Where on Earth did this come from? There I was, innocently avoiding chemistry revision, and this happens, why? Oh yea bunny Gods of fanfiction, why?
Disclaimer: it all belongs to someone else, probable the plot bunny that keeps shoving stuff in me ear.
Arthur, if you are reading this it means I am dead or about to die with no chance of escape, but that's okay, I hope it's a good death. If you're planning to rescues me, might I point out that you don't know where I am or what I'm up against, and if Gaius has given you this letter it means that I am facing the sort of danger that you must never be exposed to.
But there is something that I must tell you before you go. And something I must ask you to do.
You don't know me. You can never know who I truly am, for my safety… for yours.
I loved you like a brother, and if it were my choice to make, if there were any justice in the world, I would never have lied to you. But my hand was forced from my birth, the decision made before I could even understand it. Made by your father.
You might believe you understand me, know my character, the quirks of personality that make me who I am, and in a way – on the surface at least – you do, it's just that I have kept so much hidden for so long, that I don't realise that I'm lying anymore, I've created someone who is clumsy, forgetful and most of all idiotic. And for the most part, that is all I allow you to see, but sometimes, in the most unexpected of circumstance, you see my wisdom, far beyond my years, a certainty and a belief, that I am doing the right thing. That one day all of our actions in the here and now will be justified and you will take the place that destiny has decided for you.
And I understand that should that day come, my actions cannot be recognised. I have done so much for you, and yet I must not expect anything in return. And that's okay, I don't mind anymore. Because it used to drive me crazy, all the times I have saved you, saved your father, saved Gaius, Gwen, Lancelot, Gawain, Elyan, Leon, Percival, and every other soul who lives in this so called haven of a city. And you must never know, but I understand that now, I accept it, because the truth might just destroy you.
You never knew me, because I never let you, because I created a façade and you never thought to question it, and because you were never meant to. I was the one in the shadows, the silent guardian. Watching you, protecting you, so that one day you will be the greatest king this land will ever know.
I have never asked for a reward, and I never will. In this last moment I have to ask you anything, anything at all, I have but one request. I ask that you remember the words spoken at a parting, so long ago, that I thought at the time, to be our last.
You're a great Warrior, and one day, you'll be a great king. But you must learn to listen as well as you fight. Remember me, remember to be fair and just, to be open-minded, do not judge a situation by what others say, use your own heart to do what is right.
And if you can't do that, do this one thing for me:
Don't be a prat.
Now I'm depressed…
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