YOUNG WARLOCK.

He won’t ever admit that there was a slight mocking tone in his voice, but he wouldn’t really want to see Merlin that angry. It was bad enough that when they both got angry with one another, they had turned into it into a fight. He nodded his head, it was a good idea, one he hoped that he could fulfill very soon. “Exactly, no one would question that you went to visit your mother as an emergency and then my excuse in a few days after.” At least in that regard, it would keep his father off of his track, he just needs to be able to go alone.

He gave a small shrug of his shoulders at his words, “I’m honestly interested in seeing what just Arthur is like. I could still throw things at you, as friends of course,” he had that same teasing tone in his voice. He had at admit that he was excited to leave Camelot, even if its just for a few days. Just a few days where the pressures could be lifted off of him. “I am looking forward to it, even if its not forever. It’ll be enough for me.” He knows that once he’s king, he’s not going to be able to anything like this again.

Friends. Arthur had rarely called him that out loud. It warmed him to know that Arthur did consider them friends with each other. Merlin reached out to nudge him playfully and said, "Only not in front of my mother, cause she might yell at you." His mother could be protective, though he was certain that would translate over to Arthur soon enough as well.

Arthur sat in what felt like forever to him in the great hall. First he had to come up with a good enough lie as to why he wasn’t going to get married to this princess. It was surprised how quickly the lie came out of him that it was the other king and queen who decided to not go through with the wedding. He explained that they believed their daughter was still too young to be married and wanted to wait a few more years. Even thought they haven’t gone through with the idea of a marriage, he did tell his father of what had been offered instead, which seemed to appease his father enough that Arthur could return to his chambers.

Sighing once alone, he dragged himself back to his chambers and a part of him hoped to see Merlin here. That didn’t happen, so, he saw no issue with removing his clothes and getting into the bath when he noticed the water that was there, perhaps Merlin or George had helped out in this. Whoever he was, he was grateful to sink into the water after the stressful trip, though it wasn’t without its positive merits. It did make him smile to know him and Merlin were closer than ever before, he hopes he can find moments to be alone with him.

When Merlin returned to Arthur's chambers, he didn't knock. It was habit at this point. He knew that he should make Arthur a bath, but hearing sounds of water told him that George had already taken care of that. It seemed Arthur had two manservants now whether he liked it or not. Even though he wasn't fond of George, Merlin knew it helped to have him around for when he had to get away to help Arthur or the kingdom with something.

Sometimes he wasn’t sure, if he wasn’t just a copy of his father. He knows his actions could be better, yet, he continues to do what his father wanted, he was the king after all. But even he knew that his father’s rampage against magic just wasn’t right, though, he had little room to talk. He made his own horrible mistakes when he was younger. “I’m not being callous, Merlin. It’s the truth in my eyes. I’m the son of the man whose hunted their kind down, of course they wouldn’t want anything to do with me.” He would be surprised to hear otherwise. “Gaius has?” That was surprising, him and Gaius rarely talk about things when it comes to magic.

He was silent as he listened to Merlin, there was certainly truth in his words, things that he hasn’t really hadn’t looked in that perspective before. Things weren’t always so black and white and he needed to be reminded of that from time to time. He supposes that was a reason why he liked to ask Merlin things like this, they had different viewpoints.

“I can see what you mean when you put in in that regard. There are those out there with a sword who seek to be warlords and take over as much land as they want.” That’s how his father was, it was how he got Camelot in the first place, he defeated the king that was here and became king. He knows its how his father wants Arthur to be, but he doesn’t see himself in the same warlord mind. He nods his head, showing his understanding of what Merlin was saying to him. “Perhaps one day things will be different…” when he was king. “Thank you, Merlin. That’ll be all for right now.”

Nodding in agreement, Merlin replied, "Exactly. Not everyone uses a sword in that way. You certainly don't." Arthur used his sword to defend more than anything and he liked to think that he may end up defending those with magic one day too. That was his destiny, after all. His and Arthur's destiny was to unite the lands of Albion. He just hoped by that point that Arthur forgave him for lying to him for so long. He hated that he had to continue to lie, but it was for the safety of himself and for Arthur.

"When you are king you can change things however you like," Merlin told him softly, hoping that wasn't being treasonous to the current king. He didn't like Uther, but he had saved him on numerous accounts as well. "Good night, Arthur." Arthur instead of sire. When they spoke like they had just done, they were friends who could confide in each other.

Arwen knew that as long as she lived, she was going to carry that guilt always. It was impossible not to, but what’s done was done. She couldn’t go back and make things right by telling Merlin back then she was pregnant. She could have done so much more than what she did, and she knows Merlin could have as well. Every time she tries to make amends for what she did, it often feels thrown back at her. There’s not point in making things work with Merlin when she walks on eggshells around him.

She never noticed that they made it to the festival, completely drifted off to sleep. She would have just stayed home and taken the advantage of a nap, but she wanted this time with her son, with Merlin, if some hope that they could make things work. She jolted awake when she heard the knocking on the window and smiled softly at the faces Hunter was making to get her attention. “Alright, alright, I’m up, we can stop banging on the poor window.” She climbed out of the care and ruffled Hunter’s hair, before looking to Merlin. “Where to first?”

Merlin stepped back, grinning a bit, though he felt slightly guilty for startling Arwen. Hunter looked happy though. He knew one thing, their son loved his mother and he knew they would never be able to part. If Arwen decided this wouldn't work and that she would go back to Paris, he knew he'd have to go there himself to visit Hunter. It wouldn't be fair of him to make her constantly return home if she didn't want to be there. However, there was still a flicker of hope. Merlin wanted to make this work.

She was exhausted and sore as she sat in her chair in the Great Hall. It didn’t matter, this needed to be done before she even dares to go to sleep this night. First, she was alone, which gave her a few moments to collect her thoughts. She knew changing the law was always a risk. The people could hate it, the nobles could hate it, but in the end, they needed to trust her that she was making the right calls for the kingdom. After everything they suffered through, she knows what must be done.

When the tray was set in front of her, seeing the food and tarts, pulled a smile to her face, giving Merlin her thanks. As she ate slowly, she carefully plotted out her ideas to the few nobles there. She would make peace with the druids, offering them a treaty. In turn, she would lift the ban her father started. New rules would be placed for protection of course, but no more senseless killings as they have gone through. She’s relieved the nobles here were the younger ones, they were quicker to agree with her ideas.

Merlin was glad that none of the nobles were giving Arwen trouble. That was good news. Things might not stay this good. They had to keep having hope. And Merlin would have enough of it for the both of them.

“I would love some tea.” she replies kindly. there’s a soft sound that escapes her lips, glancing around. “I can see why you don’ get many visitors. not very hospitable here.” this much was true. but she always loved it. glancing back towards the woods where her TARDIS was, she bites her lip. “Can’ stay for lon’’ a pause. “Gotta figure out what brought me here yah see.” 

“Anything’s possible right? If Arthur can fall in love with a servant as well, why not anyone else.” Besides, she never wanted to be married off either, if she was ever going to marry she wanted it to be of her own choosing. For what that was worth anyway. She wants to be optimistic about things working out right for herself, but she still waits to be betrayed, to have something bad happen to her again because of something Merlin was told. She knows that it would be better to stay alone and do whatever Arthur asked of her, but she didn’t want to walk on eggshells around him as she had to do around Uther. She hoped things were better in that regard.                                                "One day… we’ll have to see what fate has in store for the both of us, I suppose. I have missed that with you as well.“ She always thought her fate was to overthrow Uther, even Arthur and rule the kingdom in the way that Morgause wanted her too. She wondered that in her anger, she had been blind to Morgause’s treachery as well. It doesn’t help that she still doesn’t remember, laughing softly when she hears Arthur’s shouts. She almost missed those. "Of course, I know where to find you.” Though, she wondered if Gaius was against her as well, she hoped she wouldn’t have to really speak to him either. Before she could say anything, she felt the kiss to her cheek, her face pinking slightly before she watched Merlin leave, heading back to her chambers as well.

Merlin didn't know what was going to happen between himself and Morgana. He didn't know if he'd taken it a step too far when he'd kissed her on the cheek, but he did know that they at least would be working toward something better. They had to. Arthur was upset that he hadn't cleaned his chambers yet and Merlin had to roll his eyes, but he did as he was supposed to, cleaning with and without magic since Arthur didn't seem to mind that now.

Arthur chuckled weakly, “I suppose that I should have taken more chances to go out and about to be among the people. It would have been better than listening to all of my lessons at the very least.” Though, he did go down to see the people, he helped them when they were in danger and tried to bring them more food or coin when they were desperate. If Merlin ever had admirers sending letters, he’s never known about that. He would have been curious, made jokes, maybe tried to read the letters, but he respected the privacy of others. At least he tried to, he wasn’t a complete jerk. His cheeks turned red as he coughed to try and force the redness in his cheeks to go away before Merlin catches them. It was curious. All this time, Merlin had been the guiding force, protecting him and helping him, even when he least expected it and whenever he pushed Merlin away. He looked at Merlin when he spoke, nodding his head slowly. It still took him by surprise to have someone so loyal to him. He knows that he didn’t often deserve it. He parted his lips, wanting to say that he was loyal to Merlin as well, that he would make thing right when it comes to magic but was stopped when George knocked. Letting out a breath, he ran his hand through his hair nervously. Better to eat than to say what he was going to say, he supposes.

“That is the nice thing about George, and you as well. Neither one of you were big on gossiping to others. He walked over to the chair and gently brushed his hand against Merlin’s before he sat down, ready to eat.

“No. We wouldn’t. Some certainly tried with me, but I didn’t want to be known as spreading rumors.” And it wouldn’t have helped his reputation much with the other servants anyway, not that he was overly friendly with them to begin with. Merlin mostly kept to himself and was friends with Arthur’s closer knights. The touch caught him off guard a little, but he smiled over at him anyway. This evening was turning out far better than he had expected, though he wasn’t entirely sure what he had been expected in the first place.

She flushed more at the pleased look on his face at her reaction and pouted at him and his reaction. “You act as if Arthur does not find me annoying as well. Though let’s be honest, he ignored you anyways.” She replied a bit tartly, as she shut the book and set it on the table. She quirked an eyebrow, “Well I suppose my answer depends on if you are asking me if I am going or if you are telling me that I am going.” She replied giving him a look, as she moved to get up trying not to pout at him. “She’s nice enough but you know how I feel about just gawking at royalty.”

It was all in good fun, all mean to be teasing than anything else, but she hadn’t expected for him to just steal one of her fries!  A laugh passed her lips as she reached out for the single last fry on the place, and she held it between her fingers as she smiled over toward him.  “Maybe I’ll just have to take you up on that offer one day.  It’s the least you could do,” she joked.

Easily, he takes Merlin’s hand into his own, it brought back the calm that he always needed to feel the panic slowly subsiding. He’s still largely confused and wasn’t sure of the time of place. The only thing he was sure about was that Merlin was here. He wasn’t alone anymore and nodded his head, letting Merlin lead him through the crowd. His eyebrow furrowed, unsure of what Merlin had said, but it didn’t truly matter he supposes.

Walking with Merlin, he tried to look at everything. It looked so different, nothing like the Camelot he grew up and ruled in. How much time has passed since he was gone. Yet, when he saw Merlin opened the door, he saw the familiar chambers that seemed like his old ones. Turning to Merlin, he felt tears forming as well as he leaned into Merlin’s hands. “You’re here too… it’s been too long Merlin.” He raised his own hand to touch Merlin’s face. “I’m not sure how I feel about the old man look,” he teased him gently. “I…I had a feeling, how long have I’ve been gone, Merlin?”

Merlin had hoped that by making a resemblance of Camelot, Arthur would be able to settle in easier. He couldn’t imagine stepping into a modern world when one was used to the medieval one and he was prepared to be patient with Arthur. He had certainly waited long enough, he could handle teaching him everything there was to know too. Feeling Arthur’s soft hand against his cheek, an involuntary sigh escaped his mouth as he leaned into him. “Yeah yeah, I know. I can change back. It just takes a lot of magic. And I have a few things to do around here when I do.” He would have to leave a note behind as Emrys. He could go back to being known as Merlin. He’d been doing this for years and it had always worked, he just hoped that it worked this time too.

It was easy, pretend to be in a relationship with Merlin, get her ex jealous and have him think there’s a chance for a reconciliation and maybe go on one date with the guy. But then never let anything happen between them again. Today Merlin was supposed to break up with her publicly, so she’d get sympathy. There was this part of her however, that kinda wishes she and Merlin didn’t break up and just kept going. She always had feelings for him, but buried them down because they had been friends for years. She didn’t want to lose that.

She can feel Merlin’s irritation rolling off him in waves, she had been blabbing about her ex who was here in the restaurant they were at. It was perfect, he was annoyed, he’ll “dump,” her and she can get a shoulder to cry on in her ex. Yet, why was Merlin looking at her like that? What she didn’t know was that he was changing the entire plan they had.

@magiciitself; plotted starter

Merlin should have known that pretending to be in a relationship would not be a good idea. He’d agreed because he was already pretty much in love with her, had been feeling that way for awhile. And he thought that this would be his chance to see what it would be like to be with her. And he knew that he shouldn’t be surprised that he had developed even more feelings for her and it didn’t help that he didn’t think Arwen felt the same way. Even so, he’d found himself looking at rings, trying to find the right one that fit Arwen’s personality. Would he ever propose to her? He didn’t think so, not when he was so uncertain about things, but he kept the ring n him anyway in case he changed his mind.