My goodness, it has been a long time. Honestly, I haven't even thought of this story in a very, very long time until recently when I got a DM asking whether or not I was going to complete it. I understand that this isn't very much of an end and that I could most definitely do more with this story but I simply wanted to have a nice reunion. I didn't go into the actual wedding as the actual TV show wedding is pretty much the same deal that I imagine happening in the story. I hope you enjoy this meagre chapter (and please remember I have an AO3 account which I update a lot more frequently under the same name, so if you like my stuff then head on over (especially as I believe this will be the last time I post on this account).

Please enjoy, it's been a good run!

IDONOTOWNMERLIN

Stepping through the entrance again, Merlin could sense a great, overwhelming communal feeling of elation and joy. And it was with no small amount of awe and wonder that he walked through the cobbled street of the Citadel once more; feeling as though it was the first time he had truly seen Camelot. The streets were alive with colour, flowers of every size and shape ran along the building and ribbons were tied up along the posts. People were wearing a multitude of clothes, women were singing and children played in the streets. As he progressed up the city he saw an abundance of magic, Butterflies seem to float on the wind, ethereal and sparkling, the younger children chasing after them as the older ones conjured them. Women would make decorations appear in the street, enhancing the atmosphere immensely. The bright nature of the street felt as though it would overwhelming but it wasn't. Trying (and failing) to keep a grip of the squirming child in his arms, Merlin took a deep breath, taking in the hustle and bustle of the people.

This was a free Camelot.

And a busy Camelot.

He really ought to apologize to Arthur when he saw him for his late arrival- he despares to think about the faux-annoyed attitude and prattish behaviour he will have to face upon his arrival at the castle. But, thinking it over in his head, the swelling sense of pride and contentment he felt in returning would overpower any emotions that would ruin his welcome.

Merlin was glad to be back.

Eventually, over the horizon, he could see it. The grand castle of Camelot- his home at last. And if Merlin had been amazed at the city the wonder was increased triple-fold at the castle. The castle shone as a beacon, the red banners adorning in the parapets contrast with the sparkling white bricks. Where before the castle had been approached with no little amount of forbearance it now was welcoming and proud.

And Arthur had made it so.

Merlin was so very proud of Arthur.

Merlin sucked in a breath, doubled over, as Altair finally managed to land a good kick in, forcing Merlin to drop him. Goodness, what that child lacked in patience he made up for it stubbornness and determination- he supposes he gets it from his mother. His eyes soften as he watches Altair toddle off- not quite able to run properly yet- clearly in amazement at the castle so much bigger than home.

He hears a chuckled behind him.

"So you decided to finally show up, Merlin?"

Spinning round, Merlin finally comes face to face with Arthur. He smiles lopsidedly, exhaling a chuckle. Arthur had grown into a great man. it was one thing to correspond with him via letters, it was another thing to see him in person after so long. He had grown, not in height but in mass, his shoulders and arms filling out with muscle. His face looked more worn, more lines and creases but he looked more at peace, the blue tunic he wore bringing out his eyes.

"I knew Gwen would kill me if I didn't," He laughs cheekily, Arthur shakes his head exasperatedly at him and they embrace, Arthur, patting him solidly on the back. When they break apart, Arthur glances over at Altair.

"He resembles you," he said simply, the slight smile still on his face as he inclines his head in his direction. Merlin ducks his head.

"He reminds me of his mother in many ways," The feeling bubbling up in his never faltering despite the distant pang of grief for Bronwyn. "His drive for one, his cunning for another. He may only be young but you should see him if you try to cheat him out of a treat," Merlin chuckles yet again at the thought,

"Though the hunger rather reminds me of someone else though I can't put my finger on who…" Merlin trails off meaningfully, looking off into the sky deep in mock thought. Arthur cuffs him over the head.

"Oi, I am not fat," Arthur complains and Merlin only responds with a sheepish smile. Oh, how Merlin had missed this. Pointing his finger at him, Arthur opened his mouth to say something else but was interrupted by a couple of voices joining them. Gwen gently places her hand on his arm and beams at him, Morgana by her side.

"Merlin," Her face is soft, her hands are smooth against his skin. She too had aged, her hair grown longer and braided down her back, her outfit regal but yet still simple. "You finally came," Her voice was calm, her cheeks flushed and her eyes slightly watery but not sad. Merlin rubbed the back of his neck,

"I guess it has been a while," Merlin admitted and Gwen simply nodded, moving her hands down to his own. Behind her, Morgana shifted.

Of all of them Morgana had changed the most- the difference startling but not unwelcome. In the time he had known Morgana she had seemed radiant, a determined force- confident, sure and strong. But underneath there had been fear, uncertainty and darkness. It had begun to poison her with paranoid and distrust but there was nothing that Merlin could do to ease her pains at the time. Now though, she seemed to be flourishing, her skin flushed and rosy, no longer slick and sallow, her green eyes full of something new. Hope. A proud feeling bloomed in Merlin's chest.

"Hello, Merlin," She lifted her head a touch higher as she spoke. And, hesitatingly, she lifted her hand, took a deep breath in and in a flash of gold a pale yellow rose appeared in her hand. She passed it to him.

"Welcome home,"

And, taking the rose in hand, surrounded by his friends- family- he supposed he was home in a way.