Title: Victory
Rating: G
Pairing/s: Arthur/Merlin
Character/s: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: The wages of war might cost Merlin everything.
Warnings: major character death
Word Count: 100
Prompt: #137 Victory
Disclaimer: I do not own the BBC version of Merlin; They and Shine do. I am very respectfully borrowing them with no intent to profit. No money has changed hands. No copyright infringement is intended.
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Cries of triumph washed over him, the cheers of Camelot's knights overshadowing the chaotic sounds of an enemy's swift retreat.
A time of rejoicing, of bright smiles and new beginnings. An end to endless war, Morgana defeated, her Saxon horde vanquished. Peace at last and a golden age.
But the only thing he'd ever wanted, not treasure nor power nor acclaim, but a man crowned in golden hair, his destiny, his other half, lay dying in his arms.
Arthur would count it a victory, to give his life so that others might live.
For Merlin, it was only everlasting defeat.