"Emrys! Meeting room now!" That was one of the various commands Emrys would receive when working for AEM. Serving as an acronym for Avalon Entertainment Magazine, the 7-year old monthly entertainments guide was run by your tough-as-nails, ambitious boss, better known as Morgana le Fay. It wasn't that she was mean to everyone, in fact, usually she was the keen protestor (usually on advanced technology and women's rights) and a rather good friend, but when your magazine is up against the likes of NME, Q, GQ, Empire and Entertainment Weekly and it needs to sell, that's where Morgana's claws would come out, not that she didn't already look the part.
Emrys was just one of the employees working for Morgana. Freya was your timid but avid film journalist; Percival covered the pages for the bookworms. Gwen was your woman for celeb gossip (because there always had to be a section for the gossip) whilst her brother Elyan worked on Theatre. Her boyfriend Lancelot covered the I.T. department, so he was your man for putting all the pages together as well as working on the technical side. Elena was positioned as general secretary, which meant your files were there, just sometimes muddled up, and you'd get your cup of energy-boosting coffee when required, just don't expect a full cup. Morgause, Morgana's sister, was her personal adviser and vice editor, her husband Cenred dealing with finance. Finally, Gwaine was your cameraman for all photo-shoots for the magazine and web and clips/documentaries. Mordred was Morgana's favourite intern, a third-year undergraduate student taking on Media and Communication Studies, working on the radio section.
Morgana trotted across in her four-inch pencil heels, the constant click-click tormenting your mind every five seconds (all the ladies wore heels, minus Elena). Emrys, better known as Merlin, was at his desk near the long stretch of windows, overlooking a crowded central London street. Coming off the phone whilst browsing the net for news, Morgana peered down at Merlin's computer screen, Morgana having to clutch the clipboard and folder to her chest to prevent her breasts from spilling out, wearing a very low-cut top. "Why are you on Pendragon's official site?" Merlin almost leapt out of his chair and into the screen from fright, nudging Morgana when he shifted back to reality. "Jesus, Morgana. Don't creep up on a man like that."
"You haven't answered my question." Morgana sighed, using one hand to pat Merlin's shoulder. "Merls, he's been on a hiatus for four years. Give it a rest." Leaning up, she left Merlin and continued bossing about people.
Merlin continued clicking, searching in the news section. Soon enough he was grinning when Morgana went his way a second time that mid-morning. "Emrys! Meeting room now!" Leaving, Merlin jotted a few notes down and brought them along with him to the board meeting
Slipping into the seat next to Freya, Morgana took her chair as she began to discuss the details for July's issue, which was out on Friday 5th July. Today was the 21st June, meaning they had two weeks to get their articles sorted, hand them over to Lancelot for final touch up's, as well as check to and from Morgana to get the perfect story and a happy boss. Merlin still had nothing, but that wouldn't be the case for long.
Going through each member, she reached Merlin.
"Any news, Merlin."
"Well, actually-" Merlin went to begin, Morgana cutting him off. Some around the table rolled their eyes, knowing what Morgana was going to say.
"No, news on Pendragon's slow updates doesn't count." Merlin knew he'd win this debate.
"So the story of Pendragon returning to music after four years isn't news?" Morgana's eyes flickered and went wide, surprised. Gwaine spat out his drink in shock. Morgause put on one of her devilish smiles, knowing that a story like this would sell and make long-awaited profits for the company.
"Ah," was all Morgana could say.
"You know Morgana, if Emrys was to write an article on Pendragon's return to music, and grab a little info on this shock announcement, July's issue would sell huge."
Lancelot jotted down some ideas and shouted them out, not breaking eye contact between himself and his jotter. "If we were to do that le Fay, we'd need Arthur on the cover."
Gwaine slurped some of his coffee, liking where the conversation was going. "I'd happily photograph him."
"Do you think he'd be up for it?"
Morgana came to a decision. "Right, Emrys, July's music slot sorted. I want a two-page headliner on Pendragon's return, outlining the details of his next album and what he plans to do."
"Shouldn't we get confirmation from Arthur first? It's not as if he's going to jump and accept the first offer."
"Oh alright, Emrys, because of your devotion and consideration. Elena, get onto Leon and convince Arthur to accept. When that's done, Emrys, article is all yours to do as you wish. Gwaine, I want sexy, summer style imagery, especially with Pendragon. Gwen, as always, get snooping! El, I want to know what's hot in the theatre world this month. Freya, same goes for you. I hear Pacific Rim is to be a major hit."
"It looks to be good, as does Despicable Me 2."
"Good, so you're sorted. Morgause, help me with the TV section. Gwaine, a new photo-shoot of me is required, as I need a new image on my editor's page. Got to keep the media and fans happy. Mordred, same goes for you as El and Frey. Percy, I want to know what are the best 10 reads to look forward to this summer."
Percival gave an affirmative nod. "I'm on it."
Morgause relaxed in her chair. "Good, I believe for now we're sorted."
"Right, if anyone needs me, I'll be in my office. Elena, grab me a coffee. I want first-drafts in on my desk by Wednesday. Meeting closed."
Merlin set to work, well, once the confirmation details had been given over. For now, it was down to browsing Arthur's page whilst listening to past records of his. Merlin obviously reviewed other artists, but he favoured to review Arthur's works more than anyone else, and that wasn't just because of Arthur's good-natured persona. It was also because Merlin had been, and still was, a devoted fan of Arthur's, first getting into the artist when his dad bought him Arthur's debut CD when he was 15. Arthur, most of the time, would also get on with Merlin, and found him better to work with than any other journalist.
Elena brought Morgana her coffee and set to work, having a long chat with Leon, Arthur's manager. Coming to some form of agreement, she put Arthur through to Merlin, shouting across the floor for Merlin to hear.
"Emrys! Pendragon wants to talk to you!" On hearing the name of Pendragon, Merlin clicked the pause button, grabbing the phone.
"Emrys speaking."
"Hey, Merlin, it's Arthur. Look, is it true that le Fay wants you to interview me and write an article on my return to music?"
"Yes."
"So Elena wasn't having me on?" Merlin got comfortable, stretching his long legs out, the desk chair shifting so that Merlin could rest his feet against the desk.
"No. At first, Morgana couldn't care less, until I broke the news to her."
"She would be like that now, wouldn't she? It's her all over. But how did you know? I mean, I know you're a music journalist, but barely anyone knows."
"I was on your website. You do realise that ordinary people such as me would check the site for news, or don't you get told about various updates?"
"Oh no, I was the one to make the decision. But, I didn't know you were a fan. I mean, it's lovely to have fans; I really appreciate it. I thought I could hear someone playing 'Sophia' in the background when I was on the phone with Elena. It was you."
"Can't help it. Your music is cool and you're talented."
"Thank you. So when do you want me to come in? I mean, when does your mag come out?"
"Released 5th July."
So, a few weeks from now. How does Monday at 11 sound? I can come to the office for half 10. Do the photo-shoot with Gwaine and then once I'm done, I can come around to your station and do the interview. Is the meeting room free then?"
"It should be. Hold on, let me check." Merlin held the phone on silent and slipped out of his office chair, skipping over to the meeting room and checking the chart. Having it free, he jotted down 'Arthur interview with Merlin'. He returned to the phone. "It's free."
"Brilliant! It'll be brilliant seeing you again."
"Yes, I agree to that."
"Well, see you Monday then…"
"Okay. I'll send you over to Gwaine." Merlin pushed the directory number in and noticed Gwaine pick the phone up. Placing his down, he went to Morgana's office.
"What news, Emrys? It must be good since you're blushing and grinning like an oaf." Merlin blushed even harder.
"Arthur's agreed to the article. He'll be in for half 10 Monday to do the photo shoot with Gwaine, and then he'll be with me for a while."
"Good work, Emrys."
And so this is where the journey would kick off.