Chapter Text
Leon watches from the shadows as Merlin makes the speech he gives multiple times a day, standing on a box near the main gates.
“Welcome to Camelot! Here’s your free flower crown! The physician’s chambers are over there and the courtyard’s over there, but don’t go in it when the drums sound because it’s nasty. Gwen’s house is that way and she’s the best seamstress ever and her dad’s an amazing blacksmith so go there! Also the knights’ training ground is that way and apparently adults like to watch sweaty men even though it’s icky!” He pulls a face. “Enjoy Camelot! And don’t forget to eat a strawberry tart from the market!”
He waves and as the crowd starts to disperse, Leon makes his way over. “You know,” he says, amused, “they’re going to run out of strawberry tarts if you keep doing that.”
Merlin turns to him, beaming. “Leon!”
“Hello, little falcon.”
“I won’t talk about the tarts forever, I promise . I still have the fabric stall and the herbs stall and–”
“Alright, alright.”
“Did I say everything right? I think I did.”
He’s chewing his lip nervously and Leon gives him a reassuring smile. “Yes. Just like this morning. You’re getting the hang of it.” The boy grins. “Isn’t it Gwen’s turn soon?”
Merlin nods. “But she’s helping Morgana so I’m gonna stay here until she’s done.”
“Want to sit on my shoulders for a bit? So your leg doesn’t get too sore.” Merlin puts his arms up and Leon lifts him up. The boy’s almost immediately distracted by another group of people entering the city and bounces up and down.
“Welcome to Camelot! Here’s your free flower crown! The physician’s chambers...”
As Merlin chatters away, Leon thinks back on the months since Cenred signed the treaty. They’ve been good, for the most part. The ban on magic is still in place, but since Morgana revealed her magic to the public with no consequences, Uther can’t execute anyone without looking like a hypocrite. And executing someone for using magic would make Uther look very hypocritical to the other kingdoms.
It doesn’t mean that Merlin can use his magic freely now, but it gives him some breathing room. It gives everyone with magic breathing room.
Leon nods to Arthur as he crosses the courtyard, and he changes direction to greet them, waiting until Merlin’s finished his speech to say hello.
“Arthur!”
“Hey, Merlin, Leon. How’s it going?”
“Really well!” answers Merlin excitedly, bouncing on Leon’s shoulders. “People love the flower crowns!”
Arthur grins. “That’s great. Can I have one?”
“Of course!”
Arthur chooses one with red and orange flowers and perches it atop his head. “How do I look?”
“Brilliant!”
“Well, I’d better get going. I’ll see you both later.”
“Bye!” Merlin waves at Arthur as he strides off, then spots people entering the citadel gates. “Ooh! Ooh! More people!”
Leon grins. Merlin’s happy and safe here, and that’s the best thing anyone could hope for.
