Some Merlin finale noodling - Merlin's future

[corilannam]

As long as I'm still crying over the end of Merlin the show anyway, I was doing some thinking about the future of Merlin the character.

Comments

[archaeologist_d]

Pretty much what you said. He might go back to see Gaius one last time but not the others. I don't think he'd be able to stand seeing Gwen, knowing that he failed to save Arthur. I think he'd stay by the lake, waiting. Waiting for eternity if needs be.

[corilannam]

Yeah, I just can't see him ever wanting to live in Camelot again. It would just be too painful, and they did make a big point of saying how he and Arthur had accomplished everything and Camelot is nicely self-sustaining now.

[destina]

Thus far, my thoughts go in three different directions and require the length of three stories to tell, and none of those stories involve Merlin being alone after Arthur dies. *g* But - if I had to say what I think would happen in canon, I'd agree Merlin isn't going to go to Camelot, other than to deliver the news of Arthur's death to Gwen personally and say goodbye to Gaius. He's going to wander and learn and grieve and be alone.

Aaaaaaaaaand that's why I'm writing three fix-its. Heh.

[destina]

You are so sweet. I just need to get away from my family and get peace and quiet to do it! :D

[corilannam]

Mmmm, three fix-its. *rubs hands together* I want ALL THE FIX-ITS. GIMME.

I think Camelot will mourn Arthur, but they will also move on and start living again fast. Gwen has to care for her kingdom, make a place of life and prosperity, and I don't think Merlin is going to be ready to be a part of that for a long time.

[corilannam]

Yeah, I thought that was telling as well. I actually have doubts about whether Percival will come back to Camelot, either, given that he wasn't there at the end (and not much to keep him there now).

[destina]

I really want the story in your last paragraph, because I so want Gaius and Merlin to have a proper goodbye. :/

[killabeez]

I agree with this. My first instinct was that Merlin wouldn't go back. But then destina convinced me he might go to tell Gwen in person (and that Percival might show up looking for him to take him home). Then I thought of what I really wanted was for him to see Gaius one more time, and that was enough to make me think he might go back (though not permanently!) But Gaius coming to find him makes sense to me, too.

[corilannam]

Yeah, I really don't think Gaius would leave Merlin there all alone if he could help it, not without checking on him. But it's always possible that he just won't be able to leave Camelot for a while because he has to help Gwen restore order.

Ah, Leon. *g*

[rane_ab]

Yeah, I was just thinking about that - just as the scene between Merlin and Gwaine felt very much like a goodbye (and it turned out to be), so did the scene between Gaius and Merlin, to me. Gaius may have said he'd have a meal waiting for Merlin, it seemed more like a comforting, hopeful thought to temper the fact that he doesn't really expect Merlin to come back. I imagine they might see each other again someday, but not immediately

[corilannam]

There are definitely many ways it could go (which will hopefully all be explored in fanfic ASAP). I could see him visiting Camelot, but not staying long, or speaking to many people. His place was at Arthur's side, and without Arthur, I don't think Camelot will ever feel like home again.