Standing at the highest most tower within the castle, Merlin looks out over the lands that stretch beyond the city that surrounds the castle. Strange shimmering mists creep forward as if it were an enemy stalking the unwary. Narrowing his eyes, as if to see further, something suddenly sweeps away the mists and the dream begins to fade and the dreamer is returned to awareness by the touches of a lover in the early evening hours.

Shivering as warm moisture is gently applied to the outline of his ear, Merlin releases a soft moan followed by a shiver as a breeze blows seductively along the moist outline. Tiny nibbles at the base of his ear, followed by bolder bites against his long slender neck cause the sleeping man to turn invitingly towards the source of the delicate pleasures.

Strong arms capture the sleeper in a possessive embrace as persistent licks and gentle bites become more demanding upon the flesh at the base of the dark haired young man's neck. Warmth from deep even breaths almost seems to dance with excitement over exposed skin.

"Merlin," Arthur growls as he licks the red mark he'd just applied to his spouse's neck. "You're so tempting."

Purring as he opens his eyes, Merlin smiles as he snuggles closer to the Prince. "You're welcome to take what tempts you." He mutters as a hand slips down Arthur's side before curving backwards to affectionately squeeze a firm buttock.

Arthur shifts slightly so that he leans over Merlin, offering a feather light kiss. "According to the Court Physician, we're not to have relations for a month at a minimum." The Prince says, with a hint of disappointment.

"I'm not very good at following directions." Merlin says with a slight pout. "Besides, it seems almost a necessity to test our compatibility now that I don't have a massive belly to contend with." Lifting his head slightly, the Prince's spouse bites at Arthur's lower lip. "You still want me don't you?" He asks with a husky voice filled with need.

In reply, Arthur captures Merlin lips with such intensity that both are lost to the Prince's exploration of his lover's mouth. Eager to touch and feel each and every crevice their tongues fight for domination as teeth nip and bite. The hunger between them demands aggressiveness, leaving them both breathless. "Maybe, just maybe, I want you." The blonde man manages to whisper when their lips part.

A sudden mewing sound breaks into any further thoughts that the two might have. At the sound Arthur lowers his head so that his brow rests against Merlin's shoulder. "He's going to make sure we follow Gaius's orders." Arthur chuckles as he lifts his head to brush a tender kiss on Merlin's cheek. "Are you up to holding him while I send for the wet nurse?"

Merlin's eyes brighten as he looks to the protesting infant in the cradle near the bed. "Absolutely, I've seen so little of his since he was born." He says as he shifts in the bed, trying to sit up. Wincing slight at the discomfort, the warlock finds himself frowning at his own weakness. "I can't believe the trouble I'm having moving. It's almost embarrassing."

"You're being hard on yourself." Arthur says as he moves easily off the bed. Moving easily to the cradle, the Prince gently lifts their son into his arms without breaking stride. "For someone who's just had a baby in the last day and fought off an attempt on our son's life at the same time, you're doing surprisingly well." As he puts the small blonde infant into Merlin's arms, the Prince stands back and smiles at the sight before him. "You know we're going to have to name him soon."

Merlin looks up surprised. "I have some say in the naming?" He asks.

"Of course you do. There's something about carrying the child inside your body that gives you some privilege." Arthur says with a smile. "You have to stop thinking like a servant and more like a Prince Consort."

Looking down at the infant, Merlin smiles brightly, "And what would you say about your name? It would have to be something noble and courageous like your father and intelligent like your other father?"

The infant mews softly and waves a tiny hand.

Chuckling at the sight of Merlin and their child, Arthur calls out over his shoulder. "I'll be back shortly."

"How would you like a name such as Dylan or Bryan?" Merlin says aloud, watching the infant's reaction. "Daniel is a nice name. Griffin is rather noble, but I don't think I could really manage that without thinking of an eagle faced magical beast." At the mention of the last name spoken, the child's face turns red with suspicious effort. "So you don't like it either."

"What doesn't he like?" Arthur asks as he returns a few moments later with a young woman in tow.

"His face turned red to the name Griffin." Merlin says as he lifts the infant towards the nurse Teresa, "Thank you Teresa," he says with a genuinely warm smile as she takes the young prince.

"You're welcome, My Lord." She replies smiling at the infant.

"What names have you and our son considered?" Arthur asks as he sits at the end of the bed. "I was thinking perhaps James, Henry, or perhaps William."

Merlin's eyes seem to glisten with memories at Arthur's suggestions, "I like William." Turning to look out the open window of their bedchamber a bitter sweet smile touches on his lips. "Will would have been honored." Quickly looking at Arthur, he adds, "If it was Will you were thinking of when you considered the name."

"It seemed fitting. He was your friend and he gave his life to save mine." Arthur says reaching out to lightly massage Merlin's foot. "And King William sounds rather nice."

"Then it's settled? William is our son's name?" Merlin asks with a tilt of his head.

"Prince William of Camelot," the Prince says beaming with pride.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The sound of the courtyard filling with spectators is a mix between fear and one of curiosity. When no hanging platform, executioners block, or pyre is visible the fear subsides and turns the growing crowds mood to one of anticipation and curiosity for what might be announced that day.

The sky is clear, and the sun is bright. Winds blowing from the east bring forth the earthy scents of the forest and of sweet smelling lavender and wildflowers. It is a beautiful day. Stepping out in the early afternoon sunlight, King Uther offers his subjects a not often seen sight. Raising his hand is a royal wave, he offers his subjects a regal smile. Beside the King stands the Crown Prince, handsome and glowing with affections for not only the small bundle in his arms but for his people.

"Today is a day for celebration." Uther calls out with an arrogant confidence that had been temporarily lost with the betrayal of the Lady Morgana. Uther turns and takes the small bundle from Arthur and cradles it gently as if precious above all else. "On this day, I humble myself before you, my beloved subjects. I have allowed my own fears and prejudice rule my common sense, and in doing so; I your king, in denying all magic, I have denied you all of the nurturing and healing aspects of that should have been available to make your lives more productive and pleasant."

At those words mutters of surprise, and whispers of what might be excitement, ripple through the crowd gathered in the courtyard.

"As you have all seen in recent years, the evil aspects of magic exist as does the non-magical evil aspects of humanity. Evil will not be ignored and so long as it exists the good and honorable will stand against it to keep it contained. This is a balance that exists in all aspects of life. In denying all magic, I have unwittingly allowed the darker side of magic to prosper without allowing the positive aspects to keep it in balance." Uther says with a voice that captures the people listening, "I ask that you forgive me for my blindness."

The soft murmurs in the crowd seem open and supportive.

"Magic itself appears to have forgiven me, and with that they have offered the Pendragon's and the people of Camelot a gift in the form of a newly born prince." Pausing, the King looks down into the bundle he holds within his arms. "This gift, Prince William, has opened our eyes and reminded us how precious life can be." He says looks towards the faces of the people gathered in the courtyard. "Let it be known that the Pendragon's accept this gift with pride and joy in our hearts, and in return we offer a gift to our subjects in the form of legalization of some forms of magic. Hence forth, the magical arts of Seeing, Healing, and Agriculture is now approved and encouraged.

The mutters within the crowd are cautious, but surprisingly positive and excited.

"Camelot has lost the Lady Morgana to the evils of magic, evil that might not have been embraced by her had I not been blind. I will forever love her, as will many within the kingdom, but her crimes against the subjects of Camelot cannot be forgiven nor forgotten. With that firmly established, let it be further known that witches and sorcerers will still be tried for any acts that do malicious harm to King, kingdom, or subject. Evil will not be tolerated in Camelot."

To this last statement, a cheer rises up from the subjects present in the Courtyard.

From the Prince's chambers, Merlin closes his eyes as the sound of the cheering from the courtyard fills the air. A single tear trails down the warlock's cheek as it does down the Court Physician's cheek. "Change has begun." Gaius says in a whisper. "All these long years…."

"The path we follow is happy and bright." Merlin says as he gazes out the open window. "The pain found upon the path not taken will soon be forgotten in the mists of time."

"Are you adding seeing into your list of skills?" Gaius asks with a lifted brow.

The corner of Merlin's mouth rises in a half smile and he closes his eyes as the need to rest and recovery takes hold. "I am no seer. But for the moment I have some level of knowledge of what is no more. What is and what will be seems so happy even if the exact details are clouded."

"We do seem to be on a good path." Gaius says with a smile.

"That we are." Merlin says as he drifts off into a restful sleep.