FIC: The Chance (Arthur/Merlin - 515 - G)

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Title: The Chance
Author/Artist: monkiainen
Pairing(s): Arthur/Merlin
Prompt: King Arthur and Emrys actively participate in the Druids' ritual to usher in the new year and re-awaken cold and sleeping nature.
Word Count/Art Medium: 515
Rating: G
Contains: None
Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: I enjoyed writing this little piece, and hopefully I can participate again next year.
Summary: It's time for the ancient ritual.



It was the longest night of the year, the night of blessings and hope. It was time for the rulers of Camelot, King Arthur and Emrys, to participate to the ancient ritual for the people's benefit. Those rituals were older than Camelot, older than time, and only Uther's paranoia had stopped them from being used for the longest time. Now with the rule old rituals were used again, to ensure good luck to everyone.

All those willing to participate had gathered in the woods, to a natural clearing not so far from the castle. A new snow had fallen, covering everything to a pristine white. A single candle was lit in the middle of the clearing, and without being told twice everyone formed a circle around it, holding hands. It was time.

Emrys might have not been the oldest member of the circle, but he was by far the most powerful one. It was only natural that he should lead the ancient rite above everyone else.

" We swear by peace and love to stand, heart to heart and hand to hand. Mark, O spirit, and hear us now, confirming this our sacred vow."

Everyone felt at peace – there was magic in the words, in the sound of Emrys's voice. The ritual was accepted by the greater powers, they were ready to move on.

"Grant, O spirit, thy protection and in protection, strength. And in strength, understanding. And in understanding, knowledge. And in knowledge, truth. And in truth, love. And in love, the love of all existence. And in that love, the love of spirit and all creation."

Emrys and King Arthur moved in unison to the centre of the circle, wearing nothing but their own skin. The air was cool in their skin but neither of them noticed it as the magic of the ritual was protecting them from the cold. Emrys bowed once to every cardinal direction, honouring the Ancestors. The flame in the candle grew larger and brighter without anyone touching to it – it was time for the last part of the ritual.

King Arthur drew Emrys to an embrace, holding him as tight as he could. Their hearts were beating as one, their breaths working in tandem. They were two souls joined as one, their union stronger than anything else in the world. Their love, their devotion to each other was what made Camelot strong, unbreakable, the beacon of light in the midst of darkness. The future generations would always remember Camelot and its fair rulers, King Arthur and Emrys.

A bright surrounded king and his sorcerer, spreading around the circle as if it had originated from them. And in a way it had, for Arthur and Emrys were the heart of Camelot in every way. Their calls for the ancestors had been heard, the blessings were given. Camelot would be, once again, be safe for another year from maladies and sorrow. There would be those trying to overcome the rulers of Camelot, but everyone witnessing the ceremony knew the truth – the Ancestors have given their blessing, and not a single living soul could break it.