Merlin's magic (Oneshots) 1

Kingdom revolt

AN.:// This is just silly. Have fun :)

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"For the last time, Merlin. We cannot afford to lower taxes right now. King Lot is building up his army, we cannot ignore that." Arthur was walking in front of Merlin. His back straightened and his face directed forward. Light shone through the windows and illuminated his face. He made the picture of a perfect king and Merlin would agree with that if he wasn't so annoyed.

"I'm not ignoring it, I'm saying it's stupid. You've legalized magic, you have sorcerers on your side that you didn't have before. You fulfilled your legacy! Even if he tried, he couldn't take the kingdom now. He doesn't have the support that you have." Merlin didn't pretend to be calm. He had always spoken freely in front of his king and he would continue to do so until their last days.

"You forget -" Arthur turned around, making Merlin pause in the middle of the hallway. "-that there are few sorcerers who would give their life for this kingdom. They JUST got their freedom and just laws. I can't ask them to DIE for me!"

"I meant me." Merlin's eyes were drawn into a scowl. "You know I meant me." He had almost stumbled into his king's arms but just managed to keep himself standing upright. Merlin held on to the fresh blue linens that made out his new attire since he had been made court sorcerer. It still felt odd, being free, but not unpleasant. His interaction with Arthur was still the same as it always had been. Meaning, Arthur still underestimated him.

Arthur ran a hand over his face and sighed. "For the last time, Merlin. I'm not letting my only court sorcerer fight wars he cannot win. I have to play this smart."

Merlin tilted his head. "'s that a new thing you're trying? Isn't really working, is it?"

Arthur scowled, then pushed a fist against Merlin's ribcage, making the sorcerer stumble backward. He grinned, though. Merlin knew it was all in good fun so he laughed at his king who then rolled his eyes. "You need to stop this, Merlin. Whenever there is danger out there, I have to basically ORDER my knights to keep you out of trouble. You have nothing to prove. We've been over this. I understand why you hid your magic. There is no need to show me how loyal you are."

Merlin bit his lip. "I'm not trying to prove myself. I'm trying to help!"

"You can do that by learning more spells. Who knows, maybe we need you to enhance my parchment, when I'm old and my eyes start failing me." Without waiting for an answer, Arthur stalked off toward the throne room, leaving Merlin standing in the dust.

"What a prat," Merlin muttered under his breath, shook his head, and caught the eyes of a serving girl who quickly looked away. She wore a scandalized expression, as did every servant who wasn't used to Merlin's banter with his king. Merlin smiled. Despite it all, he still loved being here, having this job, and even serving this idiot of a king. This was his destiny and he really enjoyed it. These small frustrating moments just reminded him of how calm everything was. How peaceful the world had grown since magic had been returned to the kingdom. Merlin leaned a hand against the castle walls and closed his eyes. He hummed under his breath and felt the life of every person inside this castle reverberating back to him. They didn't feel afraid. There was joy, so much joy. Merlin hummed and let small flowers grow at the window. Everything here was so full of life. When he opened his eyes, the serving girl's eyes were wide open in awe. Merlin smiled again, picked one of the flowers, and handed it to her. Then he left with a spring in his step.

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It's been nearly two years since the ban on magic had been lifted, Arthur thought as he left Merlin behind in that corridor and walked outside towards the training grounds. There hadn't been one pyre since, no magically motivated murders or thefts, and most of all, no attacks on the castle. Some scouts had noticed the return of magical creatures, but for some reason, they seemed amiable. The forests were no longer just green and full of mushrooms, but blossoming with plants and herbs that had never been seen before. Gaius was running multiple tests with his new apprentice on what those plants did and where they came from. None of them were poisonous. It was almost... too good to be true.