Disclaimer: IDOM

Author's Note: :) Enjoy the epilogue, fellow Merlin fans. I hope it ties everything together nicely.

Epilogue: Welcome Back Celebration

"I'm pretty sure I don't want to know how many times you've done this," Arthur muttered, "but I'm curious anyway."

It was amazing—Arthur was no longer tired or sore. Ever since Merlin's 'light' magic had touched him, he felt completely rejuvenated, energized, and wide awake.

Merlin gave him a sly smile and a shrug, "No, I suppose you don't. But I'm going to tell you anyway: your guards are horrible. I hardly need any magic to sneak past them."

They were sneaking into the city—mostly because Arthur confided to Merlin that he didn't have the patience to deal with the guards. In truth, it was more because he was eager to be back in Gaius's chambers, surrounded by his friends, his love, and his warlock, who had promised to tell his tale, and it was simply quicker to sneak in.

A shock hit Arthur. "When we went to save Guinevere—the first time you found out about my feelings for her—you knocked the guards out."

"I told you to distract them! Not knock them out!" Arthur had complained.

Merlin had had his arms folded and a smug, contemplative smile on his face, and he turned to look at the Prince in exasperation. "There's no pleasing you sometimes."

Merlin gave him the same look. "I was distracting them…but then…well, there was an accident with the barrels."

"A magical accident, perhaps?"

Merlin pursed his lips and made a show of studying his fingernails. "Maybe," he said shortly.

Arthur just started snickering, and he shook his head in amazement. Merlin's stormy blue eyes widened again—he seemed as amazed at Arthur as the Prince was at him.

Merlin had told him on the walk back that he had expected him to be angry for lying for so long. He thought that Arthur would feel betrayed. In response, Arthur had told him to shut up or he would be angry.

He understood Merlin's reasons. With a cautious Gaius as his mentor and the threat of an axe hanging over his head, Arthur could definitelyunderstand. He winced at some of the things he had said to his servant about magic, and he now realized that that had only shoved the man further away as he took those words to the heart. No, he didn't blame Merlin in the slightest. It was only now that he had finally been released from his father's twisted teachings. If Merlin had not become Dragoon—Arthur shuddered to imagine how he would have reacted to this revelation. He knew that their friendship would never have been the same.

His memories went back to the very first day he met Merlin, and he couldn't help but laugh. Look at how far they had come! Arthur began reviewing his memories, and he slowly began to see the signs of his friend's magic. It was everywhere.

In truth, he was fascinated by the boy and his magic. That was it—simply fascinated. He could not put his fascination into words. A fuzzy feeling hit him as he contemplated Merlin—servant, idiot, fool, klutz...modestly powerful sorcerer and powerfully modest friend (1).

He knew that there was no other like him.

A sudden wolf-whistle shattered the night. Arthur jumped in surprise, and Merlin did so beside him.

"Merlin, mate!" Gwaine suddenly called. He and Percival started sauntering over to them. Percival had a rather large barrel over his shoulder, and Gwaine was carrying a rucksack. "Hell, am I jealous of those scars! The ladies are going to be all over you."

Merlin looked completely shocked and touched his left cheekbone. When Merlin removed his finger, Arthur noticed the one long, slim white line cutting raggedly across for the first time. Two smaller ones merged into it, making one side of the scar a little thicker than the other. He burned with anger. For a moment he wished the Gvarath was still alive so that he could go and have the pleasure of killing it again for the pain it put Merlin through.

"Gwaine! Percival!" Merlin cried. "You're alright!"

"Thanks to you, mates," Gwaine grinned easily. "Oi!" he suddenly exclaimed. "Gaius told us that some old bloke was supposed to be with you, Arthur….And you!" Gwaine pointed to Merlin. "You are supposed to be too ill to leave your bed."

Merlin and Arthur exchanged a worried glance; they had a silent fight as to who should explain. Merlin lost.

He sighed and worriedly began to speak, but then both Gwaine and Percival burst out laughing. "You should've seen the looks on your faces!" Gwaine sniggered.

"You know?" Merlin asked in shock.

Gwaine snorted. "For the record, I've always suspected. We believed Gaius' story at first, but then Gwen slipped."

Merlin looked slightly hurt and betrayed for a moment, but then suddenly he softened and laughed. "Ah, Gwen."

Percival said, "She was beside herself in worry for the two of you—even after she saw us come 'round and knew that you killed it. When she slipped up, she was horrified, but then she decided that it was more important that you get the credit that you deserve. She knew that you would understand. Gaius approved."

Merlin's eyes became watery. "Where the soldiers there?"

"Naw, they left immediately. They needed to get back to their families."

"How did the others react?"

Percival snorted. "Well, Gwaine laughed with utter delight and said…"

"I'm even more eager to see you drunk now, mate," Gwaine interrupted.

"Not a good idea," Merlin muttered.

"I may have to team up with Gwaine on you, Merlin," Arthur said, grinning at both Gwaine and Merlin's utter shock. "That'll be a hell of a party."

"Can I get that in writing?" Gwaine asked to himself. "Before I wake up from this dream?"

"Elyan didn't give a damn one way or the other," Percival continued. "But then Gaius told him that it was your magic that healed him and nicked him from Death's door. I believe you have another person who would willingly lay down his life for you, Merlin."

Merlin smiled weakly. "And Leon?"

"He didn't believe it at first. He actually went on about the irony of how often you've been called out for sorcery in the past and managed to escape each time with a cleared name. Then he laughed as well. There was a lot of that—laughing. He knows that you are trustworthy, and he trusts you."

Merlin let out a sigh of relief. "Next time we're out, you'll be amazed at how much more I'll be able to help now that you all know. This is going to be brilliant." His eyes drifted far away.

"So…do you remember anything?" Arthur asked the two Knights.

"Nope," Percival said. "Last I remember I was in the forest. When I woke in the infirmary… you can say I was a bit terrified."

"Perce was the first to recover though," Gwaine added. "Lance, Leon, and I—well—we nearly gave Gaius and Gwen a heart attack. We thought we were still battling the creature."

"They leapt up with horrifying yells and swung around imaginary swords," Percival laughed. "It was actually hilarious after a little while."

"That's when Gwen burst into hysterical tears, and Gaius," Gwaine's eyes flickered to Merlin. "He was a little more than relieved."

"Awesome," Merlin muttered sarcastically. "He worries too much."

"That's because you're too careless with your life, Merlin!" Arthur laughed, grabbing his servant and rubbed his knuckles into his skull. Merlin struggled to escape and tried to flatten his unmanageable, tousled raven hair with a look of annoyance.

"I meant what I said, Arthur. My magic has no bounds. What would you like to try first? You've already been part donkey…"

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't dare," he challenged.

He caught Merlin's bluff, and the younger man smiled. "You're right. I wouldn't. I'll wait for a time you really deserve it."

"I'll have you executed before you can say a word," Arthur teased. Merlin rolled his eyes and waved that aside.

"Oh, no!" Merlin cried in mock horror. "Have you learned nothing tonight?" Merlin grinned mischievously and turned away. "Now, what are you two doing here?" Merlin asked the two Knights.

"We do live here," Percival murmured teasingly. He nudged Gwaine with his elbow. "This was all Sir Gwaine's idea," he announced.

Gwaine shot Percival and evil look. "Erm—about that," Gwaine started. "We're all expecting a story…and a bit of a welcome back celebration—for us and for you."

Arthur suddenly recognized the barrel on Percival's shoulders. "Tell me that you didn't nick that whole barrel of ale from the inn, Gwaine!" he exclaimed with a mixture of crossness and amusement.

"And tankards!" Merlin laughed, pointing at the rucksack.

"I haven't had so much of a drop of good ale in my blood for god knows how long!" Gwaine complained. "I was having major withdrawal."

Arthur floundered for words. "Percival! How in the world did you get dragged into this? I thought you had more honesty in you than that!"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Gwaine asked indignantly. "Are you suggesting that I'm not honest? I'm hurt, Arthur." Merlin and Gwaine erupted into snickers, and Percival and Arthur both looked at them with disapproval.

Percival finally shrugged. "We left perhaps double what we owed in the sill. Everyone pitched in."

Arthur had to accept that.

"C'mon then!" Gwaine laughed. "Everyone's waiting!"

"You just want to get at that ale," Percival said under his breath.

~…~

Arthur was surprised at the wave of applause that greeted him and Merlin when they walked into the infirmary. He and Merlin were assailed by hugs, laughs, tears, yells, and smiles all around. Everyone gave Merlin a glance of wonder mixed with pride, and Arthur found himself enjoying Merlin's over-awed expression and small smiles.

Merlin had been hiding for so long…He deserved this moment.

Arthur saw Merlin use his newfound magic—his aura reading magic. While Merlin's irises were completely inflamed with gold when he used his other magic, the only sign that he was reading auras was a shimmer of gold behind his familiar stormy blue. The magic flared across his irises in lightning-bolt-like veins through the blue. It was hardly noticeable, but Arthur saw it.

Merlin looked around at the others, his face serious and calm as he learned to recognize each color of the Knights. Arthur realized how smart that was—it could be a priceless tool in times to come. His eyes snapped back, and he smiled reassuringly at Arthur.

Finally, after jokes about Merlin's magic and thank-yous and demands for the story had been given and after Gwaine had helpfully served everyone a tankard, Merlin motioned for Arthur to talk.

And so he did. He talked about Dragoon—he used the name for the purpose of the story—he talked about how he first met Dragoon (Gwen added here and there), how Dragoon wandered into his chambers, fled, returned with Gwen, and how the world of magic slowly shifted in his eyes. He spoke of Dragoon's magic and how fascinating he found it.

He talked of the bandits and Excalibur, every word that Dragoon had said about magic, Kilgharrah and the Gvarath—especially the Gvarath—the battle, and then…Merlin.

Merlin had nursed his drink tenderly as Arthur talked, often throwing in a witty comment here and there, but for the most part, he stared at Arthur with appreciation. The others laughed and gasped at all the right times, and often enough, one of them turned to slug Merlin in the shoulder.

When he was finished, they were all awed and silent. Then the whispers of gratefulness and relief started.

Gwen, with tears in her eyes, suddenly took Merlin's hand and pulled him to his feet. "It's your turn now, Merlin."

Arthur saw Merlin shuffle awkwardly under the gazes of his friends.

"Go on, Merlin," Gaius said reassuringly.

"You deserve to be recognized for your gifts now, Merlin," Arthur added softly.

With his words, Arthur saw Merlin's confidence boost, and his famous, impish smile lit his features. "I want to thank you all for being there with me every step of the way—though you didn't know it at the time."

Merlin paused awkwardly, and continued, "When I first came here, I never expected to be surrounded by friends like you who would actually accept me for what I am…nor did I expect to become a servant to his Royal Pratness."

And so it began. There were periods of complete, awed silence—at those times, Merlin spoke about the Questing Beast, Freya, his father, Balinor…the list continued. But then there were far more laughs—mostly at Arthur and Merlin's expense but then at the others' too as they entered his story. They all ended up adding their comments and their thoughts at each part of the tale, whenever they fully realized how much this young man had done for them. Gwen talked of her multiple imprisonments and of her part in investigating the Witchfinder and the goblin…amongst other things; Lancelot talked of the griffin and of the Cup of Life during the battle with Morgana and Morgause; Gwaine talked of the bar fight (of course) and of the melee and of the Quest for the Fisher King's trident. Elyan spoke of Arthur and Merlin's bravery in rescuing him from Cenred. Percival and Leon even contributed.

Merlin poured out his heart and soul. He cried multiple times—from both grief and joy—and his laughter lightened the hearts of all sitting there. He was a brilliant story-teller, and his words were—no pun intended—like magic.

Merlin spoke for hours. When he finally finished, a long, awed silence followed. Even Gaius, who knew most of the story already, was sitting stunned.

Merlin blushed scarlet, and he said, "That's it."

"That's it?" Gwaine breathed sarcastically. The others began to mumble in wonder. It was obvious that each of them was struggling with strong emotion.

Merlin's eyes swept around the faces of his friends, but they only settled on Arthur's, waiting for him to speak.

The others quit their mumbling to themselves, and waited, patiently and expectantly, as the two men read each other's eyes.

Powerfully modest, modestly powerful (2), Arthur thought. Merlin was remarkable. An utterly remarkable person, with a heart as pure as gold. Arthur felt in that moment like he too could read auras because Merlin's very soul was open and clear to him now. He saw everything.

So, there was only one thing left for him to say in response to Merlin's epic and hilarious tale.

"Idiot."

Merlin smiled blindingly. "Prat."

At that moment, he didn't care that everyone was watching, he didn't care that he had already warned Merlin not to make of habit of it, but he did it anyway. All of his thanks, all of his emotion: his acceptance, his awe, his appreciation, and his friendship were placed into that one embrace. He owed Merlin for more than he could ever repay—and he knew that the hug was all that Merlin wanted from him. His modesty was inspiring and humbling at the same time.

Arthur ignored the stunned silence of his Knights, the goofy smile of Gwaine, the beaming of Gaius, and the tears of Guinevere as they watched them. When Arthur drew away, Arthur said it aloud, "Thank you for everything, Merlin."

"I—I'm soaring, Arthur," Merlin whispered in a daze. "I'm finally free."

Arthur squeezed his scrawny shoulder. "I think I can speak for the others—" they all made movements or sounds of agreement "—without you, Camelot wouldn't be, we wouldn't be, I wouldn't be. I promise you: one day your magic and your deeds will be recognized and sung about by all. For generations to come."

"I don't need that. I have you all. That's all that matters to me."

Arthur bit back a lump rising in his throat, and Merlin asked with his bizarre, oxymoronic, goofy-wise eyes to him alone, "Are you ready for the next chapter, Arthur?"

"Only if you're at my side."

"I'm always at your side, and I wouldn't dream of leaving it."

"Likewise."

They were interrupted by Gwaine, who had toppled sidewise off his chair when he tried to stand. He said crankily, "Stop hogging him, Princess. We all want a sorcerer hug."

"You drunken fool!" Arthur said, laughing. He finally got around to kissing Gwen and then helped himself to another drink, ready to allow himself to relax and have fun for the first time in a long while.

Merlin was then assailed by first Gaius, then Gwen, then the rest of the Knights. They hugged him, complimented his bravery, his talent, and his incredible story; they thanked him and praised him. Arthur saw Gaius' eyes shining with a pride that surpassed even Arthur's own.

The requests for specific parts of Merlin's tale to be retold, the celebrations, the friendly banter and joking, the drinking, and the drunken shenanigans had lasted through out the night. Finally, at the first light of dawn, Gaius kicked them all out, insisting that everyone needed to sleep off their excitement, their drunkenness, and their foolishness.

Arthur went to bed satisfied. That was a night he wasn't going to forget in a hurry. Not only did Merlin reveal his secrets and his incredible, life-changing story, but he and the Knights had teamed up against Merlin and had gotten him drunk.

Arthur chuckled to himself. No, a drunken warlock was quite impossible to forget.

The last thing that Arthur thought of before he fell asleep was that he was lucky to have been given the chance have such a friend, his guardian angel. For the first time in a long time, his heart held hope for the future.

He dreamed in flashbacks—all the adventures he and Merlin had been on together replayed in his mind. Even in his dreams he felt the wonder and the strength of his bond to the raven-haired boy. Snatches of Merlin's wisdom and Merlin's jokes echoed through the dreams. Imaginings of future adventures called to him.

Just before he sank into the deep, peaceful, dreamless stage of sleep, he heard the words from the song of his and Merlin's friendship in his ear: "…a soul, a mentality, a name…"

(1) A reference to the second "book" of Prophesized.

(2) Oh, look, another reference! ^^

Whoop! I managed to finish before school started. *bows dramatically* I can't believe it.

I want to thank you all for sticking with this story 'til the end. I am humbled by your brilliant support and your wonderful reviews. It has been such fun to write, and I am so glad that you all enjoyed reading it.

At the moment, I have no plans for another story. But inspiration is a funny thing. Who knows what will happen? I will, however, be around as a reader (to tell you the truth, this site is making my unbearable impatience for s4 to start a smidge less unbearable), and as both a reader and a writer, I have some advice, if you'll take it:

Keep an open mind, keep your imagination and intuition sharp, and ALWAYS have a pen on hand. You never know when brilliance will strike you.

I know it's still a little ways away, but have fun watching Series 4, everyone! :D

With love, OZ