Epilogue

Over the next few months the kingdom of Camelot underwent a dramatic transformation.

Lord Baldor was forced to resign for his actions against the king. The other councillors and the young knights who had listened to Agravaine were strongly chastised, but given a second chance to prove their loyalty. Not another word was spoken out against Merlin or against magic.

The changes to the laws on magic occurred smoothly. Messengers were sent out across the land and prejudices were swiftly abandoned when Arthur made it clear that any discrimination against magic-users would not be tolerated. When the people learned how magic could be used to improve their lives, they became far more welcoming of it.

Gaius was the first to sign up to the Sorcerers' Registry. He began to supplement his medicinal practice with magical potions and spells that accelerated healing. Many diseases and injuries that would have meant certain death were now easily treatable. Long-term conditions were cured once and for all. The deaf regained their hearing, the blind regained their sight and the crippled could walk again. People travelled from far and wide to seek Gaius's remedies and the overall health of Camelot's citizens was greatly improved.

A young sorcerer named Gilli was the next to join. He was nervous at first, but prior transgressions were pardoned and he was permitted to present his unique fighting skills before the Knights of the Round Table. They were impressed not only by his swordsmanship but by his creativity and resourcefulness in battle. He became the first sorcerer to join the army in an official capacity.

Slowly and cautiously, the Druids ventured into the city. Arthur formally recognised their people as citizens of Camelot and offered reparations for the persecution they had suffered. They began to trade their wares in the marketplace and shared their knowledge of the healing arts with Gaius. He gained three apprentices who taught him as much as he taught them and with their help his increased workload eased to more manageable levels.

Gradually, more and more people with a variety of magical abilities emerged from the shadows. Many had been hiding their gifts for years, not wishing to live in conflict with Camelot's rulers, but they delighted in their newfound freedom. Playful and beautiful magic danced through the streets, making the world just that little bit brighter.

The very land itself seemed to flourish from the magic flowing freely through the kingdom; crops grew taller and more bountiful, producing more jobs and allowing increased exports to outlying villages. Camelot's prosperity blossomed and hunger was eradicated. Even the poorest citizens lived comfortably.

As the stressors of life eased, the arts and other forms of entertainment began to receive more attention. Bards, singers and storytellers travelled across the land telling bold tales of a courageous king, a wise sorcerer and a band of loyal knights. The stories became more and more exaggerated and for some reason Merlin came across as a wise old man instead of a cheeky insubordinate manservant, but they were good for a laugh.

Arthur finally got around to proposing to Guinevere. The wedding was a wondrous affair, not the least because Merlin added little touches of magic wherever he could. Little white flowers bloomed in Gwen's wake as she walked down the aisle, a chorus of birds sang perfect accompaniment to the hired band, wine goblets at the celebration feast never ran empty and, when darkness fell, bright colourful explosions decorated the night sky.

In time, Arthur was able to send peace envoys to the surrounding kingdoms. Friends welcomed him and all he had to offer gladly, especially when Camelot's protection was extended to their lands. Enemies knew to fear and respect the powerful sorcerer at Arthur's right hand; they agreed to cessation of hostilities and grudgingly allowed trade across their borders. As Camelot's prosperity spread, uneasy truces became profitable alliances.

Camelot and her King gained trust and respect from their neighbours. The five kingdoms entered into an era of unprecedented peace, united under Arthur.

Albion had been reborn.

As for Merlin, he had never been happier. People knew who he was, who he really was, and they had accepted him with open arms.

He was a respected member of the Round Table and his counsel was sought in all matters of state. Arthur trusted his judgement and relied on his wisdom, but still teased him mercilessly and engaged in the banter that had always been the trademark of their friendship.

He was no longer known as the worst servant in the five kingdoms, but as the most powerful warlock in the world. Enemies feared him and allies welcomed his protection. Peace meant that he no longer had to use his magic for violent purposes, which eased the part of him that had never wanted to do harm to anyone. His reputation was enough to keep Arthur safe; no one dared to threaten him or make an attempt on his life with the knowledge that Merlin was ever-vigilant in his defence.

Merlin was able to study and practice magic freely. Others were eager to learn from him and he enjoyed having the opportunity to share his knowledge with others. Over time he noticed that he was becoming more and more attune with his magic; he barely had to use verbal spells anymore because the magic responded obediently to his slightest whim. It operated on instinct, but he never again experienced a loss of control. The magic trusted him and trusted the people around him. He no longer had to live in fear.

But what Merlin loved the most was the way that his relationship with Arthur had changed. They had been friends before, but Merlin had always been holding back for fear of discovery. Now that Arthur knew the truth Merlin was able to share everything with him. They had a lot of catching up to do and by the end of it Merlin felt that Arthur knew him far better than he had before. Past conflicts were resolved and old wounds were healed. They were able to talk openly with each other about anything and everything.

With no more lies hanging between them, Merlin and Arthur were truly friends at last.

The Once and Future King, and the Warlock Emrys. Brought together by destiny and bonded by love. Of course, neither of them would admit to such a girly sentiment, but it was there in their smiles, the silent conversations that passed between them in a single look, the private jokes they shared, their easy banter, their comradery and their boundless devotion to each other.

The Golden Age of Camelot had arrived, and they joyfully entered into it together.

ooOOoo

The End

A/N: Well there you have it folks! We have reached the end of a very long journey. Thank you for coming along for the ride! I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

I would like to extend special thanks to my loyal reviewers who have faithfully followed along with this story and given me plenty of feedback and encouragement – I couldn't have done it without you!

Oma13, Chele the original, CrazedFangirl 13, AnotherWorld3111, Mersan123, Book girl fan, MamzelleHermy, KIMMIKY, Juliana Brandagamba, Swiss Army Gnat, 1hotpepper, PippaFrost, Shell22, Ava-Potter gal, Moonwing1, , , Andreri, FanWhovianChick, Healed535 and Ladyliz2.

Thanks also to those reviewers who left little gems of encouragement along the way:

Misty Nocturne, FadingLikeShatteredGlass, MegamiTenshiHime, AltoOwl, LongPastMidnight, EndlessLivesAndWorlds-Book, Ravenclaw667, Turmanarmo, Ambernot, Adelxe, Uniiquity, Emenemdj, Xephrys, , Sarajm, NightsAnger, Zass of happiness, Terry, Crazydasiy-in-tha-house, Cha'90, Assassin of Syria, Moni Hasnone, AMirroredImage, E and Jesse R.

Reviews are a writer's lifeblood and I am grateful to each and every one of you