usual during his days of. He took his normal path, leading him to the lake of Avalon. It was 15 minutes run away from his apartment. He had black shorts and a purple t-shirt. Over that did he have a grey zip-hoodie opened, it flew in the wind as he ran. He had shaved his beard of a few weeks ago, now he only had a few stumps on his chin. A friend of his had gifted him a pair of air pods for Christmas, though he rarely wore them out on his runs. The sound of nature was simply too beautiful.

As he ran up to the beach did, he slow sown his peace. He stopped to stretch his legs as he looked around. The water was still, and no one was there except an old lady sitting at the bench, she was feeding a few birds with yesterdays bread. Merlin went up to her as he stretched his arm, crossing it over his body.

“Good morning, miss Adams.” Merlin said, smiling at the elderly woman. The woman, miss Adams, was in fact Arthur great-great-great……. grandchild. Merlin had kept track of them during the years, however, many of them have decided to move great lengths all over the world, miss Adams was the only one left that lived near the lake.

“Ah, here my favorite bird comes.” She said, looking happily up at him. “Come, come sit down.” She waved him over, to sit beside het at the bench. He gladly took the offer and sat himself beside her. “How are you today? Hope you’re not overworking yourself.” Merlin let out a chuckle.

“No, of course not. I’m great, thank you for asking. I have this feeling that it is going to be a good day today.”

“Good, I’m pleased to hear that. Have any special plans for the day then?” She asked, as she threw more bread to the birds.

“No, I don’t, actually. What about you? Do you have any plans? If you let me, I might take you out for dinner.” Merlin grinned to the older woman. She patted him on the arm.

“That would have been lovely. But I’m heading to the hospital soon, doing my ordinary checkup, so I’m not sure I would have the energy for that.”

“I understand. Do you want me to drive you there? I have the day off.” Merlin requested.

“Aren’t you a good one. But I will be alright. My neighbor has already offered her help, she will come and pick me up anytime now. Maybe you should take her to dinner instead! You don’t have anyone do you? She is a lovely young woman, must be around your age. Now that I think about it you would make a pretty couple.” Miss Adams looked at Merlin hopefully. Merlin let out a nervous laugh, no one could be around his age. He still looked 20-something, but in truth he was much older then that. But he could not tell her that so instead he said.

“Well, I’ll think about it. What’s her name?”

*ding* It was Miss Adams phone. She took it out of her purse, looking at the screen.

“Oh, it’s her!” Merlin smiled at her as she read the text message out loud.

“It’s time. Are you ready?” The older woman started tapping on the screen, slowly saying the words as she typed. “Yes. On my way.” Miss Adams then got up. “It was lovely to meet you today, Merlin. Oh, and her name is Freya. Take care.”

Merlin felt his heart skip a beat at the mention at her name. His smile quickly disappeared, and he could swear he felt something happen. Thankfully Miss Adams had already started walking away from him, so she did not see his reaction. He did not respond to her, instead he turned to look out over the water. He searched for anything, a wave, a bubble, anything, but the water was still.

He sat there for a moment, looking at the water. He felt something happen, he knew he did. Or maybe it just was the excitement of hearing her name again. As he looked at the water, did he hear people stir around the campfire behind him. It had been installed a few years ago, it was quite popular, especially for younger people, Merlin and a few friends from university had once stayed there for the evening. Sleeping around the campfire had always brought him comfort, though he didn’t tell his classmates why.

He heard them grunt as they moved around behind him. He kept looking at the water, when he was sure he didn’t see anything did he rise from the bench. He started to stretch his legs, preparing himself to start running again, still looking at the water.

“Ah! My back hurts. I promise, I most have slept on a rock or something.” Merlin heard a familiar yet distant voice say behind him. It made him stop his movements. He started listening more carefully to the people behind him.

“Do you mean to tell us you didn’t dream about cheese and apple pie all the time.” Another familiar voice said. Merlin also heard someone murmur. “Where are we?”

Merlin slowly turned around, looking away from the water, towards the camp behind him. Merlin could not believe his eyes, he felt them tearing up after just a second seeing what was in front of him. Five men dressed in armor and a woman wearing a beautiful gown sat around the fireplace, as another man dressed in armor with golden hair stood up beside them. The man standing up rubbed his eyes, then ended the movement with dragging his hand through his hair, as he always did after waking up.

“Arthur.” Was all Merlin could say. It was not very loud, but it was loud enough for them to hear him. “Merlin!” Arthur stated. Merlin began running towards them, meeting Arthur on the way. They meet each other in a tight embrace. Merlin buried his face in Arthur’s neck, not caring that he might feel his tears against his skin, and risking that he would be called a girl.

“You came back:” Merlin mumbled into his neck.

“Of course, I did. Did you ever doubt me.” Arthur said. Merlin could hear the smile on his face. Arthur felt Merlin shook his head in his neck.

“Not for one second.” They let go of each other, only for Merlin to quickly be thrown into another hug, this time by Lancelot, Merlin gladly welcomed it.

When Merlin had hugged them all, did he look at his friends, whipping away his tears. They looked exactly as they had all these years ago. They also took the moment to look at Merlin, time had changed him, even though he still looked like himself. Merlin still had a few tears on his cheeks, as he took his hands up tugging his hair, chuckling. They all smiled back at him.

“Where and when are we Merlin?” Leon then asked as they all gathered themselves after the joyful meeting.

“No, wait! More important question. What the hell are you wearing? What are those?” Gwaine pointed at Merlin’s shoes. Merlin laughed at the question and found himself grateful that they came back here and not in the city, because then his shoes would not be the center of attention. Merlin huffed out the answers in the order they had been asked.

“Ehm, at the shore of Avalon and the year is 2023. And these -” Merlin lifted his right foot up in the air a bit, wiggling it around. “These are my shoes, Gwaine. And for your information, they are very comfortable.”

“Year 2023.” Lancelot whispered in disbelief beside Merlin. Arthur grabbed Merlin shoulder squeezing it.

“Sorry we took so long, my friend. If we would have had anything to say about it, you wouldn’t have been alone.” Merlin smiled at him, feeling himself tear up again.

Merlin was right, this was going to be a great day.