Merlin Alternate Ending

Chapter 10: Merlin

"A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success."

~Elbert Hubbard

Merlin's POV

I feel a pulling at my stomach, like something being tied tight around me. A soft humming reaches my ears, a warm, gentle melody, and although I have never heard him hum before I instantly know who it is. Arthur.

I open my eyes. The light that filters through my lashes is pale and silvery. Nighttime.

"Merlin! I'ts about time you woke up!"

I grin. I would recognize that bossy, obnoxious voice anywhere. "Arthur." I whisper.

I open my eyes the rest of the way and I can see him. He is kneeling at my side, his armour glinting in the moonlight. He holds a strip of red cloth in his hands.

The tugginf sensation returns, but this time I connect it with the movement of Arthur's hands.

"What are you doing?" I cough.

Arthur snorts. "I'm bandaging your wond. I may not have magic, but I do know a thing or two about battlefield medicine." He pulls one last knot tight. "There, all done." He smiles and I smile back.

I start to sit up and he helps me, supporting my shoulders with his arm. "Did you just make a joke about magic?" I ask.

Arthur purses his lips. "Hmm...I guess I did." He smiles. "I've never been saved by it before--"

I start to laugh. "Is that what you think?"

"What?" he asks.

I continue to laugh. "I have saved you using magic countless times. You just never noticed before."

"Well, then, maybe you deserve a reward."

I glance up, surprised. I was expecting a sarcastic remark, or even anger, but all of the humor is gone from Arthur's face. His blue eyes are serious, and very gentle.

"Merlin," he continues, "I'm going to tell you something I've never told you before. Thank you." I blush, embarassed by the praise. "And, I'm sorry."

"Don't be." I protest. "I didn't do it for recognition. I did it because....well, because you were worth it. You gave me hope that one day I would be accepted for who I am, that one day I would be able to tell you the truth about my magic, and you would look at me as a friend, not an enemy."

A look of shame crosses Arthur's face. "And instead, I judged you. I pushed you away, made you feel hated and alone. I truly am sorry, Merlin. Now I see that magic is not inherently good or evil; that comes from the person who wields it. You have taught me that. And I know that as long as I have you by my side, I will have nothing to fear from those who wish to use magic for evil. I'm lucky to have a friend as loyal and good as you, Merlin."

I feel tears well up in my eyes. Arthur embraces me, and I wrap my arms around my friend. I close my eyes, soaking in the joy of Arthur's acceptance. When I open them again, I see a small girl sitting behind Athur. Her black hair falls to her shoulders. She wears a tattered red dress that contrasts sharply with her pale skin. Her dark eyes are watching me cautiously. I gasp.

"Freya?"