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It’s been many years since Uther passed and finally, Merlin and Arthur feel as if they have fixed all the damage they possibly can from his reign. Magic is legal once more, the old rites are allowed and the kingdom prospers. These days they no longer feel overwhelmed by destiny, by fate, by a future both known and unknown. All that's been prophesied has come to pass.
It’s the coldest winter seen in years. Snow’s already fallen for more than eight days and yet the winter solstice hasn't even passed. That's tomorrow.
Where under Uther’s reign, a winter like this would mean a great loss of life from cold, sickness and famine, the legalisation of magic has held that at bay for many. Magical remedies treat sicknesses that others would have suffered through without. Fires are kept lit in many towns and villages, not just by wood, but also by what magic the people have. Food supplies have been prosperous the past year leaving many with more food than they would typically have.
This winter is far more hopeful than it would've been, had magic not been legalised.
It's with this in mind that Merlin and Arthur stand in the court yard, looking out at the solstice tree. They stare up at the tree with the knowledge that they've done all they can for their people. Instead of fretting through the rest of the snow fall, they can enjoy tomorrows feast knowing their people haven't gone hungry to fill the bellies of nobles.
They can sit out in the cold, with no heat but that of the candles lighting the tree, knowing that most – if not all - of their people won't be feeling the biting cold of the weather.
And so they stand in the cold, arm-in-arm, knowing all is well.
