"The Death Song of Igraine Pendragon"
Category: Gen (Canon AU)
Characters/Pairings: Igraine,Arthur,Merlin
Rating/Warnings: K
Basic Summary- She was gone but not forgotten and her wisdom would lead Albion into a new age.

To: Moonfox

(Special thanks to Captain Ozone for editing.)

"Mother," Arthur said, throat tight with emotion and eyes tear bright when she emerged from the shining portal. The light illuminated her delicate frame and shone against her platinum blonde ringlets. Igraine smiled lovingly at her only child as Arthur stepped further into the light.

"You've grown into a fine young man," she said, beaming with maternal pride. "You truly have a heart for your people, but there will come a time when you must embrace them all."

Her son's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You must unite the kingdoms and free magic. Set all wrongs right and atone for your father's mistakes. Don't let fear cloud your judgment because it can ruin the very best of men."

Arthur gazed at her with amazement, disbelief and a dozen other emotions that he couldn't define. Tears flowed freely, and he allowed it without shame. "How can I?" he asked. "Nothing good has ever come from it."

She wanted nothing more than to embrace him, but she knew she could not. "Good magic surrounds you and protects you daily even though you don't realize it. One day you will see the good that was beside you all along, dear one. I love you, Arthur, but I must go."

"Wait," he shouted. "Please, don't go just yet."

She stopped, sadly glancing at him from over her shoulder. Her sadness mirrored his even when he spoke. "Surely it can't be that simple. I trusted in magic once, and it failed. How can I find the good when all I see is evil all around me?"

"Magic is a tool just like the sword you bear. The gift is only corrupted by the heart's dark intent. You will find those who are good, and some are nearer than you realize. Don't ever change. Be the man and king I know you are. Do what your heart tells you is right."

A flash of white clouded Arthur`s vision, and he blinked, eyes refocusing to discover his mother was gone. He clutched the horn tightly, lips drawn in a thin line. Then he looked up to see Merlin standing close by and looking worried.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"No," Arthur admitted.

"What did she say?"

"She thinks my father's magic laws are wrong and that I should atone for his mistakes," he replied. His pained expression struck Merlin's heart like a fatal blow.

"I honestly don't know what to do. What would you do?"

His heart raced, and he released a shaky breath before responding carefully, "I would do what is best for the kingdom and what my heart tells me is right."

His king smiled at him sadly. "You sound like her. That's what my mother said."

"And she is right."

Arthur nodded solemnly and turned to walk down the grassy hill toward their horses, followed by Merlin. The ride back to Camelot was a quiet one, and the winding path before the king and his servant seemed as vast and endless as the possibilities their futures held.