Merlin Oneshots

King of Magic

It had been a long road, but they had finally reached a peaceful time. King Arthur, along with Queen Guinevere, had abolished the laws against magic. For the past year, magic users had slowly been moving into the lower town. Druids were sought out and revered for their healing and compassion. When they stood on the balcony and read the new laws, people celebrated. His manservant, Merlin, had been unusually happy. Any time Arthur questioned him, he would shrug and change the subject.

The Knights were all curious as well. Well, most of them were curious. Lancelot, Gwaine, and Leon knew his secret. They encouraged him to step forward and admit to his magic and all he had used it for. Merlin would just smile at his friends and change the subject. Evade and distract became a sort of mantra for him. He continued on with his chores around the castle and the normal tasks as necessary as manservant to the King. It was difficult some days, as he could feel the magic in the air; could feel it caressing him, calling to him. He'd succeeded in his destiny with Arthur. Magic was free, Morgana was no longer possessed by the dark magics she had been force fed by Morgause. It took time, but Merlin had been able to free her from their hold. She and Aithusa were across the sea now, living free and, the last she had told him, happily.

A group of Druids requested an audience with the King and Queen. Arthur thought it strange, but didn't mention it to Merlin. Not that he needed to tell Merlin these things anyway. Merlin had been at his side now for nearly ten years. Which is why he was able to tell something was wrong the instant that the Druids entered the throne room. Merlin had stepped back into the shadows, as if trying not to be seen. Arthur glanced at the Knights and saw that he wasn't the only one to notice Merlin's action.

"King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, thank you for allowing this meeting." The leader of the Druid group stated, bowing.

"You are most welcome. Please state your concern." Arthur encouraged.

"We do not have a concern, as such, your majesty. We wish to invite you to a celebration. You have set about righting the wrongs done by your father, freeing magic. As it is now free, there will be a celebration. A crowning of the King of all Magic, its creatures and peoples. You and your court are invited. It will be held at the Spring equinox at the Lake of Avalon."

"King of all Magic? I've never heard of such a thing." Arthur stated calmly.

"He is quite a remarkable man, my lord. You see, he was born because of the Great Purge. Born because of all the magical blood spilt and yet to be spilled. He was said to be the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth, though he would never claim it. He was born with eyes pure as gold. He is more a god than a man, really. And it is time he stepped forward to be recognized. We are ready to follow him, as I know he is finally ready to lead us."

"And you invite us?" Queen Guinevere asked.

"Of course, my lady. He would insist you be present."

"Then we will be there. You can inform him that Camelot will support him." Arthur said with conviction. Merlin smiled. The Druids smiled at the King. The Spring equinox was in a week so it wasn't long to wait. When they had departed the city, the rumors spread like wildfire. A King of Magic, a young god walking the earth. Many voiced their speculation on what he would look like.

Merlin wasn't thrilled, but he knew it was coming. He'd fulfilled his destiny with Arthur so now it was his duty to protect and serve his own people; magical people and creatures. He just wished they'd been a bit less dramatic about it. It wasn't like he had an actual kingdom to govern or preside over. His people were primarily nomadic. The King and Queen both had asked him what his opinion was on the matter, and he had turned the conversation back to them, about what they felt about witnessing such an ordeal. Once Merlin would leave them for the night, they would realize he never actually told them anything. Hadn't shared any of his thoughts in weeks, really.