I had promised myself this was the last time, but even to me that didn't sound convincing. God knows how many times I've promised myself that I would let him go. 1000 years and I still can't. Settling myself down on the bank I stare out at the still waters in front of me.

"I'm getting too old for this Arthur."- I was being stupid, Arthur was long gone and here I was talking to a mass of stagnant water. Again.

I could almost hear Arthur laughing, not only at my ridiculous statement, but also at my sullen tone of voice.

"Alright, we both know I don't age. But if I have to look like a decrepit old man to come and visit you, I will damn well sound like one! The last time I showed up without the beard, I got arrested for disorderly drunken behavior. Your fault I might add."

Looking down at my hands I continue.

"And don't think I can't hear you denying all responsibility! With that scoffing you were always so fond of. Yes, your fault Arthur."

Looking back to the water I glared long and hard at where Arthur had been laid to rest.

"God forbid you resurrect yourself to spare me any humiliation."

Sighing, I knew my efforts were futile. How many times had I sat here and criticized Arthur for dying? How many wasted hours had I sat here, yelling, begging, even crying for him to come back to me?

Softening my expression, I stare longingly into the murky blue waters.

"I don't know why I still put up with your stubbornness sometimes."

With tears gathering in my eyes I whisper "I loved you once... still love you, I suppose."

There they are again, those eyes burning their way to the forefront of my mind. Never leaving me in peace. Always the same expression. Always back to those final words.

With tears freely flowing down my face I bring my legs up to my chest and bury my head in my knees.

"I failed you Arthur..."

A slight rustling noise approached from behind, but I was too far into one of my depressive moods to take any notice.

"Excuse me, sir...? Are you alright?"

Turning to the sound of the intruders voice my breath caught in my throat. My eyes met the familiar deep pools of piercing blue. Those eyes that have haunted me everyday for almost a 1000 years.

Barely audibly I whispered... "I am now."

As realization dawned in the young mans eyes I was unprepared for what happened next.

Just one word escaped his lips. "Merlin."

To be continued...