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]

"It's fine." Arthur kisses him back gently. "Let's have breakfast."

[ayoungboy]

"It's good. Eggs and bacon?" Merlin offers.

[royalpratness]

"Yes please." Arthur takes one of the plates along with a fork. "Where did you get it?"

[ayoungboy]

"Mess tent. Get their early, you get the fresher stuff."

[royalpratness]

"That's convenient." Arthur grins and starts eating his breakfast.

[ayoungboy]

"Isn't it?" Merlin beams, leaning into Arthur's side.

[royalpratness]

"I have to say, I do feel a bit guilty eating a breakfast like this while people in my camp barely have enough food to live on."

[ayoungboy]

"We're willing to share. If you can convince them to accept it."

[royalpratness]

"I know. I hope that I will." Arthur sighs around his mouthful of bacon.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin laughs a little and offers Arthur a napkin. "Me too. There's no reason for anyone to starve."

[royalpratness]

"Thanks." He takes the napkin from Merlin. "We should set a time and date for the official meeting regarding the prisoners."

[ayoungboy]

"When are you free?" Merlin scoops some of his own eggs into his mouth.

[royalpratness]

"How about the day after tomorrow? In the afternoon." Arthur suggests.

[ayoungboy]

"That sounds like enough time," Merlin agrees.

[royalpratness]

"Okay. Where should we meet?" Arthur idly rubs his foot over Merlin's calf.

[ayoungboy]

"Same place we did before?" Merlin smiles softly, scooting a little bit closer.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, that should work." He sets his empty plate aside, running a hand down over Merlin's arm.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin smiles, scooping up the last few bites on his own plate. "Sounds like a plan."

[royalpratness]

"I'll inform my council about it later today." Arthur yawns, putting his plate on the floor and sliding back down on the bed.

[ayoungboy]

"Looks like somebody needs more sleep," Merlin teases.

[royalpratness]

"I always need more sleep these days." Arthur sighs, blinking up at Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

"Don't we all?" Merlin smiles, bittersweet.

[royalpratness]

"Yes, I suppose." He pushes himself back up into a sitting position. "I should get going."

[ayoungboy]

"One more kiss before you go?" Merlin entices, crooking his finger.

[royalpratness]

"Just this once." Arthur grins, leans in and kisses Merlin gently.