We found love in a hopeless place

[ayoungboy]

It's been 5 years since this whole nightmare began, and both sides had sustained incredible casualties. The whole of Europe was fairly decimated, but England was definitely the worst. Perhaps the worst of it all was the fact that Merlin didn't know if Arthur was dead or alive. Yes, he thought about him often. How stupid they'd both been. Merlin was willing to fight for what he believed in, but it hadn't been about him - it should have been about them, about working it out together. It should never have come to this.

He still wears the engagement ring on his finger. He's almost lost it once or twice, but it's still there - and he makes sure to take care of it and clean it, repair it. But that's not what this meeting it about; he's been selected to represent the magical community in the negotiations. All they wanted was their freedom back. Magic wasn't inherently evil; it was people that used it for nefarious purposes, people that mistreated it. They were willing to help put those people in jail. If only the non-magic users would understand.

They're meeting on what used to be Parliament, reduced to rubble, now. Merlin's fiddling with his hands, twisting the ring nervously. They've set up wards already; there are a few other magical delegates and guards there, but Merlin is to do the central talking. Still, there's only so much they can guard against, and if the non-magic users decide to attack…well, the magic users weren't going to be too keen on reopening negotiations after that.

Comments

[ayoungboy]

Merlin dozes lightly on Arthur's shoulder, recouping some of his energy.

[royalpratness]

After the film has finished, Arthur gently nudges Merlin. "Hey. I think I'm going to wake up soon."

[ayoungboy]

"Aw, really?" Merlin pouts a little.

[royalpratness]

"Yeah, we have another meeting early in the morning. How about you find out when we can arrange the meet-up and let me know tomorrow night?"

[ayoungboy]

"Sure," Merlin nods, leaning up to kiss him softly. "I'll find out what I can."

[royalpratness]

"Okay." Arthur smiles, kissing Merlin back warmly.

[ayoungboy]

"Have a nice day, babe," Merlin purrs softly.

[royalpratness]

"You too." Arthur wants to pull away but before he can, everything around him gets blurry and the next moment, he wakes up in his small and very cold tent.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin is tired the next day, but it's nothing he can't handle. So worth it. He adds some cots and pillows to the ever-growing care package and lets the coucil know about the healing request.

[royalpratness]

Despite Merlin healing him, Arthur still feels somewhat under the weather. He spends most of the day inside his tent, trying to get some rest.

[ayoungboy]

A messenger comes later in the afternoon with a list for Arthur of the dead and the living magic users, and a note that the care package is ready.

[royalpratness]

Arthur sends the messenger back with a note, saying that he proposes the meeting to be held in 48 hours, at noon. That should give everybody enough time to prepare.

[ayoungboy]

This is where they'll see if it can work. If they can begin to...reconcile.

[royalpratness]

Arthur goes to sleep early, hoping that Merlin will visit him in his dream again.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin is a little late, but he slips in around 9:30. "Arthur?"

[royalpratness]

Arthur finds himself standing in a forrest when Merlin appears in front of him. "Ah there you are."

[ayoungboy]

"What are you dreaming about?" Merlin smiles, looking around, amused.

[royalpratness]

"I have no idea." Arthur chuckles, holding his arms out for Merlin. "How are you?"

[ayoungboy]

"Good, now that I'm here," Merlin leans in to give Arthur a warm hug.

[royalpratness]

Arthur kisses Merlin's cheek. "Did you get my message about the meeting in two days?"

[ayoungboy]

"Yes. We'll be there," Merlin nods. "The kids are excited to see their loved ones. The ones that are alive, that is."

[royalpratness]

"Yeah, the same goes for my people. I do hope this is a first step into the right direction."

[ayoungboy]

"Me too." Merlin smiles softly, resting his cheek against Arthur's shoulder.

[royalpratness]

"When do I get to see you again, in the flesh?"

[ayoungboy]

"We can meet tomorrow night if you can sneak away. And I'll be there at the meeting."