Title: Edge: Epilogue
Author: hermitknut
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slash (duh).
Summary: King Uther is dead; Long Live King Arthur! But it's not quite that simple. The interregnum – the time between the death of one king and the coronation of the next – is proving to be more complex than it would seem. Two old friends return; but have the last five years changed one of them beyond repair?
Disclaimer: If it were mine… Merlin and Arthur would make out in almost every episode :D

A/N: This is the sequel to "Heads and Tales" [links to all chapters of both fics here]. You can probably make sense of this without reading that if you like. Reviews are awesome.

The courtyard was full to the bursting; every possible step, window, and even roof was covered with people. And all of them were quiet, expectant, as Arthur stepped forward on the royal balcony and spoke to them.

"People of Camelot," he began.

"I look out across this city, this kingdom; and I see something great. Something magnificent. Something that it has taken more years than I know to build."

"My father," Arthur paused, "was a good man. He protected his kingdom the best that he knew; and he rewarded those who served him well. Many years ago, he banned all forms of sorcery and magic from this kingdom, on penalty of death. And upon my word, that punishment will still stand for those who use the black arts or dark magic."

The words rang through the courtyard with truth and certainty.

"But times and knowledge change; and although I will always respect my father for what he stood for and although I will always stand in awe of his achievements, I believe that there are people that need recognising.

"These people are sorcerers. Warlocks, witches… and I have no doubt that there are some, here amongst us today."

The people all glanced around at each other quickly, searching the faces around their own, before returning their attention to Arthur.

"And yet these are not the people whom the law in my kingdom will condemn." Arthur continued. "These people work as hard as their neighbour; they are as honest as myself. They rejoice at good times, and cry at bad ones. Just the same as anyone else. They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters. In the years before this day, they would have been punished for their singular difference: their magic. But no more."

Arthur straightened his back and stood tall.

"From this day forward, new laws are in place, that I have signed with my own hand. Those who practise evil magic; those who seek only to hurt, to kill; those who care not who their practices injure; those people will face the punishment for their actions.

"But those who heal? Those who help, those who aid, those who do no worse than an ordinary citizen of Camelot? They are welcome here. From this day forward." Arthur glanced to the side briefly, seeing Merlin standing in the shadow of the doorway, and repeated, "they are welcome here."

He turned back to the crowds.

"I look upon this kingdom and I see something great. But with your help; with acceptance, and time, and forgiveness, I hope that together we can build something greater still."

As the cheering began, Arthur's words echoed all along the city streets, Merlin took a small step forward into the sunlight. Not to be seen; but to better watch King Arthur of Camelot embrace his kingdom.