The Aftermath (Merlin)

Chapter Twenty: Come with us

The trumpets rang, citizens of Camelot flooded into the courtyard, the castle was overflowed with villagers, knights, nobles and druids who had heard of the new ruling. The king and Queen stood in a room behind two large glass doors which would lead out onto the balcony where they would address their subjects. Leon and Percival stood just behind the royals preparing to walk out with them. Merlin was straightening out the clothes Arthur was wearing, making sure they were perfect for the momentous occasion. He turned away momentarily to cough, it was a rough and harsh sound which caused the King to turn to him "You okay Merlin?" The boy looked back smiled and nodded before walking away to the furthest wall in the room.

An old noble looking man walked to the royals and began talking to the Royals and Knights, but Arthur was distracted, he tried hard to listen but his eyes kept wandering over to the slim pale figure which stood against the wall. He watched as the boy pulled a vial out of his pocket and drank it, as soon as he did he held on to his throat and slammed his eyes shut whilst gritting his teeth. The King couldn't help but frown as he watched the event taking place. 'What's in that vial?' The man thought to himself, his first idea was that of poison but why would Merlin do that to himself? Maybe it was a remedy from Gaius to help with the healing process... yes that must be it.

 "Merlin?" The King said, causing the boy to quickly straighten himself out and walk to the side of his master.

"Is everything okay?" The raven queried.

"Yes, everything's fine"

"Right... so why did you call me over?"

"I want you to come with us"

"What?"

Arthur placed his hand on the warlock's shoulder "I wouldn't be here without you, none of us would, this is for you as much as it is for the rest of Camelot." Merlin began tear up slightly "I know I haven't always treated you the best" the boy scoffed at this remark but the King continued "But I want you to know how much I appreciate you Merlin, You're my... umm... my... well you are my friend and I want you to be happy." The Warlock grinned as he looked at Arthur and then to Gwen, Percival and Leon who all smiled at the boy. The Raven then returned his gaze back to his best friend "You deserve to be happy Merlin" the King finished. The two sides of the same coin grabbed each others forearms as a sign of friendship and respect before the boy went to stand between the two Knights, behind the Royals, awaiting the opening of the doors.

Soon enough the glass doors opened wide and the five members of the court walked out onto the balcony, they were met with cheers and applause by the crowd below. The King silenced them all by raising his hand "Welcome, citizens of Camelot, today marks the start of a new era. It is with much deliberation and forethought that as a kingdom I believe we are ready to move forward and welcome change and prosperity. And so with that I King Arthur of Camelot decree that the magic shall no longer be outlawed." The speech continued for a few minutes outlining the finer details of the new law. It had been decided that Merlin would not be publicly announced as a sorcerer or at least not yet. He wouldn't hide hide magic but nor would he go round actively telling everyone. It was the warlock's decision and as much as Arthur didn't understand why, he respected his friends decision and would see it through.

A feast ensued later on that night, in the grand hall of Camelot, red flags decorated the room whilst candles created a warm light. Gwen, Leon and Percival all sat to the right of Arthur, whilst Gaius sat to the left of him. Merlin however, still being a servant, served his friends their wine for the evening. Half-way through the second-course the blonde had gestured for a refill of his cup, the Warlock had moved towards him and began to pour the wine into the goblet, but his hand began shaking as he did so. The boy hadn't taken his hourly remedy for this hour, he had been struggling to take them today because he was always by Arthur's side for all the lifting of magic ban events that had taken place. He had to 'go to the toilet' many times as well as hiding in corners out of sight, although he's pretty sure the king had seen him once or twice, but the blonde hadn't brought it up so maybe he hadn't seen after all.