A King with No Title

Nothing you need to do

cw/: death

* 7 months later *

Camelot had been quieter than ever, the people had become well adapted to life within Camelot, magic had begun to flurry and be accepted by the everyone, those once fearful now had neighbours who practiced magic; who traded remedies and goods with them. Druids came out for hiding for the first in years, they did live in the forests mostly but would come an interact with the people living behind Camelot's walls. Some of these visitors deciding to stay on a more permanent basis as well.

Emrys had interacted with the people on several occasions, and did much for the people. The druids always kept his secret, one of the most admirable traits about their people and livelihood is their code of honour, their willingness to keep the secrets of their people in order to keep peace in the most complicated of situations. Although, when Merlin did come into contact with druids, especially on his trips to the lower town, they would exchange knowing glances. Merlin had often found himself asking about certain spells and oddities, only ever being questioned by some guards about it. But being part of the court, he could always just say Emrys had requested further knowledge but being as busy as he was had sent Merlin to collect it. This seemed to calm them and keep their suspicions at bay. It did cause a stir when Merlin did this to begin with, after all, many thought Emrys knew everything. His appearance certainly added to the illusion; he was old and wise looking, why would he be asking the druids for spells? But, alas, no single person can know everything. After a while, it became normal.

Some knights, especially newer recruits, held some reservations towards Emrys. Magic was still taboo for some. Many people had been taught to fear magic, being told it was nothing but evil throughout Uther's rule. It was hard for some to let go of this belief, yet many tried. Those who had been hurt by magic or whom were particularly afraid had left after everything had been announced, believing Camelot would dissolve into chaos and become a wasteland. Of course, as time passed, many could see the benefits of magic when used for good; the flourishing crops being one of the most important. The people of Camelot didn’t have to fear a bad winter, or if certain plants became diseased. Emrys (aka Merlin) was able to help. Camelot was never stronger.
Merlin and Arthur had also often rode out on hunting trips with the knights, sometimes spending days out there, most nights spent drinking most days spent in a playful banter while hunting and trapping. They had become closer than they had ever been. Arthur confided more and more in Merlin about his struggles. Some of which included his relationship with Guinevere. Unfortunately, they had become more distant as himself and Merlin had grown closer. Of course, it does happen, even with great kings and queens. Still, he could not help but feel a small amount of guilt about it. He was proving her right, he had lost the confidence he had once held around Gwen, and therefore he was losing her.

They rarely shared chambers anymore especially as Gwen got closer to giving birth. Although, only a month before hand they had been rejoiced over the news that Gwen had been carrying not one but two children, a boy and a girl. Gaius had his suspicions, after all, he had told the Queen many times that she was simply “too large” to be carrying a single child. Thankfully, Gaius was an old friend, if anyone else had said something along these lines it would have been their end. After all, a hormonal Queen is still a Queen with power and it was known, even then, that you should not get on a pregnant women’s bad side. Merlin was the open to confirm that the Queen was indeed pregnant with two children. This news…well it did seem to improve Gwen and Arthur's relationship for a time, they were sharing common ground. Not to say the news of the child wasn’t that before, it’s just, the exciting news helped rejuvenate their feelings. They hadn’t really shared anything of substance since finding out about the pregnancy to begin with!
Guinevere had been overjoyed with having two children, and often shushed Arthur when he would be rather overdramatic about how he knows nothing about being a Father. Now he had to figure out how to be a Father to two. She had often said, Arthur better have counted himself lucky as he got the better end of the deal, he just had to figure out how to parent whereas she had to do that and bring them into the world.
"Merlin, can you get me some fruit please?" Gwen asked him as he was sorting and folding Arthur's clothes. Normally, Gwen would get something like this herself. Afterall, she is still connected with her roots as a servant. It’s just, she couldn’t stand for long at all. It was a surprise she had ventured to Arthur’s chambers; Gaius had told her while exercise was important, she must limit it. The reason she was here was because she had come in to see Arthur. But for some reason, he had disappeared. Weirder than this Merlin had no clue as to where he had wandered off too. Merlin felt that he needed eyes in the back of his head, Arthur was almost constantly in trouble without him. Merlin put down the clothes as Gwen took a seat on the bed and he got her an apple from the bowl of fruit on the table. She had become very fond of apples he had noticed. Merlin hands her the apple and gives her an awkward little smile as she takes it, no matter how comfortable he had become with people that shy looking smile never seemed to disappear. "Thank you." Gwen says gently taking it from him and biting into it.