Author's notes: Thank you so much for commenting and following my new story. I was so happy to find that you had remembered me. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

I don't own Merlin, but have borrowed the characters to tell this story.

Chapter Two

Another Friendship

Rhys paced nervously back and forth in the reception area of the hospital, clutching his ruined clothes in a plastic bag. He had been given second-hand clothes to wear, and more importantly, a clean bill of health by the Accident and Emergency staff, which was quite surprising for someone of his advanced years. He shrugged and put it down to magic... though magic wasn't recognised in this day and age, unless it was the kind practised in cabaret acts and on TV shows, and that was only tricks and slight of hand... not magic at all. In fact, Merlin didn't know if there was anyone else who had true magic in the world today. Whenever he ventured from his home base he'd searched with his senses, but still had found no signs of either light or dark magic. Surely, he couldn't be the last of his kind?

Now he knew how Kilgarrah and Aithusa had felt... how Aithusa still felt, living out the end of her life skulking around Loch Ness. In fact, she hadn't been sighted for a number of years and he really ought to check on how she was faring. He was sure she was still alive though. Wouldn't he feel her loss if she'd passed away?

The truth was that until quite recently he had put aside his Emrys persona and tried to live a quiet, unobtrusive life, shunning the company of others as best he could. There were just so many times a person could make a life for himself only to see the people he cared about grow old and die. Year by year, century by century he'd retreated inside himself till he was little more than a recluse, living near Glastonbury Tor where once he'd sent King Arthur over the lake of Avalon to rest on the Isle. Hell, in these last years, the lake had become little more than a bog. Or it had been! The waters were rising again... not exactly like the lake of ancient times, but more than a soggy pond.

Kilgarrah had told him Arthur would rise again, but as time passed by, he'd begun to doubt the dragon's words. In Albion's greatest need, he'd said. Merlin considered all the terrible catastrophes he'd witnessed in his lifetime. In the last century alone there'd been two World Wars which might have been regarded as great needs, yet never once had he sensed even the tiniest ripple in his magical aura.

Not until lately.

He couldn't exactly pinpoint when it had begun. It seemed as if there were changes coming to the world... as if the world was somehow off kilter. But it had happened gradually, or perhaps not. Scientists had been predicting global warming for decades, but multi-national businesses and many governments had chosen to ignore the warnings that human endeavour was in part responsible for the phenomenon. The sceptics spoke of how the climate of the world had changed naturally a number of times since the Earth had formed and these current predictions were purely scare tactics. Yet no one could deny that disasters created by extreme weather were occurring around the world on a more frequent basis and with increasing violence.

Merlin hadn't listened to the arguments from either side; he knew magic was woven into the very fabric of the earth, was in all living things and that magic was definitely out of balance. Life and the very world itself was in danger.

For the first time in many years, Merlin had bestirred himself to take action. Sometime ago he'd begun to plan his re-emergence into the twenty-first century and in a position where he could influence and protect his world. And where better to do that than at Camelot Industries, because the one thing that had given him hope, despite the fear, was the knowledge stirring deep within his being that he wouldn't be working alone.

Arthur would rise again.

Merlin just hadn't expected it all to be so simple. Arthur had fallen into the deep tarn, knocking himself out on the way, causing Merlin to rescue him as he had so long ago. In their old life, the prince hadn't remembered much of what led up to his almost drowning, though being enchanted by a Sidhe might have played a part in his loss of memory.

It had taken Merlin completely by surprise when Arthur had regained consciousness with the knowledge of who he was, who he had been... and exactly who Rhys Wilson was.

Now Merlin... no Rhys, he really had to stay in character, was anxious to talk to Arthur to find out how much the royal idiot did recall. He was also fairly concerned about his friend's state of health, though Arthur had survived worse injuries in the past. If Merlin had learned nothing else in those years he'd spent with The King of Camelot, he certainly knew the clotpole had a very hard head.

He was shaken from his reflections by the doors to A&E sliding open and Arthur emerging, carrying a similar bag to the one he'd been given, and with a rather careworn doctor in tow.

"Mr Penderel, you have a mild concussion and you inhaled water into your lungs. We strongly advise that you spend at least twenty-four hours in our care."

"But my lungs are clear now?" The doctor nodded and Arthur continued. "And I've had concussion before, so I know what to look out for. Besides, I won't be alone. My friend Rhys knows quite a lot about first aid. So you don't have to worry about me."

"I strongly recommend..."

Arthur gave the doctor one of his wide grins. "I promise Rhys will bring me back if my condition deteriorates. Won't you, Merlin?" As the doctor's eyebrows raised, Arthur laughed. "I call him Merlin... A joke! You know, King Arthur and Merlin? He hates it!"

"Well, if you're staying locally?" the doctor conceded, though clearly against his better judgement.

"My PA should be here shortly and I'm sure she'll have already made the reservations."

Arthur was shepherding Rhys to the exit, but the emergency doctor wasn't finished. "All right, but if your headache gets worse, and it probably will, take the paracetamol we've given you. Remember, no aspirin nor ibuprofen and definitely no alcohol. We hope not to see you again," the harassed man added, before turning to Rhys. "However, if there is any increased dizziness or any sign of confusion or unconsciousness get him back here quickly."

"Don't worry, I will," Rhys promised, trying not to grin at Arthur. "You'd be surprised how many times I've had to rescue this prat."

"Mer... Rhys, shut up!" Arthur said imperiously, then shook the doctor's hand. "Thank you for taking care of us. Your staff are very efficient and friendly and I'm grateful for all your help." At that, Arthur smiled and waved to the nurses who had come to see him off, then throwing his arm around his long lost friend's shoulder, he marched him outside. "Merlin, you've a lot of explaining to do, but before that I do hope you have somewhere for us to stay. That guy's right. My head is killing me!"

"I do... have a place to stay... but you're not going to like it," Merlin wrinkled his nose. "It's back in Seil and it's a Bed and Breakfast. Probably not up to your grand standards... and I'm bunking with Will."

"Will? As in Will from Ealdor?" Arthur let out a whoop at Merlin's nod, then his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the younger man, his cheeks flushing slightly red. "Merlin, you're not? You and Will... you're not an... item... are you?"

"No!" Merlin replied flustered and annoyed. "We're just sharing the costs. We're not all on your grand salary. And even if we were, what would it matter?"

Arthur shrugged. "It wouldn't. Good God, no! Like I told you back in Camelot, what a man does in his own time is nothing to do with me. I just wanted to get my head round any changes."

"Right. How about you?"

"Me?" Arthur touched his chest. "No, of course not."

"Sorry! Stupid question really if those celeb mags are anything to go by. You're frequently snapped with any number of blondes... or brunettes." Merlin stuck his hands in his pockets. "What's wrong with redheads?" he asked, airily, straying off course.

"Nothing's wrong with redheads. I just haven't met any I wanted to date. And why are we talking about my taste in women?"

The two men stood in silence for some moments in the car-park, looking around and feeling a bit lost. At least it had stopped raining. Finally Arthur spoke again. "Why are you worrying about the cost of your stay? You work for Camelot. Surely you can claim expenses?"

"True," Merlin admitted, "but I doubt the finance department would be happy to sign off on a five star hotel for me."

"I suppose not," Arthur acknowledged grudgingly, but he quickly brightened up again. "You can leave Will to the B&B and come and stay with me. Mind you, that might prove difficult for the moment, seeing as I don't have any place booked... not that I know off." He gazed around. "Strange, I expected Gwen to be here by now. I'm sure Will or one of your team would have alerted head office to our little accident. Gwen usually homes in on stuff like that..."

Merlin's head swung round. "Gwen? You know Gwen, as in Guinevere?"

"Yes... well, not exactly. In this life she's just Gwen."

"I never read you were married... or engaged."

"I'm not," Arthur said ambiguously and Merlin couldn't fathom if he was pleased or disappointed at that fact. "She's my PA... and my best friend. Though come to think of it, now I know why I always felt so comfortable around her. We were married for four years. Not that she remembers that. Hell, until a few hours ago, I didn't remember that," Arthur garbled on, feeling a nervous knot form in his stomach. How would he react to Gwen when she arrived, having realised the truth?

Merlin seemed to understand Arthur was feeling a trifle shell-shocked. "Will doesn't remember either, so don't go acting as if he does."

"Are we the only ones who know?"

"Not really... No!" Merlin gritted his teeth. "Back on Easdale. Mrs MacDougall is really Alice and she's invited you and I to visit her."

"Alice? Not sure I remem..." Then a light switched on in Arthur's brain. "Gaius' lady friend? Didn't she try to kill my father? But, if I recall, she escaped from our dungeons... probably with the old man's help."

"Very probably," Merlin agreed.

"She used dark magic!" Arthur scowled as the memories came back to him.

"Yes, but she wasn't in control of herself. The Manticore had taken over her mind."

"What's a manticore?" Arthur asked, intrigued despite his obvious tension.

"A nasty looking creature, about the size of a small dog... but with a sort of human face. Though it had a horrible set of teeth and a tail like a scorpion," Merlin reminisced with a shiver, seeing the beast in his mind's eye. "Lived in a box... well not really, the box was just a portal..."

"Merlin! What are you babbling about?" Arthur resisted a strong desire to hit his servant... well, geologist over the head.

"The Manticore. It was a creature of dark magic and it hypnotised poor Alice into poisoning Uther with its venom. Alice wasn't a bad person and I don't think she is now either."

"Do you think she has magic?" Arthur asked as an afterthought.

Merlin shook his head slightly. "I didn't sense it, but then I was too busy worrying about saving your life again, so I didn't really check. Sorry. But I think it's safe to assume that she might. She definitely knew about us."

"Merlin, you didn't save my life all that many times," Arthur said derogatorily. "And you certainly failed to do so that last time."

"I know and I am sorry." Merlin's gaze took on a faraway look. "I am very, very sorry. I never really got over losing you like that."

Arthur saw tears well in his friend's eyes and quickly took hold of Merlin's shoulder comfortingly. "You tried all that you could, Merlin. It wasn't your fault. You should know you can't change destiny. Besides, I'm back now... ready to fight for all that's good in the world." Arthur gave one of those dazzling smiles, which was quickly replaced by a frown. "Merlin, why am I back? According to those books I've read on The Arthurian Legend, I'm supposed to return during Albion's greatest need. So why am I back now?"

"To fight climate change?" Merlin suggested with an apologetic shrug.

"Me?" Arthur's voice almost rose off the scale.

"And me... and possibly Alice... and Gwen, if she ever remembers." At Arthur's shocked look, Merlin made another suggestion. "Perhaps we should get a taxi and find a hotel. There seems to be a rank over there." He pointed to a couple of taxis sitting at the edge of the car park. "You look like you're about to faint, and if that happens, they'll wheel you back in there." Merlin gestured to the glass doors of the hospital behind them.

Arthur stayed quiet for a moment, trying to regain his equilibrium. It wasn't every day you had the responsibility of saving the world dropped on your shoulders... and it wasn't like he was Superman! Thankfully, he was dragged from his state of shock by a sleek car speeding into the hospital grounds and coming to a halt in front of Merlin and himself.

The driver's door opened and a curly-haired, dusky-skinned young woman stepped out, looking daggers at her employer. "I can't leave you alone for a moment without you getting yourself into trouble. I got a message saying you were in hospital in Oban. What have you been up to this time, Arthur?"

"It wasn't my fault!" Arthur said quickly, trying to appease his irate PA. "Would you believe there was this earth... quake?"

Merlin smiled. Gwen might not be Arthur's wife in this life... yet, but she certainly knew how to make Arthur jump. He thought he'd lend his new/old friend a hand. "No, it wasn't. There really was an earthquake. Well more of an earth tremor really and the ground gave way beneath Arthur, then he fell into a flooded quarry... and hit his head."

Gwen came round the car, examining both men, but paying more attention to Arthur. Clearly they were wearing clothes which didn't belong to them. Arthur certainly was. Though he preferred casual clothes, his were always designer labels. These looked as if they'd come out of a charity shop. But he also looked very pale and tired, causing her to take pity on him.

"OK. It sounds strange, but you can tell me all about it later." She opened the car doors. "Right now we should go get you checked into the hotel. You look like you're about to drop." As both men moved towards the car, she asked. "By the way, who's your friend?"

Arthur and Merlin looked at each other, silently expressing the same thought. Gwen didn't remember!

"Gwen, this is Rhys Wilson." Arthur slid into the front passenger seat, throwing the ungainly sack in the back. "Rhys this is Gwen Armour." He watched as they shook hands. "You might want to thank him 'cause he saved my life."

For a second Gwen looked surprised, then she laughed. "Of course he did!" she commented, astounding the two men. She ignored their startled stares and waited till Merlin was inside before getting into the driver's seat and driving off.

"Did Gwen just remember?" Merlin asked telepathically without thinking.

Arthur turned in his seat, his eyes boring into Merlin. He groaned, clutching at his head, completely blind-sided.

"Arthur, are you all right?" asked Gwen, her voice edged with worry. "Perhaps you're not ready to leave the hospital."

"No! It's OK Gwen. They warned me I'd have a headache, and this one is a humdinger. Just get me to the hotel," Arthur said, though in his mind he formed a question to Merlin.

"Can we talk to each other... telepathically?"

"You actually heard me?"

"Yeah! You asked if Gwen remembered."

"Wow! Seems so. Though don't ask me how. I thought it only worked with Druids."

"I'm not a Druid!"

"True... but it works. Don't look so horrified. This could be fun!"

Arthur groaned again and buried his face even deeper into his hands. This had been one hell of a day!

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Arthur wasn't sure how long it actually took to drive to the hotel because he fell asleep during the journey. The next thing he knew was Guinevere shaking him awake. No, not Guinevere. This was Gwen!

"How long have I been asleep?" he asked, stifling a yawn.

"Not long. We're at the hotel," Gwen announced with a smile. "I'm sorry it's a little way out of Oban and maybe even further from the research site, but I guessed you'd prefer your comfort... and you've got to admit it does look very nice."

All three looked through the car windows at the building by the loch. Sometime between leaving the hospital and arriving at their destination the rain had stopped and the sun crept from behind the breaking clouds, casting purple shadows on the mountains while the waters seemed to sparkle and dance. The white painted hotel shone clean and welcoming through the surrounding trees.

"Looks better than anything I've ever stayed at," Merlin remarked, getting out of the car.

"Better than Camelot?" Arthur raised his eyebrows as he too stumbled onto the drive.

"It probably has better plumbing!"

"Merlin, you have no soul!"

"Well, I think it looks lovely," Gwen declared, looking around her. "And the view is stunning."

Arthur took a few steps towards the loch shore, his feet crunching on the gravel. "I agree, Gwen. Everything looks much better when the sun is shining. I wonder if they have fishing rights."

"You're an angler?" Merlin couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice.

"Sure. My dad used to take me when I was little down in Devon. Mind you, this seems on a much grander scale. They probably fish for salmon."

Again Merlin looked shocked. Somehow he couldn't imagine Uther taking a young Arthur fishing, but maybe Arthur's father was totally different this time round.

"You should meet my father, Rhys. I think you might like him."

Merlin threw Arthur a questioning look. Had he read his mind?

"I didn't need to. The look on your face said it all!"

Their little tête-à-tête was interrupted as a porter came out to ask if they had reservations and if so could he take their luggage indoors.

"We do," Gwen answered, rummaging around in her purse for the confirming email. "The booking is under the name of Penderel and I've booked a suite and a room."

"You have indeed, madame," replied the porter in a lilting accent and beaming broadly. "May I welcome you to The Lochside Hotel and please come inside. The receptionist will see to your needs."

"Thank you." Gwen popped the boot open and walked inside, followed by Arthur and Rhys. "I didn't know I had to book three rooms," she said in an aside to her boss.

"That's OK. I'm sure there'll be room for Mer... Rhys in my suite."

"I don't have any luggage, apart from the clothes that got soaked," Merlin pointed out, still clutching the hospital bag. "I'm going to need something else to wear," he added looking down at himself. "I look like a refugee."

"So do I, now you come to mention it." Arthur hurried to catch up with his PA, which wasn't the best of ideas and he found himself grabbing her arm to steady himself. "Gwen, we have to get these clothes laundered and returned to the hospital and have our own cleaned and pressed." He fingered the shirt he was wearing. "I think we got these courtesy of the Women's Institute. Oh, and arrange for a donation to be made to their social fund... and find out if the hospital is needing any funding for equipment. They were very good."

"I'll see to that, Arthur." Gwen smiled.

Merlin however, wasn't amused. "Still doesn't solve what I'm going to wear."

"The hotel probably supplies toiletries and you can borrow some clothes of mine," Arthur said, looking Merlin up and down. "The height should be OK, though you'll need to borrow a belt." At that, Merlin chuckled, causing Arthur to change to telepathy.

"Don't you dare say I'm fat again!"

"I wasn't going to 'cause you're not fat this time," Rhys replied, speaking normally, though he did lower his voice slightly. "Must be all that polo you play!"

"Merlin, be careful," Arthur hissed. "You don't know who's listening."

"Then you better stop calling me Merlin!"

Arthur had the grace to blush. "Sorry! I keep forgetting." He pointed a finger at Merlin. "I know you think I'm some fancy rich boy, but I actually prefer playing football to polo."

"You can't deny being filthy rich and you do play." Merlin grinned. "I saw that article about you in Hello!"

"That was my father's doing. To tell the truth, I think I'm a bit of a disappointment to him."

Merlin was about to ask about the father-son relationship, but Gwen walked over and interrupted. "There, that's all sorted. Rhys, you're in the Kilchurn Suite with Arthur. They tell me there's a sofa bed in the living room, so he won't keep you awake with his snoring."

"I do not snore!"

"How do you know he snores?"

Arthur and Merlin spoke in chorus.

"I stayed over with Arthur during uni sometimes... but not staying over... staying over." It was Gwen's turn to blush. "Just... staying over... not in the same bed or anything." And she flushed even brighter at that, because they had shared a bed once or twice, but only because they'd fallen asleep while studying.

"And you're never going to stay over again if you go around telling lies about me snoring." Having had the final word, Arthur changed the subject. "Now where is this suite?"

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The suite was large and airy with comfortable, though old fashioned furniture, very much suited to the refurbished nineteenth century building. However, it did have every modern appliance from flat screen televisions to wifi, coffee makers and a spa bath.

After looking it over, Arthur announced it would do very nicely and almost immediately went to sample the bath, making use of the pyjamas, terry towelling dressing gown and slippers which were supplied.

"See, Rhys, they've even supplied pjs, so you have nothing to worry about."

"It's too early to get ready for bed. I'm actually hungry." Merlin heard his stomach rumble loudly, causing Gwen to laugh.

"I'm more tired than hungry," Arthur said, stifling another yawn. "Gwen, why don't you get settled into your room, then come back and we can order room service. I think I'm ready for an early night."

Immediately, Gwen was all concern for her boss. "Arthur, you are feeling OK? You don't think we should send for a doctor."

A gentle smile touched Arthur's lips as he watched his Girl Friday. "I'm probably better than I've any right to be. The doctors told me what to expect, and I think I just need to rest." As he walked through to the bathroom, he passed his bedroom. "I've got to say that bed is looking really welcoming."

"A four poster," Merlin guffawed again. "That should make you feel right at home."

But Arthur probably didn't hear as he disappeared into the bathroom, calling over his shoulder. "Rhys, just open my cases and take whatever you want to wear... only don't take my Vivienne Westwood chinos, the black ones. They're off limits."

Gwen smiled encouragingly at Rhys, saying apologetically. "He loves those chinos. Don't look so worried, Rhys. He won't eat you. His bark is worse than his bite. I'll go check out my room, then I'll be back and we'll order dinner. Will that do you?"

"Sure thing. I'll just wait here," Merlin said, sitting on the large sofa which was to be his bed for the night. He didn't feel at ease raking through Arthur's luggage, but he didn't feel very at home in these ill-fitting clothes either. His nose wrinkled... they even smelt a bit musty. What the hell! He'd been given permission, so he might as well take a look at what rich people wore.

Oh, and he really should call Will, only he didn't know what had happened to his mobile. It was probably still back on Easdale. It could even be at the bottom of that pool, as might Arthur's. Perhaps the well-off dollophead had another inside his luggage. Another reason to go searching through his boss's cases.

Merlin strolled into the bedroom to see the pile of baggage on the stand. Why did Arthur need so much luggage for a trip that might only last a few days? Clearly this Arthur didn't understand the concept of travelling light.

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When Arthur finally emerged from the bathroom, he found Merlin absent-mindedly flipping through channels on the large television. The former king was still wearing the complimentary pyjamas and was wrapped in the soft robe though he was now barefoot. His toes curled into the soft pile carpet as he stretched his hands above his head and worked the kinks out of his back.

"You have to try that bath, Merlin. It's really good for aches and pains."

"How about your headache?" Rhys asked still watching the screen.

Arthur's brow wrinkled. "Nah! That's still there, unfortunately."

At last, Rhys looked up. "You should take some paracetamol. They're over on the table," he said pointing at a side-table by the edge of the couch.

"Thanks!" Arthur lifted the paper bag the doctor had supplied him with and fished out the pills, crossing to the fridge to find a bottle of water. He quickly downed two pills. "Has Gwen gone to her room?"

"Yup. Said she'd be back soon." Rhys answered monosyllabic, again concentrating on finding a TV channel which might actually be reporting on what happened on Easdale.

"Right." Arthur sat opposite his erstwhile friend, glancing over his shoulder towards the bedroom. "You know, Merlin, you really are as untidy as ever. When I said borrow some of my clothes, I didn't expect you to rummage around in my luggage like a demented customs officer on the trail of contraband."

"Oh, that. Sorry. I was looking for this." Rhys lifted the smart phone which was lying on the couch by his side. "I left mine on the island somewhere."

"Did you phone Will?"

"Yup. Thought I should let him know what's happening." Merlin squinted at Arthur. "Told him you got discharged, that I was staying here overnight and would be back at the site tomorrow morning, if that's all right with you?"

"Of course. I'll get Gwen to order you a car. I take it yours is still in Seil? And don't say yup again, or I might have to throw something at you." Arthur leaned forward, leaning his elbows on his knees. "What's wrong, Merlin?"

"I wish I knew." Rhys finally laid the remote-control down. "There's not a thing on the news about what's happening in Easdale. There hasn't been, not from the beginning, apart from in the local press. But you're a reportable commodity. I thought you almost drowning might make the main news."

"Perhaps I'm not that important." Arthur shrugged, but he didn't dismiss Merlin's unease. He'd learned from his last life that his warlock's funny feelings shouldn't be ignored. "What do you think is happening on Easdale?"

This time, Rhys shrugged. "You'll think I'm nuts."

"I doubt that. You'll notice I haven't freaked out at learning you're a very old man... I don't think you've ever died... nor that I lived once before, nor remembering that you have magic. Not to mention the telepathy! Given all that, I think you can tell me anything. So come on," Arthur said encouragingly, leaning back in his chair. "Tell me. Before Gwen comes back."

Merlin pushed himself upright and went to look out the window, down to the loch. "It's not just Easdale... or even Scotland or the UK. Something has gone wrong with the world."

"As in global warming?" Arthur asked, showing he wasn't totally unaware.

For a long moment, Rhys stared at the beautiful, peaceful scene outside before he turned to confront Arthur. "It's partly that and it's manifesting itself in extreme weather conditions. And some of that's due to nature which is being exacerbated by human enterprises..."

"But that's not all?" There was no sign of flippancy in Arthur's tone.

Rhys walked back to sit on the sofa, capturing Arthur's intense gaze with his own. "Arthur, did I ever tell you that magic was woven into the very fabric of the earth? It still is, even though no one believes in it these days."

"I don't think we'd time to get around to you explaining magic. Only you telling me that you were born a sorcerer and you used your magic for me."

"Which was true." Rhys nodded and gave a tiny grin. "And no doubt I'll do the same all over again. After all, I've been waiting a very long time for you to return." He moved to the edge of his seat. "Arthur, something or someone is messing with the magic of the world and unless we can fix things, these disastrous situations are only going to get worse."

Arthur let out a bark of laughter. "Boy! That's quite a task. And I thought I was under pressure in Camelot."

There was a knock on the door and Gwen's voice drifted through asking if they were decent.

Arthur rose to open the door, but he heard Merlin's whisper from behind him.

"And remember to call me Rhys! You keep forgetting."

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They ordered room-service in the early evening and their meals were excellent, though Arthur ate very little, and it was clear to Rhys and Gwen that he was tiring fast. By tacit agreement all three kept off the subject of the day's occurrence, the probable... and the more incredible causes.

Since Merlin knew his background was pretty much off limits while he and Arthur were still unsure of Gwen's knowledge of their shared past, he asked them about their current history, how they had met and become friends?

And as he listened to their recollections and their gentle teasing of each other, he realised that here were two people who had become very close over the years; looked out for each other and possibly cared more deeply than either was ready to acknowledge. It gave him a warm feeling inside and a sense of hope, chasing away the dread that had slowly been seeping through his being. Together... and perhaps with some of their other friends, because who knew who else would be reincarnated... they could perhaps triumph over the encroaching threat.

As they sat relaxed at the table finishing their coffees, the setting sun's rays struck the room, bathing it in a warm, restful glow, so Arthur's words surprised both Rhys and Gwen.

"I'll go pull on some clothes and let's take a walk down to the lake." He rose and made his way to the bedroom. "It's such a lovely evening after such a horrible day, I'm sure we could all use some sun."

"I think you'll find they call it a loch in this neck of the woods!" Merlin joked.

"Merlin, do you always have to correct me?" Arthur shouted back edgily, his still nagging headache making him act a bit peevishly.

"Merlin?" came Gwen's quick response. "Who's Merlin."

Arthur appeared in the doorway, having shed his dressing gown and top. "Rhys, of course," he countered quickly. "You know... Arthur and Merlin... hero and side-kick. It's a joke."

"In that case, Merlin's the hero, since he saved you," Gwen said, staring at Arthur's bared chest for a moment before a slight flush coloured her cheeks and she looked away. "And shouldn't Merlin be an old man with white hair and a long beard?"

"And a magic staff, Gwen. Don't forget the staff." Merlin joined in, happy to misdirect Gwen, while he spoke to Arthur's mind.

"You twat! What did I tell you about calling me Merlin?"

"Well it's hard to remember with this fuzzy head." Arthur smirked foolishly to his PA. "Maybe it's not such a great joke. I just think the nickname suits him. Don't you?"

Merlin stare wide-eyed at his idiot of a king. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Since I don't have white hair or a beard, and I'm only twenty-six, no I don't think it suits me, and I don't think you look much like a king either," Rhys said, staring balefully at his boss. "King Arthur, that's a laugh. Wasn't he an honourable warrior?"

"Ok, you don't have to throw a fit. Clearly Gwen has no idea of our past lives. Oh, and you were right. I'm beginning to like this mind talking thing."

Out loud, Arthur spoke. "So I'm not 'King Arthur' but I believe you're still my employee!" he teased, his mouth spreading into a wide grin. "Let me just get some clothes on and we can take that walk."

"Arthur, perhaps that's not such a good idea. Shouldn't you be resting?" Gwen couldn't keep the worry from her voice.

Once more, Arthur's smile gentled when he turned to her. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to stress you out, Gwen. But I really think some fresh air might clear my head and help me sleep."

With that he went back into the room to change and very shortly the three friends walked companionably down to the edge of the shimmering loch, finding the setting sun surprisingly warm. Neither Merlin nor Arthur was surprised when Gwen slipped between them and linked her arms through theirs, smiling at them both, her brown eyes shining with affection. She might not remember, but the gesture was all Guinevere.

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Please let me know what you think. I'm still a little unsure of writing in present time.