Hey so I'm writing this while I'm waiting to die of either anxiety or blunt force trauma since I'm at church camp while I'm writing this. Right now, we're about to race homemade go carts down a hill into an orange safety net being held by a couple of people so yeah, how safe.

Okay I wrote that AN above in JUNE and holy crap I need to update more! Also, there is a little something extra about this chapter aka this is #49!! Only one more after this and this will be over!?

    
King Uther Pendragon believed he was a fair and just king. Contrary to popular beliefs, he did consider freeing those who used magic for good but then decided it was too risky. One time he decided it wasn't risky was when he discovered the man who was protecting his son, himself and his kingdom all without expecting recognition, though that may be because he was afraid of the death sentence that hung over his actions. Arthur's manservant, Merlin.

Uther realized soon that Merlin had magic; he was no fool. How else could he explain the times evil sorcerers and witches mysteriously disappeared without ever seeing a sign from them, and honestly, did Merlin really believe that Uther believed the dragon was truly dead with no corpse to show for it? And of course there were the countless times the manservant confessed to having magic but was dismissed.

After witnessing Merlin's power for third time in almost two days, Uther decided he had had enough. He declared a council with just the sorcerer, and allow Arthur, his knights, Gaius and his friend to join them.

"You wished for my presence, Sire?" Merlin asked once they were alone; simply him and the king who could execute him and everyone he cared about.

"Yes. Thank you for coming. You see, Merlin- Lately I have been...thinking and while I was doing so, I realized a few things seemed to be amiss. Would you care to guess?" Uther asked simply, not giving any hint to his emotion.

"I'm not sure I could, Sire." Merlin answered, anxiety twisting his gut.

"You see, Camelot and her royal council have had many encounters with magical threats, and while that is in no way new, what is new is that despite the bombardment of danger, we have not yet suffered the damage we should have. The dragon is a major example. Don't you think so, Merlin?" Uther asked, merely messing with Merlin at this point.

Merlin didn't answer; it was all he could do to stop himself from shaking. Uther knew. He knew he had magic. His death warrant was practically signed, sealed and sent. He tried to defend himself, but Uther held out a silencing hand before he could make a sound.

"Merlin, amongst these recent thoughts, I felt as if I should tell you; I know of your magic. I know how you've saved Arthur, myself, Morgana, Gaius and all of Camelot countless times and that is just what I have worked out. I truly doubt even you know how many times you have saved a life. I will not execute you, or punish you or those you know."

"I simply wanted to thank you, and I believe you should be the first to know of my decision. I am lifting the ban on magic and will be announcing you as Court Sorcerer, should you accept. Your duties would be to protect the kingdom as you have always done and aid me in controlling the magical people that continue to cause trouble in Camelot. I will allow your mother to live in the castle as well, and I would like to personally apologise for your father, Balinor. He was a good friend and I acted out of blind hatred and rage because of Ygraine's death. It is inexcusable about how many lives I've ended or simply ruined. I hope you will forgive me." Uther  announced and silenced Merlin who wasn't sure what to do.

The silence was tense as Merlin took some time to register what Uther had just said. Uther knew about his magic and wasn't going to execute him? Was this a trick? If it was, he could use his magic to wipe Uther's memory of this and run.

"I-I hope I will be able to forgive you as well." Merlin half smiled and, after a moment of hesitation, extended a hand. Uther smiled, which sent chills down Merlin's spine, and grasped Merlin's hand firmly.

"I shall not reveal anything to the others unless you wish me to do so, or at least set the tone and hopefully make the shock a little easier. It's the least I can do." Uther said, looking genuine in his offer.

"I would appreciate that very much Your Highness, but are you sure this is wise? Not to question your decision, but what if they accuse me of enchanting you, or something of that sort? I would not wish for you to lose the respect you have worked hard to earn." Merlin said, still nervous around the King, suspicious of his outburst.

"While I appreciate your concern Merlin, I feel it a worthy price to pay for such honourable actions." Uther said, still praising Merlin for his heroism.

"I-I can't thank you enough, Sire" Merlin stuttered out, a smile finally stretching across his features.

"There's no need." Uther smiled again, before summoning Merlin's friends in and starting his speech.

"I have called you all here today to discuss a very important topic: Magic." A chill went through the room as Uther paused."My views, in recent days, have been... challenged. I have witnessed some very powerful magic in ways I did not expect, magic being used to save Camelotian lives, my own included. This magical being has been watching over Camelot for many years, protecting her walls and her people even under fear of death. He has willingly put his own life on the line many times, despite the threat hanging above his actions. He...he has discovered traitors before we even had a chance to suspect them, Morgana included. He has saved all of you more than once- whether it was during a battle or a siege, he has been watching over us. I regret many decisions I have made thanks to his display of courage. Even after my unforgivable actions towards him personally, he has still saved my life many times. I have conversed with Merlin and he will confirm my beliefs himself. Merlin, if you will." Uther said letting Merlin take over the speech.

Ignoring the strange and surprised looks of the audience, Merlin stepped into the middle of the room.

"The sorcerer is not actually a sorcerer. He is a warlock; someone born with magic and can use it instinctively. The warlock has been using his magic to protect Arthur and Camelot because of his destiny. Arthur is destined to be the Once and future King, who will unite all of Albion and bring all magic back to the land. Their destinies are intertwined. Some say they are two sides of the same coin. He is supposedly the most powerful being to ever walk the earth and he is known as King of the druids. His name is Emrys, the man who is said to be able to defeat Morgana." Merlin summarised everything he had learned from Gaius, the Druids and Kilgharrah.

"Father, have you truly changed your mind about magic?" Arthur as hesitantly.

"Yes Arthur, all of Camelot has been saved enough by Emrys to trust him. It may take some time to adjust, but it is my decision. He will also be the Court Warlock and deserves the same amount of respect my subjects show me." Uther announced, taking both Merlin and Gaius by surprise.

"Merlin, who is Emrys?" Leon asked finally after the initial shock was over.

Merlin didn't say anything but he did smile. He had been waiting to tell them for years, after all. He took a deep breath and held out his hand.

"Forbane. " Merlin whispered and sparks of fire flew out of his hand as his eyes glowed a fierce gold. The fire danced around the room, the embers forming the shapes of animals. Everyone suddenly felt a warm glow of awe as they witnessed the unexplainable display. That feeling stayed there until everyone had realized what had happened.

"Merlin? You- You're the Warlock?" Percival spoke up first.

"Yes." Merlin said quietly, still uncertain of how they would take the news.

"All the falling branches, the random winds, the bandits falling flat on their face, all the lucky co-incidences...that was all you?" Elyan asked, suddenly putting the pieces together.

Gwen ran to Merlin and hugged him fiercely. Merlin was taken by surprise and stumbled a bit but he eventually regained his balance and accepted Gwen's hug. "I knew there was something you were holding back, but this? Magic?"

"How many times? How many times did you save my life or saved others' lives? How many times did you save someone and let somebody else take the credit? How often have you put yourself in danger for us?" Gwaine said, almost unable to process how he never knew how truly brave his best friend was.

" I....I don't know." Merlin answered slowly, a little taken aback by Gwaine's reaction.

"How many times did you have the chance to tell me but decided you couldn't trust me?" Arthur asked quietly.

"It isn't like that. I swear I trust you with my life, but I just wasn't sure how to or how you would react. If I had told you on my own in the past, It was either you killed me or lied to the king and I couldn't do that to you. And it wasn't your fault. I wasn't ready. All my life, I've been hiding who I am. I grew up thinking I was a freak. I didn't know if I could take being turned away from you all." Merlin explained

"You're not a freak! You're the most brave man I know!" Leon said suddenly, which took everyone by surprise, especially Merlin.

"But...I've been a coward. There have been many instances where I could've told any of you and made excuses, convincing myself it wasnt a good idea." Merlin said slowly which caused an uproar.

"I know we tease you but none of us have ever thought of you to be a coward!"

"You've saved my life; you've saved all of Camelot!"

"You've dealt with Arthur's wrath after the Tavern sent a bill for me."

"We can't thank you enough, Merlin."

Tears of relief began to well in Merlin's eyes but he refused to let them fall. Merlin had felt accepted, truly accepted by everyone he cares about and he was happy.

"You need to tell us about your experiences, I want to know what I have to thank you for!" Gwen exclaimed, she was proud of Merlin and she wanted to know how proud she should be. It seemed everyone else was in agreement.

"There is a way I could show you, but I will take a while, a couple of days maybe." Merlin said, now feeling a little more comfortable with his predicament.

"I think we can give up a couple of days for this." Gwen beamed.

"It's actually been longer than that, but that's a story for another time." Merlin said sheepishly.

"Oh no, that's a story for now! Tell us!" Arthur demanded, a grin forming.

"Well I can't exactly do it here..."