FIC (Merlin): Soon Everything Will Be Changing
Title: Soon Everything Will Be Changing
Rating: PG-13/Teens
Disclaimer: I don’t own Merlin.
Wordcount: 1586.
Pairing: Merlin/Gwen/Morgana/Arthur
Spoilers: The entire first season, especially 1.13
Summary: The four of them had talked long into the night in recent years, once Uther's health began a slow decline, planning Arthur's kingdom and the changes he would make.
Notes: Sequel to The Willful Slaughter of Hope. Betead by lilith_lessfair. The title is taken from Trans-Siberean Orchestra's song "Christmas Dreams." Concrit is welcome. This was written before Season 3. ETA: I did label this as gen in merlinfic, and that's because my definition of gen is stories that do not focus on the romatic relationships even though they (may) appear. ETA2: I removed the "gen" tag from the above community because my definition isn't likely a common one. I'm now debating whether to contact the newsletter and have them reclassify it as 3+. ETA3: I emailed the community. I'm really, really sorry I made this mistake.
Soon Everything Will Be Changing
Merlin slowly opened his eyes, and looked at the woman sleeping next to him. He smiled and kissed Gwen's cheek before rolling over and spotting Arthur lying at the other end of the large bed, hands behind his head and staring upwards. Merlin slowly sat up, ignoring Gwen's murmuring about a sudden lack of covers, and turned to look at the rest of the room, searching for Morgana, who, at last recall, had fallen asleep next to him, still clutching one of Arthur's hands.
She smiled at him from her place near the table, wearing a shift and holding her dress. “Gwen, you need to get up. Arthur's coronation is at noon, and if you don't hurry…”
Gwen shot up, nearly hitting Merlin with her left elbow, covers flying, slipped out of bed, and danced naked over the cool stone to the fireplace. She grabbed a rag sitting in a bucket and began washing herself. Merlin glanced over at Arthur, who smiled and finally looked away from the ceiling. He sat up and grinned at Merlin, reaching out and tapping one of the cuffs. “Only a few more hours.”
Merlin nodded and was tempted to stay in bed as everyone else got ready for the ceremony. But today of all days, Arthur needed his help getting dressed, and it was one day where he truly felt honored to do it. A few more hours was nothing compared to the years he had worn the cuffs. Only a few times had they been removed. And each time they'd been replaced, he had been sick. But he had become used to the lack of magic, the duller world. No longer did he automatically attempt some tasks with magic if he had fallen behind on his duties, for he was still officially Arthur's manservant, as Gwen was Morgana's handmaid. No longer did he act as if he could solve everything by magic. He had learned to use a sword, and while he was still not good, he was passable. He had learned what being normal was like. And while he appreciated that knowledge, he hated what it had cost him.
A life he could be proud of. More intricate control of his magic. More practical knowledge instead of the now-memorized book of spells. The ability to be himself.
Not that he wasn't happy. He was. But the naive boy who had come to Camelot no longer existed. He had matured and learned the hard way that not everyone who tried to be good was good, and that actions had consequences. No, he wouldn't have changed what happened on the Isle of the Blessed, but he would have burned Gaius' letter. Maybe then he would have been able to do more for Arthur.
Morgana kissed him, breaking into his thoughts. “Are you coming?”
Merlin nodded and swiftly dressed for the day. Before he left to bring Gaius to the ceremony, he kissed all three farewell, smiling at the portrait they made, light from the fire glinting off beads, jewels, embroidery, and metal. Even Gwen had a gorgeous new gown that showed that she was far more than a humble servant. And today was the first day it could be openly acknowledged.
He shook his head as he headed down the corridors, remembering his first kiss with Gwen and how shocked he had been when their relationship had progressed beyond that. Later, he'd been still more surprised when she and Morgana had asked him to join them in a triad. He hadn't looked back. Arthur had joined them several months after that, when he realized the relationship among the three of them and how well he fit in.
Merlin knocked loudly on Gaius' door and then opened it. The old man looked up from his seat at a small table and smiled. “I never thought I'd live to see this day, Merlin.”
Merlin hugged him and helped him up from the chair. The new court physician hadn't let Gaius keep the rooms when the former had arrived a couple years ago, but the latter hadn't needed a workshop anymore. So he had a small room in another part of the castle, without many stairs to travel to go outside. The two slowly made their way to the courtyard, Gaius leaning on both Merlin and his cane. When they finally reached the chair set aside for Gaius, directly in front of the wooden dais, he sank into it with a sigh of relief. Merlin fought back the familiar grief that appeared whenever he saw the man. Both of them knew he would not live to see year's end. But as Gaius had said, it was a miracle he had lived to see Arthur become king. After making sure Gaius was settled, Merlin made his way to the section set aside for servants. He ignored the speculative glances some of the others gave him. It was different now, being manservant to a king instead of the crown prince. But he knew he was more than that to Arthur. And while he kept an ear to what the other servants said, he rarely let it bother him.
Finally, Gwen joined him and they held hands as Morgana stepped into place on the dais and turned slightly to watch Arthur make his way down the steps and the aisle formed in the middle of the crowd. The people were cheering him, not simply because he was now king, but because they loved him. They knew he was fair and just, and most importantly, not his father. The nobility were less pleased, and Merlin hid a smirk with difficulty. The four of them had talked long into the night in recent years, once Uther's health began a slow decline, planning Arthur's kingdom and the changes he would make. Now, three weeks after Uther's death, their plans could come to fruition. So he watched Arthur, recalling the first time he met the man, how they had formed a friendship over that first year, and how the four’s relationships had evolved. Even more importantly, he remembered how they had hidden Morgana's foresight yet still managed to forestall many of the visions once Gaius confessed what she was, and how they had slowly won over the hearts of the citizens. He glanced at Gwen to see she had tears in her eyes. She never let go of his hand.
Arthur finally reached the dais and turned to face the crowd. Appropriately solemn, he spoke. “Citizens of Camelot, I promise to you that I will uphold justice. I promise that Camelot will prosper in a peaceful land. I promise that I will not turn against you in fear and anger. You are the people who make Camelot what it is.” He glanced at Morgana, who carefully placed the crown on Arthur's head and then curtsied, something she had not done for Uther for years. That alone sent gasps through the crowd of nobles. But Arthur was not done speaking. “My father was a good man. He cared for the people of this kingdom, but he made choices I cannot countenance. Today, the law banning magic in Camelot is repealed.” His face grew sterner. “No one should be persecuted, much less executed, for something that they are born with.” The rest of the short speech was drowned out with shouts and boos. Merlin glanced at Gwen and then caught Morgana's eyes, and they grinned at each other. They no longer had to hide, though it would be difficult having the court adjust to a sorcerer and a seer among them.
Arthur left the dais when the crowd calmed slightly, followed by Morgana. The nobility trailed them into the castle, and the servants around Gwen and Merlin swiftly dispersed, many to the additional tasks that the coronation had thrust upon them. But Merlin and Gwen hurried to Arthur's room, still holding hands, where the four of them hugged each other, celebrating in private for a moment. Arthur took off the crown and set it reverently on the table, next to a small chest Merlin had seen only once before. Arthur smiled. “You ready?”
Merlin sat on the bed, pushed up his sleeves, and held his arms out. Gwen and Morgana sat beside him, hands resting on his shoulders. Arthur took the key and unlocked each cuff, taking them off one at a time. When the second one was removed, Merlin's vision swam and he wavered, thankful he wasn’t going to fall on the stone floor like he had when Uther removed them. The women tucked him underneath the covers while Arthur locked the cuffs away. He felt the three of them sitting around him as he lost consciousness.
He woke up a short while later to find them grinning at him, shining brilliantly in the sunlit room. Merlin carefully sat up, not sure if he was ready to, but his vision remained steady. And the world: he had forgotten how bright it was. He laughed and clambered out of bed. The others had already changed out of their coronation outfits into their feast clothes, and Arthur helped Merlin into his. He smiled at Arthur and-- by magic-- moved the crown from the table to place it gently on Arthur's head. The king leaned forward and kissed him. After they broke apart, the women kissed Merlin as well, celebrating circumspectly until they had time for other pleasures later.
The four left the room, holding hands as they walked to the feast.
Rating: PG-13/Teens
Disclaimer: I don’t own Merlin.
Wordcount: 1586.
Pairing: Merlin/Gwen/Morgana/Arthur
Spoilers: The entire first season, especially 1.13
Summary: The four of them had talked long into the night in recent years, once Uther's health began a slow decline, planning Arthur's kingdom and the changes he would make.
Notes: Sequel to The Willful Slaughter of Hope. Betead by lilith_lessfair. The title is taken from Trans-Siberean Orchestra's song "Christmas Dreams." Concrit is welcome. This was written before Season 3. ETA: I did label this as gen in merlinfic, and that's because my definition of gen is stories that do not focus on the romatic relationships even though they (may) appear. ETA2: I removed the "gen" tag from the above community because my definition isn't likely a common one. I'm now debating whether to contact the newsletter and have them reclassify it as 3+. ETA3: I emailed the community. I'm really, really sorry I made this mistake.
Soon Everything Will Be Changing
Merlin slowly opened his eyes, and looked at the woman sleeping next to him. He smiled and kissed Gwen's cheek before rolling over and spotting Arthur lying at the other end of the large bed, hands behind his head and staring upwards. Merlin slowly sat up, ignoring Gwen's murmuring about a sudden lack of covers, and turned to look at the rest of the room, searching for Morgana, who, at last recall, had fallen asleep next to him, still clutching one of Arthur's hands.
She smiled at him from her place near the table, wearing a shift and holding her dress. “Gwen, you need to get up. Arthur's coronation is at noon, and if you don't hurry…”
Gwen shot up, nearly hitting Merlin with her left elbow, covers flying, slipped out of bed, and danced naked over the cool stone to the fireplace. She grabbed a rag sitting in a bucket and began washing herself. Merlin glanced over at Arthur, who smiled and finally looked away from the ceiling. He sat up and grinned at Merlin, reaching out and tapping one of the cuffs. “Only a few more hours.”
Merlin nodded and was tempted to stay in bed as everyone else got ready for the ceremony. But today of all days, Arthur needed his help getting dressed, and it was one day where he truly felt honored to do it. A few more hours was nothing compared to the years he had worn the cuffs. Only a few times had they been removed. And each time they'd been replaced, he had been sick. But he had become used to the lack of magic, the duller world. No longer did he automatically attempt some tasks with magic if he had fallen behind on his duties, for he was still officially Arthur's manservant, as Gwen was Morgana's handmaid. No longer did he act as if he could solve everything by magic. He had learned to use a sword, and while he was still not good, he was passable. He had learned what being normal was like. And while he appreciated that knowledge, he hated what it had cost him.
A life he could be proud of. More intricate control of his magic. More practical knowledge instead of the now-memorized book of spells. The ability to be himself.
Not that he wasn't happy. He was. But the naive boy who had come to Camelot no longer existed. He had matured and learned the hard way that not everyone who tried to be good was good, and that actions had consequences. No, he wouldn't have changed what happened on the Isle of the Blessed, but he would have burned Gaius' letter. Maybe then he would have been able to do more for Arthur.
Morgana kissed him, breaking into his thoughts. “Are you coming?”
Merlin nodded and swiftly dressed for the day. Before he left to bring Gaius to the ceremony, he kissed all three farewell, smiling at the portrait they made, light from the fire glinting off beads, jewels, embroidery, and metal. Even Gwen had a gorgeous new gown that showed that she was far more than a humble servant. And today was the first day it could be openly acknowledged.
He shook his head as he headed down the corridors, remembering his first kiss with Gwen and how shocked he had been when their relationship had progressed beyond that. Later, he'd been still more surprised when she and Morgana had asked him to join them in a triad. He hadn't looked back. Arthur had joined them several months after that, when he realized the relationship among the three of them and how well he fit in.
Merlin knocked loudly on Gaius' door and then opened it. The old man looked up from his seat at a small table and smiled. “I never thought I'd live to see this day, Merlin.”
Merlin hugged him and helped him up from the chair. The new court physician hadn't let Gaius keep the rooms when the former had arrived a couple years ago, but the latter hadn't needed a workshop anymore. So he had a small room in another part of the castle, without many stairs to travel to go outside. The two slowly made their way to the courtyard, Gaius leaning on both Merlin and his cane. When they finally reached the chair set aside for Gaius, directly in front of the wooden dais, he sank into it with a sigh of relief. Merlin fought back the familiar grief that appeared whenever he saw the man. Both of them knew he would not live to see year's end. But as Gaius had said, it was a miracle he had lived to see Arthur become king. After making sure Gaius was settled, Merlin made his way to the section set aside for servants. He ignored the speculative glances some of the others gave him. It was different now, being manservant to a king instead of the crown prince. But he knew he was more than that to Arthur. And while he kept an ear to what the other servants said, he rarely let it bother him.
Finally, Gwen joined him and they held hands as Morgana stepped into place on the dais and turned slightly to watch Arthur make his way down the steps and the aisle formed in the middle of the crowd. The people were cheering him, not simply because he was now king, but because they loved him. They knew he was fair and just, and most importantly, not his father. The nobility were less pleased, and Merlin hid a smirk with difficulty. The four of them had talked long into the night in recent years, once Uther's health began a slow decline, planning Arthur's kingdom and the changes he would make. Now, three weeks after Uther's death, their plans could come to fruition. So he watched Arthur, recalling the first time he met the man, how they had formed a friendship over that first year, and how the four’s relationships had evolved. Even more importantly, he remembered how they had hidden Morgana's foresight yet still managed to forestall many of the visions once Gaius confessed what she was, and how they had slowly won over the hearts of the citizens. He glanced at Gwen to see she had tears in her eyes. She never let go of his hand.
Arthur finally reached the dais and turned to face the crowd. Appropriately solemn, he spoke. “Citizens of Camelot, I promise to you that I will uphold justice. I promise that Camelot will prosper in a peaceful land. I promise that I will not turn against you in fear and anger. You are the people who make Camelot what it is.” He glanced at Morgana, who carefully placed the crown on Arthur's head and then curtsied, something she had not done for Uther for years. That alone sent gasps through the crowd of nobles. But Arthur was not done speaking. “My father was a good man. He cared for the people of this kingdom, but he made choices I cannot countenance. Today, the law banning magic in Camelot is repealed.” His face grew sterner. “No one should be persecuted, much less executed, for something that they are born with.” The rest of the short speech was drowned out with shouts and boos. Merlin glanced at Gwen and then caught Morgana's eyes, and they grinned at each other. They no longer had to hide, though it would be difficult having the court adjust to a sorcerer and a seer among them.
Arthur left the dais when the crowd calmed slightly, followed by Morgana. The nobility trailed them into the castle, and the servants around Gwen and Merlin swiftly dispersed, many to the additional tasks that the coronation had thrust upon them. But Merlin and Gwen hurried to Arthur's room, still holding hands, where the four of them hugged each other, celebrating in private for a moment. Arthur took off the crown and set it reverently on the table, next to a small chest Merlin had seen only once before. Arthur smiled. “You ready?”
Merlin sat on the bed, pushed up his sleeves, and held his arms out. Gwen and Morgana sat beside him, hands resting on his shoulders. Arthur took the key and unlocked each cuff, taking them off one at a time. When the second one was removed, Merlin's vision swam and he wavered, thankful he wasn’t going to fall on the stone floor like he had when Uther removed them. The women tucked him underneath the covers while Arthur locked the cuffs away. He felt the three of them sitting around him as he lost consciousness.
He woke up a short while later to find them grinning at him, shining brilliantly in the sunlit room. Merlin carefully sat up, not sure if he was ready to, but his vision remained steady. And the world: he had forgotten how bright it was. He laughed and clambered out of bed. The others had already changed out of their coronation outfits into their feast clothes, and Arthur helped Merlin into his. He smiled at Arthur and-- by magic-- moved the crown from the table to place it gently on Arthur's head. The king leaned forward and kissed him. After they broke apart, the women kissed Merlin as well, celebrating circumspectly until they had time for other pleasures later.
The four left the room, holding hands as they walked to the feast.