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]

"I haven't had corn in a while," Merlin smiles at the ideological world. "Get ourselves a grill. Grilled vegetables are the best."

[royalpratness]

"I'd love grilled vegetables. We could also catch and grill fish."

[ayoungboy]

"Salmon." Merlin hums and closes his eyes. "I wish."

[royalpratness]

"I know, right?" Arthur laughs quietly, kissing Merlin's temple. "Maybe, one day."

[ayoungboy]

"One day, definitely," Merlin assures, snuggling closer. "Miracle I found you again. We'll get there."

[royalpratness]

"Eventually." Arthur smiles. "Once we've taken care of everything here."

[ayoungboy]

"I think once people are reunited on both sides...hostilities will at least start to decline."

[royalpratness]

"I really hope so. It'd be beneficial for everybody." Arthur looks at Merlin. "Do you think we'll have to worry about Morgana?"

[ayoungboy]

"It's much harder to keep hating when you see a loved one on the other side," Merlin frowns a little at the question. "...I honestly don't know. I'd like you to speak with her but - I'd recommend letting me come with you. I'm sorry to say I don't really trust her anymore. She's become incredibly radical and increasingly irrational."

[royalpratness]

"Do you think that talking to her would help? It sounds like she might be past it."

[ayoungboy]

"I don't know. She denounced Uther, but they were both very pig-headed about their beliefs. Maybe she'd be more reasonable when it comes to you."

[royalpratness]

"She was never a big fan of me but we can give it a try." Arthur yawns, pulling Merlin closer.

[ayoungboy]

"You're still her brother," Merlin tucks his head against Arthur's neck.

[royalpratness]

"Technically, yes." He closes his eyes. "Can you stay the night?"

[ayoungboy]

"I can try," Merlin promises. "There've been some incidents lately, but hopefully they won't call for me till morning."

[royalpratness]

"I hope so too." Arthur lifts Merlin's chin and kisses him gently. "Sleep well."

[ayoungboy]

"You too. Dream of our beach." Merlin whispers, nibbling lightly on Arthur's lip.

[royalpratness]

"I'll try." He smiles, stroking his fingers gently over Merlin's cheek.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin yawns and nuzzles against Arthur's fingertips as he settles down. "M'a dream about corn."

[royalpratness]

"You do that." He smiles, drifting off to sleep within minutes.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin isn't there in the morning, but a rushed note left on Arthur's chest lets him know that he stayed most of the night, but had to leave around 4. Something about cursed water.

[royalpratness]

Arthur sighs deeply, picks up the note and gets out of bed. He has no means of reaching Merlin so he returns to the camp, hoping to hear from him soon. There's plenty to do and organise all day.

[ayoungboy]

Just after lunch, a bunch of flowers appear in Arthur's tent, along with a note. Tonight?

[royalpratness]

Arthur chuckles as he reads the note, shaking his head. "How exactly am I supposed to reply, huh?" He folds the piece of papers and puts it into his pocket, planning on returning to the hotel that night to meet with Merlin again.

[ayoungboy]

Well...yeah, Merlin hadn't exactly thought that out. The flowers were a bit of an accomplishment, okay! Or he thought so. Eh.