Ok... this is the end!
I would like to thank all the readers for their support and patience ... but most of all I would like thank Ship for the trust she has shown me ... she is a fantastic author and person ...

many kisses and thanks! ^-^

For Ship.

A translation of At the end of the world by Ship.

THE STORY AND THE IMAGES ARE NOT MINE!

This is a translation of the Italian story 'At the end of the world' by Ship.

Cover image by Jessica

IMPORTANT: in the original story, in this chapter there is a beautiful image of the constellation of the Dragon, useful and important in order to understand the chapter and the story. But since here you cannot insert images or links, I have indicated where this image should have been and I recommend you to go and see it on Archive of Our Own (same title and always b92morgan)

thank you!

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The dragon landed in front of Merlin, who was standing next to Arthur's lifeless body, upset about his mate's death, but deeply amazed by the beast that stood before him, suddenly remembering every detail of that creature, as if he had seen him only days before, and not years ago.

"Kilgharrah..."

The dragon lowered his head before his Lord in reverence and greeting. His eyes were full of devotion and a finally rewarded waiting.

"Young Catha..."

Tears started welling up in Merlin's eyes, even if he thought he had no more.

"You are here... still here. You're the dream of a child that after a lot of time awakens and discovers that his real life has always been the dream of his childhood with his family, with his father, a Dragonlord... with you. Why have I found you only now?"

The dragon stretched his neck so that Merlin could move his hand and caress him. At that invitation, Merlin touched his rough and scaly skin, so familiar and comfortable to him.

"Because, young Catha, you had to live this Era according to its laws, and so you have. But it was obvious that one day we would have met again. We are united. We are kin. So I knew for a fact that destiny would make sure we find each other again"

Merlin stared at him.

The eyes of the dragon were wise and ancient, tired, full of years of loneliness due to the fact he was the last of his kind and that he had had no contact with any Dragonlords, the purebloods of the people of the stars.

"You knew we'd return home ... and have waited. All this time"

Kilgharrah nodded.

"Yes... although ... well ... there will be time to explain that"

Merlin stared at him, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"The endless cycle of life... we are at the end and at the same time at a new beginning"

Merlin shook his head.

"I don't understand. But you're right ... there will be time. But now I have an immediate need of your services..."

The dragon nodded, staring at Arthur on the ground.

"Of course, my Lord. The Once and Future King..."

Merlin bowed his head in respect.

"Can you help him? I remember that my father used to heal people with your help. But Arthur ...he's dead... "

The Great Dragon blew a powerful air jet at Merlin, filling him with a power similar to magic. Merlin felt his every atom being invaded by a different, unknown and big essence; by an immense, incalculable and inhuman power.

The dragon smiled.

"You'll do it yourself"

In that moment, Merlin knew he was actually able to do something, to have the power to help Arthur, to be able to bring him back to life. He filled himself with that new sensation.

"Have you given me some of your powers?"

The dragon shook his head.

"No... I have only awakened yours. They've always been inside of you, but buried under blankets of dust. Once, ages ago, mankind lived in this way: power was everywhere, pervading life, and the disciples of the people of the stars cultivated magic... they feared and respected it and they used it for progress and for good. Then, the wars of the corrupt men buried everything, but magic never died for real. Something that belongs to life itself, to the very essence of the universe, can't die. You can only decide whether or not to recognize it"

Merlin nodded, feeling that truth piercing him and stared at Arthur. His mate's life was in his hands now. The dragon continued, encouraging him.

"Come on, Merlin... wake the King. This is not his resting place"

Merlin stared at him, still not understanding his words, but returned to Arthur and bent next to him.

When he found himself next to him, he felt burning inside the movements he had to make: he put his hands on Arthur's heart, one palm over the other, and pronounced a spell that didn't come from his mind, but from the deepest part of his soul. He strongly shoved his essence back in Arthur, suddenly giving him his breath and his life back.

The King started to breathe again and Merlin stared at Kilgharrah, crying.

"Thanks ... if I hadn't found you..."

The dragon smiled sweetly.

"Think of him. Soon he will wake up and see me next to you ... he will need explanations"

Merlin laughed, wiping his tears away, deeply moved.

It was true.

He had to help Arthur regaining his consciousness slowly, so not to scare him.

.

Arthur's hands slightly moved, trembling, his face and lips regained their natural colour, his warm breath coloured his cheeks. The King moved a hand, bringing it to his eyes, returning from death, from the depths of the abyss that had swallowed him.

When he opened his eyes and stared at him, Merlin knew he was fine, that the wounds had healed, that he had his strength back.

His eyes were not blurry. They were alert and strong.

And they were calling for answers.

"Merlin... what? I'm fine, how is it possible? Where are we? What about the portal? Have we…?"

Merlin took care to block his view, to keep him from looking around: he wanted to explain first, before he saw Kilgharrah, to help him understand at least a part of the situation.

"No, Arthur... Excalibur is still stuck in the stone. You didn't pull it out and the portal is still close. But I have helped you... you are fine now. You have fully recovered. That's all that matters"

Arthur started to get up and Merlin held him down again.

"But I haven't helped you by myself..."

Arthur looked at him, confused.

"Explain. What do you mean?"

Merlin leaned down to stare closely at him.

"This place ... this shadow and waiting zone, it's not just the door to go home... it is also the den of someone from whom our lineage was separated long time ago. When our ancestors arrived in this place, on this planet, you know, they weren't alone... the noble breed that came with them was exterminated..."

Arthur understood immediately what Merlin was talking about and started to look around, while Merlin was nodding.

"A dragon? Weren't they all extinct?"

Standing up, Merlin held out his hand to help him.

"All but one. He's the one who helped me waking you up and bringing you back from death. They, the dragons, continue to be at our service today as it was then, as always, at home as well as here on Earth"

Kilgharrah, remained hidden until then, took a step forward, showing himself.

"…As well as everywhere, Your Majesty"

Arthur saw the dragon for the first time and was surprised not to feel fear, but rather curiosity, wholeness, desire to talk to him...

Merlin read the emotions on his mate's face and heart, happy, and gave him a hand for this first contact…

"His name is Kilgharrah. He is a friend, an ally... a devout at our service. A free creature who has chosen to remain at mankind's side, not only due to his nature, but also for love"

Arthur was about to bow, but the dragon stopped him.

"The King of all worlds does not bow in front of a servant... and I am your servant"

The Great Dragon lowered his head, silent for a moment. Then, he lifted it up again and Arthur stared at him, confused.

"The king of all worlds? What do you mean?"

The dragon smiled and stared at him as he gave him an answer, while also Merlin finally felt inside the revelation of all things, now that his soul was really awaken.

"Great King... our leader. Your cosmic soul is not only one. It is here and now, but it also belongs everywhere, not only to this or one dimension: it wanders in time and space. It is infinite and multidimensional. A guide for the others and able to find different paths among the stars"

Arthur shook his head.

"I don't understand"

Merlin smiled sweetly at Arthur, helping him too.

"Arthur, your breath, your essence, don't belong to just one world, one planet or one galaxy ... they are at the service of the entire universe. They'll never end. They will never die for real. And people like me, the purebloods, the Chosen Ones, the Cathas... the dragons themselves ... we are all at your service. At the service of nobility, goodness, equality and love... of the words that you take with you everywhere and that you teach and impose wherever you go"

Arthur closed his eyes, more and more confused.

"No. I don't understand... you must start from the beginning. I have not the faintest idea ... I..."

Merlin went on, explaining better, realizing in that moment his dragon friend's previous words.

"You are the Once and Future King. You arrive at the beginning and you arrive at the end of time to bring balance before and to restore it later, when everything is finished but remains uncertain, due to the fragility of the main race of the universe, the most majestic and beautiful one, but also the most full of weaknesses: the human race. It wanders in the timeless circle of life. It establishes itself in new worlds and you have been its absolute leader since the beginning of time. And once again, everything is at the end, but also at a new beginning"

"We are at a new crossroads, then? Aren't we going back home?"

Merlin nodded, but the dragon, noticing that Arthur was ready to ask more questions, interrupted them.

"Later. Now you need to take a step back ... and serve. A king is not only to be served, but he remains in turn also and above all a leader"

Arthur turned towards where the dragon and Merlin were looking, observing the crowd of the Chosen Ones slowly arriving in the distance, led by his knights.

Merlin turned, at that point sure of what would happen from then on.

"Arthur, we have to open the portal, the door of the other dimension, of 'home'. Then, everything will be blatant and clear"

Arthur remained stiffed, confused.

"You said that we weren't coming back home! I still don't understand, Merlin. Besides, you saw... I have tried earlier... I have failed!"

The dragon smiled certain.

"You haven't done it right. Observe the hilt of the sword, Great King. It has the map of the prophecy carved on the gold... and the points of the constellation show where to put your fingers on the hilt ...that is the key to open the portal"

Arthur opened his mouth in amazement and Merlin nodded, smiling sweetly, while the peoples were still approaching. They had already gathered with great solemnity and organization. The machine made by Arthur's men had worked perfectly and they were arriving together through the same road.

Arthur started to feel restlessness, the need to go on and understand and, as a King, the responsibility for the lives of all those people.

"They will be afraid of you, dragon ... they have no idea..."

Merlin moved, smiling, giving him strength.

"I'll take care of it… immediately"

Arthur smiled back and watched as his mate, majestic Dragonlord, moved around and got on the beast's neck, as Kilgharrah lowered himself to help the brunet and then rose again, with Merlin standing on his head, wonderful and powerful.

The Omega looked at his mate from above, giving him strength in the most difficult moment until then, which was finally going to happen.

"Arthur, get ready. You must speak to them. You must give them strength. The portal will do the rest"

"I have betrayed them ... I have broken the law... Will they be still willing to see me as their leader?"

Merlin nodded.

"Have no doubts. Just tell them what this is, the truth of your gestures, and it will open their hearts. You are our leader, Arthur... things can only go one way"

Arthur stared at Merlin, then at the dragon. He straightened up and puffed out his chest, dominating the space around him naturally, regally, majestically, proud and ready… fully conscious of his role and of his true nature and life at last.

Arthur went to meet the crowd coming from the five kingdoms, which, led by their guides, had gathered by now, almost forming a single group.

Murmurs and anxiety began to rise in a dull buzz in the air. Arthur, sensing the tension due to their fear of the dragon and to the fact that the most perceiving ones had immediately smelled the Bond between him and Merlin, decided to speak at once, with Merlin towering behind him and above their heads, standing on Kilgharrah, keeping the dragon under control to make the people feel safer.

The King took a deep breath, ready, sure of what he had to say.

"Survivors...Chosen Ones. It is an honor and a happiness to see you today safe and reunited after the long journey, which I am sure has not been easy for anyone of you. We have a lot to talk about, especially in order to lift everyone's spirit due to the presence of the dragon behind me, because of whom many of you may be scared. But first, I'd like to thank my warlords, people that with great efforts have led you here, unharmed, at the door of salvation. Tomorrow this planet will no longer exist, or at least not as we have known it so far. It will be a death land, destroyed... but by then, we will not be here anymore"

Arthur stared at the crowd, who was increasingly becoming restless and shaken. Tension was slowly building up in the most upset souls, but his most loyal men, dispersed among them, picked up the King's silent and distant call and moved to go to his side. In no time, Gwaine, Percival, Leon, Gwen with Lancelot, the new-found Elyan, Morgana with Mordred, Gaius, but also Alator and his son, were by his side, to give their King their strength and to show him their support in front of everyone.

The first voice raised from the crowd.

"We have followed our survival instinct towards a land that has been promised us since time immemorial, but we aren't sure that what we are facing really corresponds to what we have been waiting for..."

Arthur clenched his jaw, raising his sure and glorious voice.

Merlin stiffed even more, but chose to stay silent, knowing that Arthur would find by himself the way to calm tempers. Nevertheless, he was ready to intervene at a later stage. Meanwhile, he tried to meet his brother's gaze for the first time, who a couple of times had turned to look for his too…and this time, when the eyes met, they smiled at each other. Mordred bowed his head in greeting, tears in his eyes...the joy to have finally found each other hovering between them.

"What is really important is that you are all here, that you are safe and that you'll take your rightful place in the future that awaits us"

A different voice came from a far corner.

"And you will decide for yourself how we should take our place in what lies ahead? Who says that? Explain to us the presence of the dragon! No one had ever seen such creatures before, in spite of the legends. Where does it come from? And why are we seeing it only now?"

Arthur turned to Merlin and his mate spoke for the first time, as a Catha and as a Dragonlord.

"The dragon has always been here, in his den, in this limbo, waiting for all of us, hidden from the world for his own protection. As you know, dragons were all exterminated during centuries of barbarism. But they too were a key to salvation and at least one of them has been preserved, kept safe by successive masters: the Cathas, my ancestors, the purebloods, the direct descendants of the people of the stars...and today, I am Emrys, their last Lord. The dragon's name is Kilgharrah and he is at my services, as well as at the King's, at Arthur's. Don't be afraid of him. He has been crucial for the interpretation of prophecy and the opening of the portal and he is obviously very powerful, but not dangerous for those who show to possess a noble heart"

Noises rose from the crowd and Arthur intervened, while his loyal friends moved closer around him, almost shielding him.

"Meaning, for all those who are present here today in Tintagel"

A stronger voice could be heard and an Alpha, leader of the survivors of northern kingdom, came forward.

"We are not questioning the prophecy that we all know... on the contrary, we sincerely thank the stars for the good fortune that life has given us. We are questioning what we are seeing! We have chosen to be under orders of a single leader, to unite under one Crown, to be subject to a single command, but we're not so sure now, given the new circumstances, to recognize our rightful leader in you. Did you or did you not establish the Bond with this Omega? Did you or did you not break the law yourself? You, who should have been their guarantor? And when have you done it? On the eve of the end! When the balance was more delicate and fragile! When you had to show your moral integrity as a leader and an image of fairness and justice to the survivors! It surprises and seriously forces us to think over all this. What kind of image should we have of you now? What kind of trust should all these people put in you, Great King?"

Arthur stared at the crowd before him, who was waiting his answer, muting slowly. Then, he raised his voice, laud and regal.

No doubts in his words.

"The image of responsibility. The image of a king who takes the burden of everything, of all things, on his shoulders to lighten yours from the enormous weight of an uncertain future, one of hundreds of lost and afraid people, in need of a leader. The trust in a leader who is not afraid to tell whether a law is unjust and wrong, or unhappy, when it is! The image of a leader who is making a choice because of which he may be subject to the judgment of the people, who right now have the power to depose him and choose a different ruler if they deem it necessary. I will not oppose your will, proving my loyalty to the cause. I made a deliberate choice, making my will clear: under my reign, many ancient laws would be restored. First of all, the ones regarding the Bond, in order to give all races their dignity back... but along with them, there would be new laws, aimed to protect the rights acquired over the years by those who at the moment has them only because of the nonexistence of the Bond. This is what I would do as King. But today my ideas can be submitted to trial by you. I'm here to lay myself at your sentence. I am even ready to accept death, without regret"

The crowd began to murmur again and Merlin was about to intervene, but the dragon stopped him with his deep and majestic voice.

"I wouldn't have to say what I'm about to say to demonstrate the righteousness of these statements... The Great King's words are in fact unequivocal: What man would have accepted such a responsibility? What King would have declared with so much strength and courage that the law against the Bond is unjust, inhuman and an abomination? What king would have had the courage to say on the eve of a new beginning 'sentence me to death, but I choose to do the right thing nevertheless' or 'depose me if you want, but I still have the determination to tell you that you are wrong'? This King ... deserves to be followed, even if only for his moral integrity..."

Arthur stared at the dragon and Merlin got down from Kilgharrah. He went to Arthur's side, confirming every word, as a master, as a Catha and as the last spiritual leader alive.

Kilgharrah continued, "I will also tell you that, in addition to the reasons just listed, you have to choose this King not only for the person he is, but also because of the will of destiny. Arthur is the King of Kings, the one who is king and will always be king. He has been it for you since the beginning of time, to give form to every civilization, and he is it at the end of all things, every time, to restore hope and the future. Accepting him is not a choice you can make, but to which you have to submit"

The crowd fell silent and Merlin finished.

"Arthur is the only one who can pull the sword out, open the portal and be a permanent leader, a certainty"

Arthur stared at the people before him: they still weren't entirely convinced - it was not enough - and they still needed something to silence their uncertainties.

"I'll open the portal for you. I'm doing it anyway, in any case, and when we will all be at 'home', I will step down of my own free will, so you can choose the leader you prefer. Final decision's yours"

Merlin looked at him, at Arthur's most loyal men, united all around them, strong, determined, the rock on which Arthur would build the new world, once again, when the right time would come. He realized that everything had gone well and that Arthur had convinced them, led them to himself.

After listening to that part of the speech, the Alpha who had spoken last nodded at that point. He proudly looked into the King's eyes and finally bowed in reverence.

"For my part, you have already my vote and that of my kingdom. Your words have convinced me, Great King. You shall have my service and my collaboration. Here, in front of everyone, I recognize you as my leader"

At his words, the subjects of the Kingdom of the North clapped at their ruler's brave choice, so that even the Kings of the other kingdoms followed suit, bowing one by one in front of Arthur, choosing him even before letting him open the portal.

The enthusiasm rose strong and alive into the air and Arthur's truest friends clung to him, determined and happy, congratulating him for the strength he had shown.

At that point, Merlin turned and stared intently at Arthur, raising his voice to make things final, while the people were cheering, finally full of hope.

"The people has chosen! It has chosen the truth, justice, compassion ... loyalty, courage and destiny! It has chosen you because this is how it should be! Now, open the portal, our King!"

Arthur bowed his head before the crowd. Then, finally, he turned around and went to the sword.

When Arthur put his fingers on the golden hilt of Excalibur, he placed them on the points that the dragon had indicated, recognizing them with ease, knowing the map drawn on Merlin's skin by heart.

The sword vibrated and a light was released all around, as the sky slowly darkened. Suddenly it all became night. The stars were showing their presence in the firmament even more.

Then, some of them began to glow stronger to general amazement, while Arthur, Merlin beside him, all his loyal men and the crowd, lifted their heads toward the sky, where the majestic and shining constellation of the Dragon was towering above them, designed by its wonderful cold light and warm light stars. The King hadn't pulled the sword out yet, to admire that unique and moving show for a few seconds more.

Among the murmurs and the wonder, Kilgharrah's voice stood once again, rough and hoarse, excited, to explain what they were seeing.

[Image of the costellation of the Dragon: see AO3 ]

"It's our destination! Home! Look at it! We all come from this part of the galaxy! The heart of the constellation - therefore the dragon that it represents - is composed of the three main stars: the star of Sardior, the star of Tiamat and the star of Bahamut. The three of them form a perfect triangle, which has given rise to the royal line of the dragons and of their Lords, represented by the extension of these three stars in the two wings, in the head and in the tail.

The star of SARDIOR is the head of the dragon and consists of six smaller stars: Amethyst, Sapphire, Topaz, Emerald, Crystal and Obsidian.

The star of TIAMAT gives rise to the left wing of the dragon and is made up of five smaller stars: Red, White, Green, Black and Blue.

The star of BAHAMUT gives rise to the right wing of the dragon and is made up of five smaller stars: Silver, Bronze, Brass, Copper and Gold.

Finally, we have the star of CHRONEPSIS, which extends the tip of the tail of the dragon.

However, the most important star of all for our bloodline and us is the Gold Star. We come from there: that is 'home', located at the end of the right wing of the dragon. It is actually a star with two faces. It describes who we are. In fact, it represents the eternal struggle between good and evil, between HARSGALT that gives it light and APOPHIS that overshadows it, whose combination explains its typical colour. That balance where sometimes dominates a force and sometimes the other one creates an intermittent effect between light and darkness that makes the star much more powerful and particularly lively in regard of its nature than any other star of the constellation. HOME is a magical land, a place where powerful and overwhelming forces gather together. However, precisely because of this peculiarity, no one can live there for long.

This is why we, its inhabitants, are special and have strong powers and destinies, but are also used to move with ease! Therefore, home is more like a waiting place than a residence. It is a crossroads that our lineage, made of dragons and Chosen Ones, pureblood or not, uses as a base or a starting point before traveling to new worlds, to create new civilizations and, at the end of times, to accompany them to their end, but also to their return. Then, this endless cycle starts again, under the leadership of Arthur, the Great Once and Future King, and of his natural mate, Merlin the Catha, the first and last master"

At that vision, at those words, slowly the memories of the crowd awoke, becoming collective consciousness. Everyone slowly understood and remembered their history, their destiny, their past and the future path, the steps they would take from that moment on, already walked in different lifetimes and that they would walk again and again through the ages.

Merlin smiled, beaming at that state of grace all around them. He turned to his mate, who had always been his only love during countless ages in infinite number of worlds.

Then, Merlin read aloud, like thunders piercing the air, the words engraved on the steel of the sword, finally able to do it thanks to his soul that had finally awakened. By doing so, he began the process to open the portal.

"…first it was One…

… from One they became Three…

…from Three they became many…

… an entire bloodline that swarmed on the worlds, bringing magic with them"

Then, he continued.

"Pull it out now, Arthur. Open the portal..."

Arthur did it, using his own strength along with his mate's.

When the steel of the sword was pulled out from the stone, a whirlpool broke free upwards from the rock, making everything deaf and confused, indistinguishable.

The wind was blowing so hard it brought the daytime back where before it had been night. It entered into the hearts of those present. It gave them a different light from the one they had known until that moment. And when everything calmed down, that light remained dim, vacant, ethereal and dense, like a blanket laid over all things, even on words.

It was not necessary to breathe in that new dimension where they were ... even words could be heard in the minds, without having to say them aloud.

A magical aura was surrounding everything and together, everyone understood to be home. They had left Earth, now far away and who knows where, become a planet as any other they had left behind ... in the end only one of the many places on the long path of their dynasty.

When the wind died down, Arthur raised Excalibur to the sky. It was majestic, emitting its own light, immense and powerful now that it was in its rightful dimension... it was a never ending fire that didn't hurt in the King's hand, giving off strength and making everything real.

"Welcome back to AVALON, Chosen Ones! The Middle Earth! The kingdom of magic, fire, water, earth and air... of the elements from which everything begins and from which everything ends!"

Everyone bent and kissed the ground, won, excited, surrendered and aware of their destiny once again, now that their last tiring reincarnation was over.

"We are home! At a new stop, necessary to decide our new beginning. From now on, each one of you will once again be free to follow me or not, deciding when and how to do it. 'Cause I can tell you right now, Merlin and I will not stay here for long this time! In fact, destiny seems to have already decided. There is a world, somewhere, that already needs us..."

Merlin stared at him, talking to him with his mind.

It was right. It was true. It was the point of all that had happened.

"My mate is in fact pregnant. He is with child... the first star of the prophecy is already on the horizon. The new planet to educate is already calling us: our son is already telling us in what world he'd like to be born, in what new land to give rise to our new bloodline. Therefore, soon the two of us will leave to reopen the way, but you already know that now. You can stay here longer and decide when to follow us, in what Age doing it. We'll wait for you, you know that. I, Merlin, the dragon, his own kind, our child will always wait for you and when you'll join us, you'll find a world in its early stages, ruled by laws of justice and value, created as I have already told you, hoping that in the new world, as we hope every time, they will last longer. In fact, this is our purpose as Chosen Ones and as a people: spreading words such as loyalty, justice, love to the human race by mingling with it. So that mankind can grow, improve and become a Chosen One in turn. We don't know how long our stay in this new world will last this time, so we invite you to choose carefully when to join us. And now it's time for us to say goodbye, or better 'see you', inviting those who want to join us on a new journey right now to step forward"

At those words, the crowd split into two groups: many chose to stay, others to follow Arthur and Merlin immediately. Among them, there were their best friends: Gwaine, Percival, Leon, Elyan, Lancelot, hugging Gwen, Alator and his sons, Gaius, and finally Morgana, in tears due to all these emotions, with Mordred, who ran to Merlin, hugged him and stayed at his side.

As a brother, as a comrade, as a friend.

Then, Arthur turned and his King light was immense, lively, bright and endless, as he made his way to his mate, master, Omega, Catha, his whole life, to finally map out the new route with him.

"Where are we going? Lead the way, Merlin, as always"

Merlin smiled without any doubt.

"The first star I'm carrying has decided. Our new planet is called Albion"

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Epilogue

A few years later

"Arthur... Galahad. Stop it now. Put those swords down. The sun is high and it is almost lunchtime now. Come on, Galahad, the Prince has to go back home immediately, otherwise his father will scold him"

Arthur moved his sweaty golden hair off his forehead, looking up at the sun above their heads: it had indeed aligned with the three imposing moons that dominated the sky, which meant that it was past noon and that he had to return to the castle immediately.

"See you tomorrow then, Galahad?"

The curly-haired boy with deep dark eyes nodded. Then, he turned to his mother, abandoning his wooden sword on the ground, where a little girl with black hair, deep blue eyes, a full and red mouth, sitting on the grass, caught it, observing it as if it was a treasure, smiling and handing it back to him so he could continue the fight.

"Can they stay for lunch today too? Please, mum..."

The dark-skinned woman with long curly hair and gentle eyes smiled at him.

"The king and your father are returning today after a week of travel in the Southern lands, Galahad. Their father will want to see his children, don't you think?"

The boy shrugged, disappointed. Then, he picked up the wooden sword from the little girl's plump hands, winking at her.

"Aithusa, you heard what my mother has just said. Arthur and I are done for today. But you can come back tomorrow if you want and if you'd like to see us sparring again"

She laughed and Guinevere leaned down to pick her up. Her blue eyes sparkled, when she returned the sword to its owner, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Tomorrow!"

Arthur ran to his sister and Guinevere lowered her to the ground. The prince took her little hand and proceeded to say goodbye, smiling.

"Let's go, Aithusa. Our nanny is taking us back to the citadel"

Disappointed, she stared at their friends' house in the country, so different from the palace where they lived, and that for them children was a coveted daily destination.

Guinevere laughed, gently placing her hand on her shoulder.

"Don't give me that look, sweetheart. We are seeing you tomorrow. We'll be waiting for you"

Arthur nodded and tightened his grip on his sister's hand, pulling her, so she would hurry up.

"Galahad, tomorrow morning we have no classes with our tutor. So we can play and train for hours!"

The dark-haired child smiled back at his friend and his mother caught him too.

"It's time to go back inside for you too! You must bathe and wash away all this dust; otherwise your father won't recognize your face when he returns after leaving the King!"

Prince Arthur laughed aloud, aware of looking exactly like his friend only in that moment. His clear and strong blue eyes were surrounded by dust, spread on his forehead and cheeks.

The little girl reached out for him, as to say she wanted him to take her, and Arthur turned and allowed her to get on his shoulders, carrying her on his back.

"I get it... I'll carry you. Now say goodbye and let's go..."

Gwen and her son waved them warmly, while the nanny joined them. Together they began to walk toward the citadel.

The nanny was panting, as they walked a little faster, "Arthur Jr, if we don't hurry, I'll be the one getting a lecture. You always make me give in and at the end of the day, we always return very late..."

Arthur Jr made a funny face with his mouth towards the woman. It was in every way similar to that of his father. Actually, in that moment, he was absolutely identical to his father, the King.

"I know. But going to Lancelot and Gwen's house is so much fun!"

The little girl echoed his brother, showing the same wide sweet smile. The two siblings were different in looks, but both beautiful nevertheless and identical to their parents.

"Fun..."

All three of them laughed, when they saw Merlin and Lancelot on horseback in the distance and Arthur II began to run, clutching his sister so she wouldn't fall.

"Hooray! They are already here, they are already here!"

Merlin's horse increased its pace to meet them. When he reached them, Merlin got off in a rush. He stooped to embrace his children.

"Hey, beautiful! Always late, aren't you?"

Arthur Jr put a dusty kiss on his father's cheek, a warm welcome back.

"Hi, daddy! How was the journey? Have you signed that treaty? How are the Southlands? Where is papa?"

The little girl echoed his brother, climbing up in Merlin's arms. She was his perfect copy, his reflection in the mirror.

"... papa?"

Merlin laughed, kissing the both of them.

"You're full of a lot of questions! I'll answer everything, as we return to the palace. Say goodbye to Uncle Lance"

The knight in question ruffled both children's hair and waved them goodbye.

"See you tomorrow then? Gwen, Galahad and I will expect you for lunch"

Arthur Jr strongly nodded, while Merlin picked up his kids and made them sit on his horse, before getting on behind them.

"Lancelot, maybe tomorrow we'll all come to yours for lunch..."

Lancelot patted their horse, smiling.

"You know you are always welcome. Gwen will be pleased"

Merlin nodded and turned the horse around, while Lancelot gave his to the children's nanny, so she could ride too.

Merlin turned again to wave at his friend.

"I'll tell a stable boy to bring you back your horse later on"

The first thing that the children saw was Arthur's red and royal cloak, while their father had his back turned in front of them and was giving orders to someone.

Arthur Jr ran to his father and threw himself in his arms, kissing him and throwing his arms around his neck.

"Papa! What was it like being so far from Camelot for a whole week? Aithusa and I have been very good. I am also much better with my sword... I have followed all uncle Lancelot's suggestions! Even Galahad has improved, but I'm better than him! And she can run a little bit faster now, right Aithusa?"

Arthur laughed loudly, bending down to kiss his daughter too, held in Merlin's arms, who was tenderly cuddling her.

The two children - Arthur an Alpha and Aithusa an Omega - were beautiful to look at, a sight for sore eyes and heart.

"... better"

Arthur and Merlin laughed loud at her echo and Arthur picked his daughter up, taking her from Merlin's arms with love, while his son got off him.

"Tell us everything at lunch, all right?"

Arthur Jr nodded proudly, puffing out his chest.

"I have been the little man of the house, while you were away. I have been really good and diligent, as you always tell me to"

Merlin took his hand, watching his son with a lot of love: he was very tall for his age and definitely Arthur's son; he looked so much like his blond father that Merlin felt like smiling smugly inside every time. On the other hand, Aithusa, their daughter, was identical to him, his extension ... the two of them often didn't even need to talk to understand each other.

The blond child continued.

"What about Uncle Mordred? He too has already arrived from the journey? Was he with you or will he arrive later?"

Arthur stared at Merlin, informing him of the news that they had just told him.

"Yes. He has returned with us. But he is with Aunt Morgana now. You know... their daughter could come any minute now. Your baby cousin..."

Merlin smiled happily and Arthur II continued.

"So cool! Can we go see them? Later? Please?"

The little girl moved a curly strand from her own forehead and Merlin kissed her there.

"... later..."

Arthur laughed at his daughter's funny face. He made a fake indecisive expression and then replied.

"Mmm... only if you are very good at cuddling papa"

That's when Arthur II climbed on the King's shoulders, clinging to his majestic red cloak. Then, he smiled, while Merlin slowly came to stand beside them, laughing in turn.

"What a beautiful life we have in Albion, papa, since we are at peace and you and daddy are always at home"

Arthur and Merlin's hands intertwined at that statement, knowing it was for all that they kept fighting, every time.

Author's notes: the basis of this story, i.e. the constellation of the Dragon, has been inspired by an made-up legend, found on a website

Link: see AO3