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]

"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.

[ayoungboy]

"No," Merlin smiles against his lips. "Every time."

[royalpratness]

"Only for you." Arthur smiles back, squeezing Merlin's hand.

[ayoungboy]

"I'll see you soon," Merlin promises, kissing Arthur's cheek.

[royalpratness]

"I hope so." Arthur smiles, letting go of him.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin doesn't disappear, collecting their plates and waiting to see Arthur off.

[royalpratness]

Arthur puts his shoes and coat back on, heading for the door.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin winks and waves a little, smiling fondly.

[royalpratness]

Arthur spends his day back at the camp to convince people to show up for the pre-trial meeting. Most of them refuse out of fear but some just on principle. In the end, Arthur only manages to convince a handful of people to accompany him. He wishes he could just call Merlin prior to the meeting to discuss his concerns but since there are no phones anymore, Arthur is left alone with his worries.

[ayoungboy]

Merlin has trouble of his own. Morgana had kept him all day with the council, making her case to strike against the non-magic users while they were weak, and violate their truce.

[royalpratness]

Arthur grows more and more frustrated that he has absolutely no means of reaching Merlin in any way. After three days of no word, he decides to take matters into his own hands. It takes him several hours but by mid-afternoon, he stands in front of the guards who protect the grounds of the magic user community, demanding to speak with Merlin.

[ayoungboy]

The guards are taken aback by his reckless courage, and yes, hurry to find Merlin.

[royalpratness]

Arthur tries his best not to look nervous and hopes that nobody kills him before Merlin arrives.

[ayoungboy]

"Arthur? What are you doing here?" Merlin is there as soon as he hears, confused and worried to find Arthur at the front gate. "Is everything alright?"

[royalpratness]

"No, it's not. Otherwise I wouldn't have risked my life coming here." Arthur crosses his arms in front of his chest. "This was the only way to reach you though."

[ayoungboy]

"No one's going to hurt you." Merlin assures, frowning. "I'm sorry. Morgana has been trying to start a revolution back here…I should have sent a message but I swear I haven't had a moment's peace."

[royalpratness]

"Morgana." Arthur echoes, looking grim. "Let me talk to her."

[ayoungboy]

"I…don't think that's a good idea, Arthur." He had suggested it himself, before, but she had been particularly unreasonable and 'viva la resistance' lately.

[royalpratness]

"She's my sister. She won't hurt me." Or so he hopes.