Archive of Our Own ^beta

Merlin woke up to being licked in the face and grumbled a little, but it didn’t stop.

“Mags, stop, sweetheart.”

The dog just waggled and snuggled up close to him, licking his face once more.

“Alright, I’m up.” Merlin complained, sitting up, and petting the dog. He took comfort in the dog being close. Maggie snuggled up closer to him, seeming to take comfort in his presence as well. “Who let you in here, anyway?” Merlin asked, petting the dog and scratching behind her ears.

“Sorry, she was quite insistent.” Percival said softly from the door. Merlin watched him warily, but kept petting the dog. 

“She is sometimes. She’s very in tune to me, for some reason.”

“I’m sure it has to do with the fact you gave her life.” Percival answered quietly.

“Probably.” Merlin conceded. Percival stood awkwardly by the door, wanting to say more, but looking uncertain. Merlin raised an eyebrow at him and waited. Maggie provided a level of comfort that he wasn’t used to receiving. He took solace in her presence and hugged her tightly. 

“I’d like to start trying to make amends, if possible. I know it’s going to take time, and I’m willing to put in the effort to make it right. Are you hungry? I can send for your breakfast?” 

“Breakfast would be nice.” Merlin agreed, not meeting the Knights’ eyes. Percival nodded and left, leaving Merlin alone with his dog. Merlin slowly got up and got dressed, Maggie following him every step with her eyes. She never left the bed, but he knew she was attentive. She hated it when Merlin was left alone when he was in turmoil. And knowing that Loki and Thor left earlier that day was enough to set him on edge. George and Liza came in carrying his breakfast, waiting for Merlin to sit, before they started dishing it out. Merlin rolled his eyes at their hovering. “I’m fine. You can go about whatever you need to get done today. I’ll let you know when I need anything.”

“One of us will be with you for the remainder of the day. You can either accept it or complain the whole time.” George stated. Merlin raised an eyebrow at him as he started to dig into his food. 

“Fair enough.” Merlin replied. George nodded, accepting Merlin’s answer. He and Liza had a hushed conversation and then George was gone while Liza watched him closely. Merlin knew that there was nothing he could get away with while she watched him. He ate all he could and decided to go and help Gaius. It had been weeks since he’d worked on his physician skills and he needed the practice and to study some more. He finally got up from the table, Maggie instantly at his side, and they walked the corridors until he arrived at the Physician’s chambers. He opened the door and strode in, catching Gaius in the middle of making some potion or another. Gaius smiled softly at him but sighed when he spotted Maggie on his heels. Gaius gave him a quick hug, before looking at him sternly.

“You need to start taking better care of yourself, Merlin. How much did you sleep last night?” Gaius asked, and pulled Merlin over to the table, forcing him to sit.

“I slept enough. Is there anything you need help with?” 

“Could you mix these tinctures together?” Gaius asked, passing a paper over to him. Merlin smiled and started gathering the ingredients he needed and making the tinctures required. It was nice falling back into his normal routine. After a time, Maggie had started to whine and Merlin knew she wanted outside. He sighed and Gaius just gave him a soft smile and nodded toward the door. Merlin got up and led her outside and they walked in the forest for a time and he gathered a few plants that he knew Gaius needed. They walked for a while, deeper and deeper into the forest. Eventually he came upon a Druid camp and they urged him to stay and let them entertain him. He smiled at them and allowed them to lead him further into the camp. He hadn’t caught sight of the Knights that followed him; Elyan and Gwaine watched him from behind trees, but never made their presence known. 

The Druids had him sit and they entertained him, presenting him with gifts and asking to see his magic. Liza was his shadow through the whole affair and smiled endearingly at his treatment. Merlin was relaxed and Maggie bounded off to play with some of the children that were there. At one point a gaggle of young people, teenagers, came up and placed an intricate flower crown on his head. They dubbed him the King of Magic and bowed dramatically while Merlin laughed so hard he nearly fell over. He stood up and gave a dramatic bow of his own and sent his magic loose causing little colorful lights to dance amongst the camp. The little kids started trying to catch the lights while Maggie jumped and tried to bite them. Before they could offer a feast in his honor, he politely told the Druids he’d come back again, but he needed to get back to Gaius with the herbs and plants he’d gathered. There were a lot of disappointed moans that went through those gathered, particularly the children, but everyone stood and shook hands with the warlock. One woman handed him a few extra herbs and flowers that he was unfamiliar with, but she said Gaius would know what they were.

“Thank you for having me. It was a truly wonderful afternoon.” Merlin said at the edge of the camp.

“Anytime, Emrys. Anytime.” Iseldir and the others who had been at the trial stood before him, watching him with awe and love. As he turned away from them, they knelt. Merlin blushed, whistled for Maggie, and then headed back towards Camelot. Merlin tried to drop Maggie off with the kennel master, but she just stared at him. 

“Alright, you. Let’s go then.” Merlin finally relented while the kennel master just chuckled. 

“You should know she never likes being in here, Merlin.” He teased.

“Yeah, was just hoping she’d gotten used to it by now. It’s been a few years. Ah well. I’ll see you. I’m sure she’ll come back to you eventually.” Merlin waved to the man and continued on to Gaius to drop off his bounty. Gaius had been quite thrilled with what Merlin brought and rambled on about what he could use them for. They ate dinner together before Merlin decided to head back to the room he was staying in. He was still technically under the law of Camelot until the trial had been concluded. He went into the room and Maggie ran and jumped on the bed. Merlin sighed, but jumped with a hand on his chest when someone cleared their throat.

“Sorry. Didn’t know when you’d be back so thought I’d just wait. Didn’t mean to startle you.” Arthur said quietly, though he was trying to keep from laughing. Merlin rolled his eyes.

“It’s fine. Been a busy day, wasn’t expecting to see anyone else, if I’m being honest. So. What can I do for you, sire?” Merlin asked, walking over and sitting in the chair beside Arthur in front of the fireplace. 

“Nice crown.” Arthur said, eyes on Merlin’s head. Merlin reached up and realized he’d made it all the way through Camelot and dinner with Gaius still wearing it. He blushed and took it off, tossing it on the bed behind him.

“Thanks.” Merlin cleared his throat. “So. What brings you here?” Merlin tilted his head, watching his King for any hints, but found none.

“Hmm. Well. The council is still in talks, but Guinevere wanted to speak with them privately, so she sent me off. Apparently I need a break. Also, I wanted to speak with you. About some things that I should have explained long ago. If you have time, that is?”

“Of course. I’ve got nothing but time.” Merlin responded with a crooked grin. Arthur snorted but sighed with a soft fond smile on his face. 

“It’s going to be a long talk. So I’ve asked George to bring some wine and snacks. This is going to be difficult for me, so please, just let me get through it before you ask any questions. Can you do that?” Arthur looked at Merlin and his face was open and hopeful. Merlin hadn’t seen the King look at him like that in a very long time. He found his mouth suddenly dry and merely nodded his assent. The King relaxed, shoulders dropping their tension and they sat for a time. Merlin would let Arthur start when he was ready. He was just going to sit there and enjoy the company. Maggie came over and sat between them, nudging Arthur’s hand with her head until he started petting her. That seemed to be what Arthur needed, because he cleared his throat and began speaking.