There and Back Again

When Merlin awoke, he was most surprised to find himself in unfamiliar surroundings.

He was in a large and lovely bedroom and was lying on most comfortable bed. His shirt, jacket, and neckerchief were resting on the table beside the bed, and his torso and abdomen were heavily bandaged. He tried to sit up, but there was a flash of pain in his side, which forced him back down. Gandalf seemed to appear from nowhere and helped him.

"Easy there, young Merlin," said Gandalf. "Aithusa and I healed the worst of your wounds, but you're still hurt and need to lie still to heal."

Gandalf adjusted the pillows so that Merlin could sit up and still rest. Merlin tried to speak, but Gandalf gently silenced him.

"Don't speak just yet. You've been out for five days. I want you drink some broth and then some water first, so that you might regain your strength," said Gandalf.

Merlin's eyes widened. Five days? I've been out for five days! Despite his desire to speak, he obeyed Gandalf's wishes. He drank the broth, which tasted delicious and had a large drink of water which soothed his dry throat, before hoarsely asking, "Gandalf, what happened? Did we win? Are the others safe? Where're Smaug and Azog?"

"Slow down, Merlin, and rest. We won," assured Gandalf. "Our dwarves are a bit injured, but they're alive. Aithusa's safe as well. Azog's gone for good and there's peace again. It seems that when Azog fell, the orcs and goblins lost their nerve and fled. They've long since gone and we're slowly making repairs to Erebor. As for Smaug, he's been guarding the Mountain ever since you passed out on Thorin's orders. He's quite displeased about it, but he's being obedient and has yet to cause trouble."

Merlin heaved a sigh of relief. "Good. So, how much trouble am I in?" He had no doubt that he was in trouble after nearly dying as he did.

"Plenty," replied Gandalf. He looked somewhat stern. "You gave us all a mighty good scare, Merlin. Were it not for your link with Thorin, we would've thought you dead. You're a good man and you've done well, but in future, you must try not to be a self-sacrificing idiot all the time."

Merlin smiled at Gandalf's teasing tone. "Well, you know. Old habits die hard."

"Well, then you then must do better at it," said Gandalf. "See for yourself. Poor Thorin worried himself ill about you."

"What?" said Merlin. He looked where Gandalf was pointing and saw Thorin hunched over asleep in the chair next to his bed and Aithusa was sleeping on Thorin's lap. "How long has he been here?"

"Whenever he wasn't busy tending to the aftermath of the battle, he was here watching over you," replied Gandalf. "He's even made friends with Aithusa. It seems they've bonded over their fondness for you. I think Thorin might even want adopt you."

Merlin's jaw dropped as Gandalf laughed. Thorin might want to adopt him? He hadn't expected that. He didn't know how to respond to that, but he did know he needed to let Thorin knew he was okay.

"Has he been asleep long?"

"Long enough. I think he'd like to see you, wouldn't you?" said Gandalf.

"Indeed," said Merlin. Thorin? Thorin, wake up.

Merlin? came the sleepy reply. Is that really you or am I dreaming again?

Merlin chuckled to himself. Yes and no. You're sleeping, but I'm really awake and talking to you right now. Wake up so we can talk properly.

At once, Thorin's eyes shot up and he leapt out of his chair, which knocked down Aithusa. The little dragon let out several indignant noises before it saw Merlin was awake and cheered in delight. Merlin was then the victim of many happy licks to the face from the dragon hatchling.

"I'm glad to see you too, Aithusa," said Merlin, laughing. "Stop it, that tickles! I'm okay, I promise you."

Aithusa ceased licking Merlin's face before he purred and nuzzled his Dragonlord.

"It's good to see you, Merlin," said Thorin. "We thought we might've lost you back there. How're you feeling?"

"Sore and hungry, but other than that, I'm fine," said Merlin. "How're you and the others?"

"We're fine," assured Thorin. "They should be here soon to check on you. Before they arrive, I've got something for you." He then smacked the side of Merlin's head.

"Ow! What was that for?" demanded Merlin.

"For scaring us all as you did," said Thorin. He gazed at Merlin with the utmost sternness. "Merlin, what on earth were you thinking?"

Merlin hesitated, but then sighed and said, "I saw Azog kill you in my vision. I couldn't let that happen. Besides, what's a servant's life compared to that of a king's?"

Thorin sighed in exasperation. "You really have no idea of what you mean to us, do you? You are not a servant here, Merlin! You're our friend and more importantly, you are a part of this family. None of us want to lose you. Not now, not ever. So, if you ever do something like that again, then whether you're a warlock or not, I will lock you in the dungeon just to keep you safe and out of trouble. Got it?"

"I got it," said Merlin. He would at least try, if nothing else. He knew Thorin had been more worried than anything else, so he wasn't at all angry.

Thorin's face softened as he smiled. "Good. You know, if this is what you're like in Camelot, then I very much pity Arthur."

"Oi!" said Merlin, indignantly, as Thorin and Gandalf laughed.

At that moment, the door swung open to reveal Bofur. "Gandalf, has—Merlin! You're awake!" Bofur's face was now lit up with immense joy and relief. He then turned his head. "Lads, Merlin's awake! He's awake!"

The next thing Merlin knew, he was being hugged by his dwarves, who were immensely happy to have their warlock back.

There was peace in the land again and they were all together, safe and sound.

All was well.

XXX

Several months later, Merlin found himself gazing at the view from a window in Thorin's home. Everything was peaceful and he was enjoying the moment.

Regarding Gandalf's business in the south, after recovering from his wounds, Merlin had inquired to Gandalf the full story about the Necromancer and the blade Radagast had found, but Gandalf had declined to speak of it. Gandalf had told Merlin he was better off not knowing what had occurred and Merlin decided not to press for answers. Merlin had let things be as he knew from personal experience that there were some things people just shouldn't know about.

The Wood Elves and people of Lake-Town had long since left. They'd been given their promised share of the treasure and they'd returned to their homes in peace and good friendship. It seemed that the years of mistrust and anger had finally ended between the elves and dwarves and their relationship was on the mend.

As for Smaug, no one in Erebor wanted the dragon to stay there anymore than Smaug wanted to be there if he couldn't rule through fear and not have his treasure. So, Merlin had ordered the dragon to leave Erebor and go somewhere he could live in peace and never return as long as the dragon lived. Smaug was to neither harm nor kill anyone unless it was in self-defense and never again be greedy nor cruel. While the dragon disliked Merlin's commands, Smaug could not disobey and so he took off. No one was sad to see Smaug go.

In a way, Merlin had destroyed the dragon as the prophecy said, for Smaug could no longer act upon his corrupt and evil nature.

Despite some minor disputes, Thorin's right to rule had been accepted and he was proving to be a good king. Merlin had been helping him along with Gandalf and the other dwarves to restore Erebor to its former glory and their efforts had been successful. They were all pleased to be home again and the kingdom was flourishing again as it once had. The time of peace and plenty had come again.

At that moment, it was a beautiful day and all was peaceful. It was early spring. It had been late summer when Merlin had come to Middle-Earth. It had been three months short of a year since the beginning of the quest to reclaim Erebor, far longer than Merlin had expected to be in Middle-Earth.

"Getting lost in your thoughts again, are you, Merlin?" said Thorin, startling him.

"Seems the perfect day to do so," said Merlin, smiling.

Thorin nodded. "You were thinking of Camelot again, weren't you?"

"Yes," he admitted.

Thorin sighed. "I thought as much. I've spoken with Gandalf and he says the full moon is just two nights from now. You could return to Camelot then if you wished. But I'd like to make you an offer first."

"Oh?" said Merlin, intrigued. What kind of offer could you make, old friend?

"Merlin, I want you to stay here," said Thorin. "I would like to make you my heir. And I think I speak for all of us when I saw we would be sad to see you leave us."

For a moment, Merlin was stunned. He wanted to say yes as it was a great offer, but then he thought back to Camelot where his home, destiny and loved ones waiting for him and he knew he had to make a different decision.

"Thorin, I…I can't," said Merlin. "What you're offering, I'm honored. Coming to Middle-Earth and meeting you and the others has been one of the best things, that has ever happened to me. This place and all of Middle-Earth will always be my second home and all of you will always be my second family, but my place is in Camelot. I'm needed there. It's where I belong."

Merlin would miss Middle-Earth and all the friends he'd made there, but the time had come for him to go home.

Thorin looked disappointed and sad, but not surprised. "I thought as much, but I had to ask. Very well, Merlin. If you wish to return, we'll help you. But know this, though you aren't from Middle-Earth, you will always have a home here and should you ever have need of us, we'll find a way to be there."

"I feel the same Thorin," said Merlin, as they embraced. "And if you ever somehow find your way to Camelot or if you need me, you know how to find me."

Thorin smiled. "Will you at least have one last feast before you go?"

"Are you mad? Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world," said Merlin, smiling back.

XXX

Two nights later came the full moon and a celebration full of feasting and dancing and song with many human, elves and dwarves and of course, Gandalf. As it was meant to honor Merlin for all he'd done and the great friendships he'd formed, one never would've thought there was a bittersweet feeling to it all as they were all reluctant to see Merlin depart with Aithusa.

Near the hour of midnight and the full moon's rising, came the end of the celebrations time for partings and farewells. Standing in front of a large crystal Gandalf said was necessary for the spell, Merlin stood. He was fully packed with his Elven sword, his share of the treasure and gifts from the dwarves, and Aithusa was sitting on top of the chest, protecting it.

Everyone came up to speak to Merlin for possibly the last time and share a possible final embrace. There were no dry eyes among any of them as Merlin said his good-byes to Gandalf and the dwarves, not even among the elves or Thorin.

After saying good-bye to the Wood Elves, Merlin said his good-byes to Elrond, who was most sad at Merlin's departure.

"I'll miss you greatly, Merlin son of Balinor, Lord of Dragons," said Elrond, as they shared a tight embrace. "You've done your father proud. Don't ever forget anything that's happened to you here and never change. Promise me."

"I promise," said Merlin.

"Take this with you," said Elrond. He slipped an Elven-made pendant onto Merlin's neck. "Now, all in Camelot will know you as Merlin Elf-Friend."

Merlin smiled. "Thank you, Elrond, for everything."

Elrond smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Merlin."

Gandalf then came up to Merlin. "Well, Mister Merlin, it's been quite an adventure."

"Indeed," said Merlin. He then sighed and looked sad as tears glistened in his eyes. "Can I ask you a favor, Gandalf?"

"But of course. You've more than earned many favors," said Gandalf.

"Don't forget me," said Merlin, softly.

Gandalf smiled. "A Wizard never forgets, Merlin. And even if it were possible, I wouldn't forget you. People will be telling your story for years to come. Don't be so sad. Magic works in mysterious ways, and we'll see each other again. Of that much, I am certain."

Merlin smiled sadly as he embraced the wizard. "I'm glad of it."

When they broke apart, Merlin shared a tight and almost bone-breaking embrace with all the dwarves of his company along with several tears. Merlin was glad to go home, but he was going to miss everyone he'd befriended in Middle-Earth. It was so incredibly bittersweet.

Thorin was the last one to say farewell. "Merlin, I want to thank you," he said. "Without you, none of this would've been possible. You're a great warlock, burglar and Dragnlord, but an even better man. Arthur is a lucky to have you for a friend serving at his side."

"Thank you, Thorin," said Merlin. "It's been a great honor to help you. I'm sure your father and grandfather would be proud of you. You'll be a great king. I know it."

Thorin smiled. "That's kind of you to say. Before you go, I wish for you to take this." He held up a box and opened it and much to Merlin's shock, the box contained the Arkenstone.

"The Arkenstone? Thorin, I can't take this!" protested Merlin.

"Yes, you can," said Thorin, firmly. "This stone was never meant for Middle-Earth. It belongs in the hands of King Arthur. Destiny says so and I agree."

Merlin hesitated again. "But why? Arthur's a great king and a good man, but why is it that the Arkenstone belongs to him?"

"Because legend says the stone originated from Camelot before it somehow found its way here and embedded itself in the mountain," explained Thorin. "It is said it first belong to Arthur's ancestor and when it is returned to its rightful owner, it will 'glow like the sun.' Arthur is the stone's rightful owner and I feel he'll be a better one than my grandfather was. More importantly, it is a gift from all of us, a token of Middle-Earth's gratitude for all you've done, Merlin. Please, take it."

Merlin was stunned by this revelation. However he was about to refuse again, but then he saw the looks everyone was giving him and found himself unable to refuse. "Thank you," he said, as he took the box. "I'm sure Arthur will be honored to have it."

"He should be even more honored to have you back at his side," said Balin, as the others nodded in agreement.

"And Merlin, you tell that royal prat of a king of yours that if he doesn't treat you with the respect you deserve, we'll all come over to Camelot, stick him in butter and fry him like a fish supper," said Thorin, as Gandalf and the others nodded in agreement.

Merlin chuckled and nodded. "I will, Thorin, I promise. Farewell, my friends. I'll see you all again someday."

At the stroke of midnight, the portal appeared. Merlin waved good-bye and then departed through the portal with his new possessions and Aithusa at his side, leaving behind Middle-Earth for the heavens alone knew how long and returning to Camelot a changed man.

XXX

The sun was shining, the sky was clear and the spring weather pleasant, but it was in sheer contrast to the mood of young King Arthur Pendragon as he walked out into the courtyard with his knights and friends. It was the day of Merlin's funeral and he was anything but happy.

Nine weeks previously, Arthur had learnt of Merlin's secret in the worst of ways and he had reacted as one might've expected. He'd gone into shock and then he'd been angry—angry to find out that Merlin was a warlock and hadn't told him and angry at himself for being so blind as to the great man Merlin truly was. The worst part was, after Merlin had told him the full story, they'd been attacked before Arthur could give Merlin any sign of acceptance. Merlin had shoved Arthur out of the way of their attack's blow and the result had been a great light and blast that caused Merlin to vanish.

Arthur had been devastated at the loss. Returning Camelot without him and having to explain Merlin's absence to the knights, Gaius and Gwen and see their heartbroken expressions, had hurt just as much, if not more.

Arthur had lost many friends over the years and each loss hurt greatly, but it was the loss of Merlin that hurt the most. Arthur hadn't wanted to believe Merlin was dead at first, but after so many fruitless attempts to find him, he'd been forced to admit the loss. Though he'd only said so to his wife Guinevere, he missed the bumbling warlock. He missed their friendship and playful banter, and knew he'd never find a more loyal friend like Merlin even if he had all the time in the world. Arthur knew couldn't bring Merlin back, but he could at least honor Merlin's memory and make him proud with returning magic to Camelot.

And he'd been doing just that over the past nine weeks. Despite some protests among his council, Arthur had insisted on honoring Merlin as the great man Merlin was. He'd allowed magic back into the kingdom and was writing up the ways that magic wasn't to be practiced in the kingdom and looking for a Court Warlock in honor of Merlin's work.

Arthur glanced at his knights and friends. They looked just as sad and solemn as he felt, especially Gaius, which came as no surprise as Merlin had been everyone's best friend before he was taken from them. They all missed him greatly and would continue to do so forevermore.

After taking a deep breath, Arthur began his farewell speech. "Today, we gather to honor a great man. While many saw Merlin as just a servant, he was so much more than that. He drove me mad sometimes, but I always knew I could count on him. He helped me change from the spoilt prat I once was into a better man. He sacrificed much for this kingdom and served it and me with the utmost loyalty for years without any thought of reward or gratitude. Merlin was more than a warlock or my manservant. He was without a doubt, the bravest, most loyal and selfless, and the finest man I ever had the honor of knowing. And I wish more than anything, that he was still here with us."

Just then, Arthur and the entire gathering in the courtyard were startled as a bright light that boomed like thunder appeared and there was the sound of a man yelling. The light disappeared as quickly and when it had, Arthur was shocked to see a big-eared, neckerchief-wearing warlock flat on his face with a bit of luggage and a white dragon hatchling beside him.

"Ow," he moaned, as he sat up and rubbed his nose. "That was not pleasant."

The dragon made a worried noise as it looked at the man with concern.

"I'm okay, Aithusa. I'm just sore and I think I nearly broke my nose. Why can I never land somewhere soft, like a bale of hay?" he said.

The dragon, or 'Aithusa' as it was called, seemed to shrug its tiny shoulders before nudging his hands and making frantic sounds.

"Aithusa, what're you—? Oh."

The man looked up and all at once, he was recognized. It was Merlin. His clothes were a bit different, he was carrying a strange-looking blade and a stunning yet unusual pendant, but it was Merlin. He was alive and well and certainly anything but dead.

"Um…" said Merlin, looking sheepish. "Hi?"

All at once, there were gasps of astonishment and looks of disbelief. For a moment, no one spoke, but then Gaius said hesitantly, "Merlin? Is that really you?"

"Yeah," said Merlin. He stood up as tears glistened in his eyes. "Gaius?"

"Merlin!" cried Gaius. He immediately crossed the courtyard as tears slid down his cheeks and he tightly embraced his nephew for the first time in so long. "I've missed you."

"I know. I'm so sorry," said Merlin, as he returned the embrace. "I missed you too, Gaius. I'm sorry I was gone so long, but I tried to get back as soon as I could after I disappear, I swear."

"It doesn't matter. All that does matter is that you're home now and you're safe," said Gaius, smiling as they broke apart. "I never truly gave up on you. I knew that somehow you were still out there somewhere."

Merlin was then embraced by all his friends, who'd missed him greatly. They all expressed their relief that he was not dead and demanded an explanation as to where he'd been for the past nine weeks.

"I'll tell you all everything soon, I promise!" said Merlin, after nearly being crushed in one of Percival's embraces. "But it's a really long story, and I—" he was cut off by the king's yell.

"WHERE THE DEVIL HAVE YOU BEEN, MERLIN?" yelled Arthur. He'd been rather quiet up until that point as the situation hadn't fully settled on him until then.

Immediately there was silence and everyone parted, leaving Arthur a clear path to Merlin, who stood there, awkwardly. Merlin rubbed the back of his neck, as he often did when he was nervous. "Arthur," he said. "I take it you're still angry?"

"Angry? Oh, no. Why would I be angry? After all, I just spent the last nine weeks thinking you were dead! Where have you been?" demanded Arthur.

Merlin frowned in confusion. "Nine weeks?" he repeated. "But it was nine months for me. Why—? Oh, time must past differently between here and…well, where I was."

Arthur nodded as he stepped closer to Merlin. "I see. Well, that makes everything better, then. Doesn't it?"

"Well, no, I'm not saying that—"

"Merlin," interrupted Arthur. There was no anger in Arthur's voice or face at all. Rather, there were tears glistening in his eyes. "For once in your life, just shut up." The next thing Arthur knew, he was embracing his friend for the first time in so long.

It was quite a tearful reunion with a tight embrace, many tears and murmurs of, "I'm sorry," and "forgive me," and "it's okay," were shared between the king and warlock. They had greatly missed one another and were glad to be reunited. Without each other, the two best friends and brothers in all but blood had felt empty and incomplete, for as Kilgarrah had said, they were two sides of the same coin.

"I'm so sorry, Merlin. I shouldn't have reacted as I did," said Arthur.

"It's okay," said Merlin. "I understand. I'm the one who should be sorry."

"Let's just call it even then, shall we?" said Arthur, as they broke apart. "And for the love of all that's holy Merlin, don't you ever do that to me again. A half-decent servant's hard to come by, you know."

"Okay, okay, I'll do my best. I promise," said Merlin. "But, uh, speaking of servants; am I still yours or am I sacked?"

"You're not my servant, but you're not sacked either," said Arthur, flatly. He then smiled a little at the confused look on Merlin's face. "You're my best friend, my brother and my equal. I'm not interested in having you serve as my manservant, but as my Court Warlock."

Merlin's jaw dropped. "Court Warlock?" he repeated. "Are you serious?"

"Quite. While you've been gone, I've been legalizing magic amongst other things. I just need a Court Warlock and I'd like you for the job. That is, if you want it," said Arthur.

Merlin looked overjoyed as he nodded. "Are you mad? Of course I do. I'm free. I don't have to hide anymore. It's everything I ever dreamed of."

"I know," said Arthur, smiling. He knew everything now. "We owe you so much more than we can ever repay and we're so lucky to have you on our side. But honestly, Merlin, I want there to be no more secrets between us. Are we agreed?"

"Agreed," said Merlin, smiling as they shook hands.

"As much as I hate to ruin the moment, I think that someone owes us an explanation as to where he was for the past nine weeks," said Gwaine, as all eyes fell upon Merlin.

"He's right. Honestly, Merlin, what were you thinking, disappearing like that? Do you've any idea how much you worried us all?" asked Gwen, sternly. "Why didn't you contact us to let us know you were okay?"

Merlin sighed in exasperation. "Well, it's not my fault. It's not like I planned to just disappear to Middle-Earth and be unable to contact you! I can't control every little magical occurrence in the world. It sort of just happened!"

Everyone stared at him at this.

"Middle-Earth?" repeated Gaius, confused. "Merlin, Middle-Earth is a myth. It doesn't—" He stopped himself when Merlin opened the box containing the Arkenstone and held it up for all to see. When Arthur dared to reach for it and hold it, it glowed like fire as Thorin had said.

"Is that the Arkenstone?" asked Gwaine, in awe.

"Yep," said Merlin, proudly. He then placed on Arthur's neck, for Thorin had given it a strong chain and clasp. "And now it's where it belongs, right in your hands, Arthur Pendragon."

"But you can't have that stone! It's impossible," said Elyan, stunned.

"Elyan, you do realize you're talking to Merlin, don't you?" said Arthur. He shook his head at Merlin after glancing at the rather stunning gemstone. "I think we'd better have a meeting of the Knights of the Round Table so you can explain exactly what happened and where you've been for the past nine weeks."

"I think that would be best," said Gaius.

"Fine. Just as long as Aithusa can come too," said Merlin, as the dragon eagerly chirped.

Arthur looked exasperated, but agreed.

So, over breakfast and several glasses of wine, Merlin told his rather exciting and almost unbelievable story at the Round Table to his friends and loved ones. His audience was a very good one, for they asked questions at the right times, laughed at the amusing parts, gasped at the exciting bits and looked simply amazed at it all.

"…and then Aithusa and I went through the portal and wound up back home. I then made myself known you all and here we are now," finished Merlin, as he stroked the now-sleeping dragon in his lap. "That's the end of that."

Everyone stared at him in disbelief.

"So, let me get this straight. While we were over here, worrying ourselves sick over you and thinking you were dead, you were off having adventures and saving a kingdom from a corrupt dragon?" said Arthur, in disbelief.

"It sounds pretty bad when you put it like that, but yes," said Merlin, sheepishly. "That's pretty much what happened."

Everyone laughed at that.

"Merlin, mate, you're truly one of a kind," said Gwaine, laughing. "No one else could've pulled that off. Just you."

"But, seriously, Merlin, a dwarf king offered to make you his heir and you said no? Why did you choose to come back when for all you knew, Arthur was going to do something nasty?" asked Elyan, curiously. "Not that we're not glad to have you back, but seriously. Why?"

Merlin looked thoughtful. "Because I knew that whatever happened, my place was here. I'll admit, I'll miss my friends in Middle-Earth and some of my time there was enjoyable. But it didn't matter if Arthur banished me or not, because I'd still have found a way to stay by his side like I promised. He's my king and my friend."

Arthur just looked down at his hands. "I don't deserve your loyalty or your friendship."

"Yes, you do," said Merlin, insistently. "I wouldn't still be serving you if you didn't."

Arthur smiled at this. "Thank you, Merlin."

"You're Welcome," said Merlin. "And honestly, guys, I was always going to come back. This is my home, you're my friends and my family. This is where I belong."

Everyone smiled and looked considerably touched by this.

"We missed you too, Merlin," said Gwen. "And now that you're back, we're not letting you go again, ever."

"And if you ever even think about doing something like that or anything that involves some stupid self-sacrificing nonsense ever again, you'll be in the stocks for a year and that's a promise!" said Arthur, sternly.

"Alright, I promise, already!" said Merlin, in exasperation. "I will try not to go off on insane adventures without telling someone. Are you all satisfied now?"

"Quite," said Gaius, looking pleased.

Merlin smiled. He then turned to Arthur with a mischievous look on his face. "Well, not to be pointing to be pointing fingers or anything, but I never would've gone to Middle-Earth if a certain royal prathadn't decided to take a shortcut through the Valley of the Fallen Kings after I said it was a bad idea," he said, jokingly. "But dollop-heads never listen to people with sense, do they?"

"Oi!" said Arthur, in mock-indignation, as everyone laughed.

So, they launched into their usual banter and it was like Merlin hadn't left at all. It was proof beyond a doubt that Camelot was where Merlin belonged. He was truly home.

The End