Chapter Text
Chapter 1
It had been three years. Three years since the Battle of Camlann and the defeat of Morganna. Three years since Merlin had dragged Arthur's limp and unconscious body onto the back of Kilgharrah to fly him to the island in the Lake of Avalon to save his life and defy Morderd's destiny. Three years since Arthur's gratitude for the mystery sorcerer in the battle and the Great Dragon's help had been the start of a turning point. Arthur has returned to Camelot grateful to be alive and ready to make peace with the old religion and start to right the wrongs of his father. It had taken time for people to belive him but slowly people started to flock to Camelot and the surrounding kingdoms now united under the protection of Camelot and King Arthur. After three years Merlin's dreams of the Golden Age of Albion had become a reality.
As the druids and Catha and magical healers made their homes in Albion the earth grew richer and stronger with magic. Merlin could feel it; feel their presence in the land and it own strengthened his own magic ten fold. He had even been able to defy death again and bring Lancelot's true form back from beyond the Veil. Arthur had let Gwen go willingly and with grace. They had both come to the mutual understanding that to love one another was not the same as to be in love. So he had anulled the marriage and presided over a new one between Gwen and Sir Lancelot. Lancelot, of course, knew of Merlin's magic and he suspected the knight had shared the information with his wife. After all, it was no longer something to be afraid of. Arthur had made it clear that those who had lived in Camelot in secret with their magic would be given amnesty once the ban was lifted. There were to be no more punishments simply for posessing or using magic. Instead the punishment would fit the crime rather than the weapon. But Gwen had never said anything so Merlin couldn't be sure. Gwaine knew too. It had been the simplest of spells that had caught him out, lighting a fire during a patrol when he had thought everyone was sleeping. Merlin had begged him not to say anything. Gwaine had been confused ("Merls it's cool. It is literally so cool that you have some magic and it's totally legal now anyway.") but he had been a good friend to Merlin and kept his promise not to tell anyone. At least Gwaine didn't know the Emrys aspect of the whole situation or that Merlin had been the mystery battle sorcerer. Arthur and the knights had looked for him for months, wanting to thank and reward him but there was no trace. The Druids knew his name - The Great Emrys - but they didn't know or wouldn't say his whereabouts. Merlin was grateful for them too for keeping his secret.
Because it had been three years since the Battle of Camlann and the repeal of the ban on magic, but Merlin still hadn't told Arthur about his own magic. At first he had been worried. It was one thing for Arthur to be ok with magic in theory, but in reality Merlin still hadn't been convinced. He had seen how Arthur would still flinch at the smallest of spells, not wanting to show his fear but unable to hide an almost pavlovian response that betrayed his true feelings. But then Arthur had genuinely opened his mind to magic. Merlin had watched as Arthur had been fascinated by the healing powers of medicine and how it could be used within warcraft or just to make simple aspects of daily living easier. From there Arthur had read every book, scroll and scrap of paper he could find in Geoffrey's collection desperate to understand more and know everything there was to know about magic. He would listen for hours to visiting sorcerers, Catha priests and Druids wanting to know as much as he could. He had had an alter to the Old Religion erected in the lower town and visit regularly to offer his prayers and hear how the training of new high priestesses was developing. Magic was well and truly flourishing in Camelot. But by the time Merlin really did believe the change in Arthur's heart it had been too long. Too long to simply drop into a casual conversation with his best friend that 'oh by the way I actually have magic too. Was born with it and they say I'm the most powerful sorcerer that ever lived. I might even be immortal.' The magic wouldn't upset Arthur, but the betrayal would. Or, even worse, Arthur might see him differently once he knew of his true power. Not necessarily in a bad light, but different. Maybe make him a lord or a council advisor. Merlin preferred to stay right at Arthur's side, working in the shadows. Because as great as the repeal on the ban of magic had been, it also meant the nastier side of magic was also out in the open too. And Merlin was busier than ever trying to keep the king safe and his socks washed. But the pair were as close as they had ever been, despite constant instistace from Lance, Gwaine, Gaius and even Kilgharrah that Merlin should share who he really was.
If anything Arthur seemed to be under the impression that Merlin was the one who still held reservations about magic. Probably because Merlin always pushed for the harshest of punishments when magic users tried to hurt or kill his king. When he visited fellow magic users he used his Dragoon disguise - he could hold and control the spell much better now - so even they had no idea he was really Merlin. So Arthur had made it his mission to try and prepare Merlin as best he could for the newly understood dangers they could face on quests and patrols. Using the knowledge he had gained from his reading he tried to teach Merlin how to track animals and sorcerers; he tried to teach him to master the sword, the mace, the lance, the crossbow and even hand to hand combat. There had been mixed success. Merlin wasn't terrible with the crossbow and he did seem better than some knights at tracking. But none of it had left Arthur confident that Merlin would have any way to defend himself a magical attack. Neither did Arthur really, unless Merlin was there, but he didn't need to know that. And it was then that Arthur came up with possibly his wildest idea yet.
* * *
"You want me to what?" Merlin cried, almost dropping the empty plates as if Arthur hadn't just casually mentioned something so ridiculous.
"I know! I know, Merlin! I know that magic can be dangerous! But that's exactly why I need you to have some defense for it. And I found a wonderful teacher for you. Say hello, Wallace."
A middle aged man in velvet clothes and a grand looking cloak stepped into the room. Merlin had met this man before. He travelled around Albion trying to acquire magical knowledge and artifacts to improve his own limited ability. Merlin was more grateful than ever that he had always insisted on his Dragoon disguise.
"Hello your majesty, King Arthur." Wallace bowed so deeply that tufts of his greying hair swept the flagstones on the floor.
"He's perfectly trustworthy, Merlin! He comes highly recommended from various nobles across Albion. And, it'll all be perfectly safe!"
Merlin feels himself take a step back as both men turn to look at him. Arthur with such open fondness and Wallance with a slight look of distain. Merlin can feel himself start to panic as he tries to think of a way out of this. There might only be one way out of this.
"Arthur, there's something you need to know. About me and magic--"
"I know what you're going to say, Merlin, and"
"I really don't think you know--"
"--please, for me, just try this. I know you don't really like magic. But please, Merlin. And, you know, even if you're crap at it--which you likely are like everything else--you could probably at least get your eyes to do the gold thing. That'll probably scare off some people from hurting you. Like a rattle snake."
"Arthur, really, you need to listen to me--"
"I'll even do it with you!"
"Arthur, really...Wait what?"
"I'll do it with you! To show you how not dangerous it is! You have no reason to be scared of learning it, Merlin. It'll be easy."
"...You're going to try to learn magic?"
"Yes. How hard could it be?" He shrugs a shoulder as if it really is that simple. "You're going to learn it. Just please, please let Wallace help find a way to keep you a bit safer out in this new Golden Age of magic."
Merlin puts a hand on his hip and looks incredulously at Arthur. He can't bear to hear Arthur practically beg like that. And it could actually be fun. He could watch Arthur struggle. In fact, he could even be his answer to everything. He could pretend to muddle through a few of Wallace's lessons and then maybe achieve a simple spell. Arthur would assume Merlin had learned it from Wallace and from there he could maybe slowly let his true powers be revealed to Arthur. Arthur the prat would probably give himself the credit for it too.
"Okay, then. I'd like to see this. Let's see you do magic, Once And Future Prat, Mr. Magic King."
Arthur looked smug at getting Merlin to agree
"Good. In that case our first lesson starts now."
They both looked to Wallace. Arthur happy, Merlin raising a judgmental eyebrow. Wallace stutters a moment but then gestures for them both to take a seat at the desk and launches into a lecture on the history of magic and the theories behind using it. Merlin is torn between trying to stay awake and desperately wanting to correct the things that Wallance is getting wrong. But to his left Arthur has taken out a quill and is taking notes with rapt attention. Honestly it's kind of adorable and Merlin doesn't want to be the one to ruin the magic. Pun intended.
***
They don't get to the actually magic using part of the lessons until a few days later. In the mean time Wallace does give them both some texts to study. But then, at the arranged time, their next lesson does get to the magic. Wallace has written out the words of a simple spell for them to try: Leoc morla . And on the desk is the unlit torch they are supposed to try and light. Merlin bites his tongue to stop himself from pointing out this isn't even the simplest fire lighting spell to start with for supposed beginners. Bryne would be much much easier.
Wallace has his hands on Arthur's shoulders and his eyes closed as if he's trying to channel or direct the magic through the king.
"You want to really feel into the magic of the world around you. Feel the earth. Feel the connection you have to that earth. Feel the power that runs through it."
Merlin's enjoying it, letting the magic wash over him, and also peeking at Arthur who seems to be struggling with it. Arthur catches his looking, "Anything Merlin?"
"Oh uh, nope. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Can't feel anything either."
He wants to keep watching Arthur struggle.
Their next lesson, Wallace tries to teach them some more basic spells. Lighting a candle ('let's try something smaller than a torch maybe sire') or moving a small object. Merlin laughs at all of Arthur's attempts.
"Well let's see you do better, Merlin!"
Merlin just keeps laughing. Partly at Arthur's screwed up face of determination, and partly at the fact Wallace has once again not got quite the right spell. This spell is for moving people out of the way (throwing them really - a useful one in battle really) but it is never going to get the cup to move across the table. Nevertheless, Merlin keeps purposefully getting the words slightly wrong just in case. Tripping over the language of placing the emphasis in the wrong place. Merlin doesn't even need to say the incantation for this one anymore. He's long since mastered it and can toss people aside with just the flick of his wrist. Arthur, bless him, is patiently trying to demonstrate the correct way to pronounce the spell.
"It's wáce ierlic Merlin, not wace wærlic . Can you hear the difference?"
"I'm not sure, say it again for me."
Wallace let's out a long suffering sigh and Arthur frowns. A knock on the door thankfully puts an end to their lesson as Arthur is needed for a council meeting.
"You should attend too Wallace. As yet I do not have any sorcerers who hold a regular position on my council, only visiting druids or priests when their time will allow or their expertise is required. It could be very informative for you and I both."
Merlin scowls then, behind Wallace's back, as he follows them both out to the Great Hall. As they walk Wallace informs them both that he has homework to assign them - more readings.
* * *
The night before their next lesson Merlin got word that a band of gnomes were digging up fields looking for buried treasures. He had spent the best part of the night trying to negotiate with them before finally convincing them that the only treasure they would find there would be carrots. So Merlin thought he could be forgiven for oversleeping and being late to Arthur's chambers for their next magic lesson. And yet he almost feels guilty as he slips into his seat.
"So," Wallace steeples his fingers together although Merlin for the life of him can't tell what effect he's hoping to achieve. "Did you both do the homework I assigned?"
Arthur proudly tapped the great tome lying next to him.
"Yes, I did. I did all the reading you assigned but I am still having trouble with the actual spell work."
"That's ok sire. It's still early days so there is no need to be disheartened." He turned to Merlin almost as an afterthought.
"Um, no. I didn't have time." He thought of the band of gnomes.
"Merlin!" Arthur cried out in exasperation, "this is supposed to be your lesson!"
"I did try the spells," he tried to reason. "But still nothing. The reading I really didn't have the time for."
It continued that way for the next few weeks. Merlin did genuinely try and set aside time to do Wallace's reading. He wanted to impress Arthur and wipe the annoyed look of their teacher's face whenever he said he hadn't done the homework. He couldn't even fake it as most of the reading was old lores and customs that he didn't always know himself. No-one had ever taught him magic this way, it was always something he had just felt and had to learn to control. Even Gaius had never gone into this much depth and detail with him about the ways of the Old Religion. Some of it was actually interesting. But Merlin's studying time kept getting interrupted. He had a very busy job - not just serving the king. He'd assumed he would have less work to do once magic was legalised, but no. Instead there were more magic beasts roaming the land wreaking havoc in their own right or freaking people out and causing them to attack said magical beasts. The resulting fights could lead to nasty magical injuries, on both sides, that needed taking care of. So Merlin was constantly slipping away to try and resolve matters before their escalated, or cleaning up the aftermath when he was too late. He'd become much better at calming dangerous beasts and always relocated them rather than harmed them wherever possible. But relocatating took him much longer that just killing. So he's as busy as he ever was before the ban on magic was lifted and he spent most of his time secretly dealing with vengeful sorcerers. But now it was staying up all night to settle a griffin family into a new den up in the White Mountains, or undoing all the tricks a set of three leprechaun brothers had played on unsuspecting washerwomen. So at the start of every magic lesson when Wallace asked about the homework Merlin had to mumble he hadn't had the time and watched as Arthur became more and more upset at the apparent lack of effort Merlin was putting in.
After their fifth session of poor homework excuses Arthur put a hand on Merlin's shoulder to hold him back after their lesson.
"Are you really too busy to do the studying, or is it something else? Are you really still that reluctant to even try and learn some magic?"
His king looked so crestfallen and he couldn't bear it.
"I really am just that busy Arthur. In case it had escaped your notice I do still have two full time jobs (three if he included the his magical beast side hustle). Between you and Gaius I can practice the spells while I work but the reading is just too much to find the time for."
Arthur considered it for a moment.
"Take the day off."
"What?" Merlin put a hand to Arthur's forehead. "Are you feeling ok?"
"Oh sod off," he brushed Merlin's hand aside. "I'm serious Merlin. I want you to take these lessons seriously. They're for you after all, I'm just here to encourage you really. You're hopeless with any weapons. How you've survived this long is quite frankly a miracle. But the dangers of magic are more in the open now, but so are the means to defend against it. Merlin I," he faltered and seemed to consider his next words carefully. "Merlin I will deny this if anyone ever asks, but you mean a great deal to me. You might just be the closest friend I have. Although what that says about me I'm not quite sure. I can't stand to think of you hurt or," he swallowed, "or worse. So if a day off to catch up on your studies is what is takes for you to treat this seriously then a day off it is. Starting right now. I'm sure I can manage for a day without you."
Merlin raises an eyebrow that Gaius would be proud of.
"Really? You think so. I was sick for a day once and you could barely dress yourself."
"Yes, well. There is always George."
"I'm not sure who I should wish good luck to, you or him. But Arthur," his voice lost the teasing tone, "I will take it more seriously. I promise."
He resolved to spend a morning with Gaius, getting him to explain some of what Wallace's assigned reading was about. And maybe it was time to 'master' a simple spell so Arthur could see how much progress he was making. But first, if he had an actual night off, an evening with Gwaine in the tavern seemed quite appealing.
* * *
The Rising Sun was already busy when he and Gwaine arrived but they were able to find a small table tucked into a corner. Merlin heard Wallace before he saw him, holding court with several rather beautiful young women. Bragging. Merlin recognised a few of them an trainee priestesses from the alter.
"Of course it is a great honour to be teaching the king everything about magic. I am sure in time, with my teaching expertise, our king will master the craft himself. It's a shame about his serving boy though. No aptitude for learning that one. And lazy too. But I suppose it makes sense the king would want the man closest to him to have some defense against an attack, so I shall teach him if I must."
He can hear the tittering laughs of the girls and Merlin rolls his eyes as they ask questions about Arthur. How does he smell? Is his hair really as golden up close? Is there any talk of a new queen now Gwen is with Lance? It's clear that Wallace is lapping up the attention. Until one girl asks "But surely the king has Emrys looking out for him on all magical issues? He is under Emrys' protection so why would he need his servant to train in magic.?"
Merlin craned his neck to look over Gwaine's shoulder. He recognised the girl. Lyra was one of the trainee high priestesses. They knew that Emrys had been the sorcerer that morning on the battlefield. And she was right that Arthur, and by extension Camelot, was under Emrys' protection.
Wallace huffed.
"Well. I've certainly never met the man. He doesn't seem to be all that available to answer the kings questions and offer him his wisdom. Which is no surprise with how busy he must be. Which is of course why the king sought out my teachings."
Gwaine puts his tankard down a little harder than necessary and ale slops over the top. Merlin wrinkles his nose.
"Who the fuck even is this guy Merlin? Where did Arthur find him?"
"He came highly recommended apparently. Arthur says he's the second son of some noble family in one of the outer kingdoms of Albion where magic was never outlawed so he's been able to study and practice his whole life. Honestly I wasn't listening that much. But he has taught all sorts of other noble families across Albion, even a few royal ones apparently. Although I've yet to hear of any kings or queens with any kind of magic so either he's lying about that or he's just a shit teacher. I'm not even sure how possible it is to teach someone magic if they don't have a scrap of it in them. Magic is a gift to be tamed, not created."
"Well. You would know. You're the one who actually has magic after all."
Merlin's eyes widened as he looked frantically around them.
"Shh. People don't know."
"Relax. No-one here is listening to us. Most of them would be too drunk to remember this conversation even if they were listening. I still think you should tell him though."
"And I still think you're wrong."
"Whatever. So this Wallace guy?" He raised his drink to his lips again as he let Merlin finish the rant he was clearly so desperate to have.
"Right. So he's basically a magic tutor for the rich. And he thinks he's something special because he has taught nobles and knights and princesses. And he clearly thinks it's so beneath him to be teaching a servant, but he can't exactly say anything because I'm the whole reason Arthur even hired him in the first place. And at least he can brag about teaching the Once and Future King. Which is just arrogant. Because if I did have magic ("Which you do" Gwaine points out, but Merlin keeps talking) then he should want to nurture that talent regardless of my social status because that's what the Old Religion teaches. But he's just cocky and he doesn't even really have much skill himself. Sure he can light a torch or the fire in the hearth, or move objects around in Arthur's room. But that's such entry level stuff. He's not yet shown us anything I wasn't already doing by my seventh birthday. And it's not just me who says that. When I mentioned him to Gaius he said the guy is well read on the subject but within the followers of the Old Religion, before the Great Purge, it was someone he had barely heard of or come across. And the Druids who came to visit last week for that feast certainly didn't seem all that impressed with him." That's only have the truth. They had actually seemed completely baffled that this man was trying to teach Merlin magic at all. But not for the reasons Wallace had assumed given how much he went on and on to them about only teaching Merlin because it was the request of the king. Ishren, one of the Druids, had raised an eyebrow at Merlin who had then tried to avoid his gaze all night.
"He's basically just a magic nerd who thinks he's the triple goddesses' gift to magic but he really really isn't. I'm honestly starting to worry he's angling for a more permanent role on Arthur's council though since the Druids keep refusing the offer and the Catha and and Priestesses will never align themselves to a single ruler in that way. He's just so... ugh so basic really."
Gwaine smirked.
"No go on, tell us how you really feel."
"Sorry I just... what's the point of him really."
"Well, if you just told Arthur that you're actually kind of magical yourself he might just get rid of Wallace."
"Trust me. I have a plan and I'm working on it. But," he leaned forward as a thought occurred to him, "what if I show Arthur a few spells to pretend I'm starting to get the hang of it but it actually encourages him to keep Wallace because he think his teaching is working ."
"Well well well, Merlin." He leans back to gesture to the barmaid for another round. "That is quite the predicament you seem to have gotten yourself into. If only there were a simple way out of this. Oh wait..."
Merlin's eyes flashed gold and the contents of a Gwaine's fresh drink upended itself across his lap.
* * *
At their next lesson Merlin is ready. He really had spent the morning talking though customs and lores of the Old Religion with Gaius. He had visited the alter, without his disguise, when he had more questions that even Gaius coudn't answer. And he had been practicing the spell they were working on this week. Well. Practicing containing it. Making sure it was small and he didn't seem too confident or competent with it yet. At their last lesson Wallace had announced, "I fear we simply haven't found your specialty yet my lord. For some it is healing magic, others it is potions and poultices and for some it is the more elemental magic that comes most strongly to them. So I would like us to try that next for you."
"Well, for Merlin really. That could be useful, right?" He had turned to his servant. "Imagine if you could control the weather to create storms to blow enemies away or pull trees out from the roots to hurl across a battlefield."
Yeah , Merlin had thought, just imagine .
So Wallace had set them even more reading, this time all about elemental magic. But this was a topic Merlin did actually consider himself to be a bit of an expert in. And the spell of the week was a rain spell.
It was Arthur's turn first. His hand was stretched out in front of him, as Wallace had instructed, and he was repeating the incantation to try and conjure rain. " Hre ǵ rēn ." He repeated it again and again until frustration got the better off him and his arm dropped back to his side in defeat.
It was sweet how much Arthur was pouring into this. These lessons between them were becoming sacred. It was like stepping into a bubble for a few hours at a time where they were the most equal that had ever been. Just two young men, trying hopelessly (for one of them at least) to master a new skill. Arthur was too focused in these sessions for the usual teasing or jibes with Merlin. Here, in Arthur's chambers for their lessons, it was all about Arthur encouraging Merlin.
"I need a break. Let Merlin have a go."
Wallace clearly bit back whatever retort he had in mind. That made what Merlin was about to do feel all the sweeter. "Very well. Merlin step into the centre of the room if you will. And remember it is Hre ǵ rēn."
Merlin stretched his hand out just as Wallace had showed them. He was so smug about what was about to happen he almost forgot to utter the spell out loud.
" Hre ǵ rēn."
He felt the flash of gold in his eyes and the warm sensation of the magic flowing out from his centre and through his fingertips. There, in the middle of the room, was a teeny tiny rain cloud hovering just off the ground and starting to form a puddle as the raindrops fell.
He wasn't sure who was more stunned, Wallace or Arthur. Wallace looked on in clear shock at the small cloud - quite possibly more aware than he let on how tricky elemental magic really was. But Merlin didn't have long to take in the expression on his face before Arthur threw himself at him in a bone crushing hug.
"Shit Merlin you did it, you actually did it. I'm so fucking proud of you."
He felt the king squeeze around his back and nuzzle his nose into the crook of Merlin's neck. He took the opportunity to take a big inhale of the king and the soap he used in his hair. Yeah, if this was the reaction a simple spell was going to get from Arthur Merlin could foresee that he would be 'mastering' a new spell again soon. He didn't even care if Wallace took the credit.
"Congratulations young man. Or perhaps I should say young warlock, as it seems you do possess a spark of magic after all."
"Thank you so much for persevering with him Wallace." He slug an arm around Merlin's shoulders. "I know he can be a bit of a clotpole ('hey that's my word') but I really am so glad to see him succeed in this thanks to your hard work."
Ok, Merlin had lied. Maybe he did care a bit if Wallace took the credit.
"Do it again Merlin."
So he did. And a second, ever so slightly bigger, rain cloud appeared in the middle of the room and the puddle only grew faster. Merlin knew it would be hist job to mop that up.
"Look Merlin, it's getting bigger already. Just goes to show you should have been doing your homework all along as it's clear practice makes perfect."
"Oh yeah? And what has all your hours and hours of practice achieved then dollophead."
"Merlin. I am still the king, you can't talk to me like that."
"Oh yeah?"
He turned his outstretched palm towards Arthur and was so relieved to see him not even flinch.
"Merlin. Merlin you wouldn't dare."
"Are you sure about that? Hre ǵ rēn. " A third rain cloud appeared, right over Arthur's head. The rain quickly soaked his hair and soaked through the shoulders of his shirt, but Arthur didn't move.
"Er, Arthur? Are you ok? I can... I can stop it. I think I can make them stop."
"Your eyes."
"My what? My eyes?"
"They... like liquid gold."
"Oh," he chuckled and ran a hand across the back of his neck nervously. His concentration broken and all three clouds vanished leaving just a puddle on the floor and a damp Arthur. "Yeah I guess... I guess they do that."
"It's incredible. Beautiful even."
Ok, yeah. If that's how Arthur is going to react to just one spell Merlin is absolutely going to be mastering more.
And if Arthur spends the next week surrounded by tiny rain clouds well, that's just Merlin practicing like his king instructed him to.