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

[royalpratness]

"That's why you love me." Arthur tips Merlin's chin up and kisses him.

[ayoungboy]

"The only reason, yes."

[royalpratness]

"What about my good looks?"

[ayoungboy]

"Mm...moderate." Merlin nods a little.

[royalpratness]

"Moderate? Excuse me?" Arthur huffs.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin giggles a little, threading his fingers through Arthur's hair. "You're the best looking man I've ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. Better?"

[royalpratness]

"Much better." Arthur smirks, leaning in for another kiss.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin cups his jaw, parting his lips to run his tongue over the seam of Arthur's.

[royalpratness]

"This is much better in real life." Arthur pulls a face. "Can't you teleport into my tent?"

[ayoungboy]

"I can try but..." It's a bit hard to be precise with such a small area. "If I was caught...?"

[royalpratness]

"Then it would cause a panic." Arthur sighs. "Okay, not a good idea."

[ayoungboy]

"They'd probably think I bewitched you. And I did," Merlin laughs a little. "Just not with those magical powers."

[royalpratness]

"Well, some of my people here know about our past. Like Gwen." Arthur isn't sure if he has mentioned to Merlin that Gwen is part of the group at his camp.

[ayoungboy]

"She's alive?" Merlin brightens happily.

[royalpratness]

"She is. Sorry, I should have mentioned it sooner." He smiles apologetically.

[ayoungboy]

"That's fantastic! I can't wait to see her." Merlin beams, relieved his friend is okay.

[royalpratness]

"She was happy to hear that you're alive and kicking, too." Arthur smiles.

[ayoungboy]

"That's good. I still have friends." Merlin kisses Arthur again softly.

[royalpratness]

"Seems like it." Arthur strokes the back of his hand over Merlin's cheek. "She was also very happy to hear that we've rekindled our relationship."

[ayoungboy]

"You told her?" Merlin blushes a little.

[royalpratness]

"She asked and I didn't want to lie. She also asked if she'll still be our bridesmaid." Arthur grins.

[ayoungboy]

"Of course," Merlin smiles fondly.

[royalpratness]

"That's what I told her." Arthur kisses Merlin's temple. "Can't wait to see you properly tomorrow."

[ayoungboy]

"Me either," Merlin sighs a little. "Shall we get more comfortable?"

[royalpratness]

"Yeah, sure." Arthur pulls away, waiting for Merlin to move.