Wow! Can I first off say thank you all so much for responding so enthusiastically about this sequel! My only hope is that I'll do it justice. You'll notice a difference with this one, though. The chapters are not going to be as long as L&L. Not because I can't think of a way to make them longer; I'm challenging myself to write shorter chapters. I tend to write long ones. Anywho, on with the story, hmmm? :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or Harry Potter
I promise the HP gang will show up after a while. Have patience with me. There's a method to my madness. For now, enjoy the Merlin characters stumbling around in the future. :)
02: Lakeside Gardens
Arthur was frustrated. He'd returned from his class and now stood in front of his closet. It was a quarter to one. How was it possible that he couldn't find anything nice to wear when he had so many clothes? Sometimes he wished someone else would pick out his wardrobe for him. It would certainly have saved him time! Groaning, he glanced again at the clock and panicked. Grabbing a red dress shirt, he hastily threw it over his shoulders, his fingers fumbling across the buttons. Tucking the shirt into a pair of kaki dress pants, he slipped on a pair of shoes, a scarf, and his black overcoat before booking it out the door.
He made it to the café on time and, after a quick look around, deduced that Guinevere had yet to arrive. Somewhat thankful that he had a moment to compose himself, Arthur tried to keep his nerves in check. What was wrong with him? He'd gone on hundreds of dates with beautiful women before and remained in complete control of himself. Why was he so nervous? Maybe she wouldn't come? Maybe he wasn't -
"Arthur?"
Arthur spun around and his heart leapt. Guinevere had her hair pulled back today, allowing him to see a pair of large hoop earrings through the curls. She wore a deep purple coat, white scarf, and black pants. She was the picture of perfection.
"Guinevere," he greeted in relief, smiling happily. "I'm glad you came."
She sent him a small smile. "I am a woman of my word, you know. Did you think I was going to stand you up?"
"No, definitely not!" he hastily replied before clearing his throat to compose himself. "What I meant was, I'm glad I get to see you again."
Guinevere let out a small breath of laughter, her cheeks turning pink. "Well, you're good at making someone feel special, I'll give you that."
Arthur stared at her with sincerity. "Because you are."
Guinevere's blush deepened, her eyes dropping to the floor, a smile on her face. Arthur couldn't help thinking how beautiful she was. A moment passed. Guinevere glanced at an empty table. "Um, should we sit?"
"Of course."
They took their seats but neither spoke. After a while Guinevere lightly coughed. "So…" she bit her lip. "Why did you offer to have me spend Christmas with you?"
Arthur blinked. "Honestly? I invited you because I wanted to. My father lives across the pond and he and I aren't really seeing eye to eye these days."
"So you'd rather spend Christmas with a stranger than your own family?" The skeptical note in her voice was accompanied with a raised eyebrow.
Arthur shrugged. "Your company would be far more satisfying than my father's, trust me. There isn't a Christmas that doesn't end in some form of argument. I'd rather avoid that this year if I can help it. Besides, he thinks that I won't be able to spend the holiday with him due to schooling; I told him I have too many projects to work on over the break that I can't afford to put off."
Guinevere looked sympathetic. "I'm sorry you don't get along with your father."
Arthur looked down at his folded hands. "He's a great man, he really is. I look up to him in many ways but I still feel that there are some things he does that I don't agree with. He expects me to take over the family business but I don't want to - which is why I'm going behind his back and taking law classes instead. I want to help people and I feel that being in a position of law would better accomplish that goal than running an oil company."
Arthur didn't know why he was telling her all of this. Why was he confessing his secrets to her? He was supposed to be the perfect son, willing to follow in his father's footsteps in every way. For years he had to mold himself into an image that portrayed his abilities to rule a company he had no interest in. Perhaps since he was now away from his father's constant scrutiny his mask had slipped? Or perhaps he just couldn't bring himself to hide from this woman. She seemed to have him under some kind of spell.
Guinevere reached across the table and rested her hand over his in a comforting gesture. "Making your own path is not something that needs to be condemned. If you father loves you, which I'm positive he does, he will accept that you are your own person. You deserve to do what you feel is right."
Arthur stared down at her hand and Guinevere, realizing that she was caressing his with her thumb, immediately pulled away, gasping out an apology.
"I am so sorry!" she cried hastily, "Normally I don't do that sort of thing-I mean, taking people's hands without permission-or telling people what to do so brazenly-"
Arthur smiled as he listened to her stumble over her words. "Guinevere," he interrupted, halting her, "it's alright. I appreciate your kindness."
Her brown eyes glanced up from under her lashes and it took all of Arthur's will power to concentrate on what she was saying instead of the fantasies playing through his head.
She laughed weakly. "I tend to ramble and speak my mind; sometimes my mouth runs away with me."
"I think it's brilliant."
"Really?"
"Yes," Arthur smiled and Guinevere returned the gesture, her shoulders relaxing under his candor. "So, my offer still stands."
"Arthur… I don't even know you." With a teasing smile she continued, "For all I know you could be a serial killer."
Arthur laughed at the joke. "Because I obviously look like one."
Guinevere beamed. "Still though, I don't think I'm comfortable spending the holiday with someone I've never met before."
"Well," Arthur mused, "we have four days 'til Christmas. That's four days that you can get to know me and I you."
There, he'd finally built up the nerve to hint at his true desire. Now, with his heart pounding in his throat, he could only wait for her to respond and pray she'd understood his intentions.
Guinevere stared at him with a slight frown. "Are you asking me out?"
Arthur's face fell but not as much as his heart which dropped like a stone somewhere near his feet. She didn't seem too interested. He cleared his throat. "Well… that was my intention… but if you're not interested then –"
"I never said I wasn't," she interrupted.
Arthur looked up. "What?"
Guinevere's cheeks were tinted a lighter shade as she bit her lip a little. "I never said I wasn't interested," she repeated.
"You mean…?" Arthur grinned, his heart beginning to climb.
Guinevere let out a small laugh. "I'm not saying that I want to be your girlfriend or anything. But getting to know you doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Lancelot is a little cautious but he only wants what's best for me."
"Lancelot… he's not your…?"
"No, no, not anymore," Guinevere said hastily. "We used to be but it didn't work out."
Arthur, cheered by this news, tried to contain his elation. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Guinevere smiled. "We both realized that we didn't seem to fit. That doesn't stop him from being over protective though. I swear he's more like a brother to me now. In fact, he's just as over protective as my own."
Arthur chuckled. "Well, you are worth protecting. I can understand why Lancelot would be concerned about a strange man asking you to spend the holiday with him. But I want you to know that my intentions are pure. I have no desire to harm you in any way, shape, or form."
"I suspected that to be true," said Guinevere with a smile. "That's why I decided to call you – against Lancelot's wishes."
Arthur grinned, reiterating his earlier proposal, "Does this mean that you're alright with getting to know me and possibly allowing me to indulge your company for the holiday?"
"Let's start with the getting to know you bit," Guinevere replied, her eyes sparkling. "Then we'll see about the holiday."
"I'll take whatever I can get," Arthur agreed. "So, are you free right now?"
"As it turns out, yes, I am."
"Then why don't I take you out to lunch? I know a fantastic place."
"Arthur, we're already in a cafe."
Arthur stood up. "Ahhh but there's this great restaurant a few blocks from here and the food is to die for! Not to mention the walk will be a welcoming way to start our relationship."
Guinevere smiled at him, her eyes dancing playfully. "Alright," she agreed, standing up.
His grin was wide as he held out his arm to her. Guinevere easily slipped hers through it. Leading her out of the café, Arthur felt like a king with a queen at his side; for that was how he saw Guinevere: as a precious gem that deserved the best life had to offer.
[][][]
Merlin had forgotten just how vast London was. He'd been up since the rising of the sun, eager to get a fresh start and come across as many people as possible in his search for his king. He'd surely passed by thousands of people and yet none of them looked familiar. The warlock sighed. This would have been so much easier if Arthur had just emerged from the Lake of Avalon. Why had the Old Religion reincarnated the Future King instead of simply bringing him back? Because of this Merlin was afraid that Arthur wouldn't know him when he did run into him. And that posed another question: if that was the case, would his dear friend ever remember?
Merlin sighed. He'd decided to temporarily stop his search in the afternoon in order to get a bite to eat. He stared down at his soup, pushing the contents round and round, his thoughts becoming lost. Though he was happy to finally be living in the twenty first century again – modern technology was something he'd pined over after his return to Camelot all those years ago – he couldn't help but feel a little lost. He was glad he knew of the Magical Community. At least with them he had some kind of home... even though he knew it would never be complete without Arthur.
But why had Arthur been brought back now? Not that he was complaining; he just couldn't figure it out. Voldemort had just barely been defeated. His Death Eaters were still out there but Merlin didn't think it would take too long for the Ministry officials to round them up; not now that Kingsley was in charge. Merlin shook his head. It had been so long ago that he'd helped Harry fulfill his destiny and yet to the young wizard it hadn't even been a month. Merlin's life was definitely strange. But honestly, why had Arthur returned now?
Merlin was pulled from his musings when something brushed up against his pant leg. Startled, the warlock looked down to find a black cat rubbing its body repeatedly over his lower calves. Merlin looked around. He was the only customer from the café to brave being outside. The chilled weather had driven everyone else in doors but with a little bit of magic to heat up the atmosphere, Merlin was very comfortable away from the hustle and bustle inside. The quiet helped him think after all.
"Hello there," he muttered, reaching down to pet the beast. The cat's yellow eyes blinked up at him and Merlin's heart leapt. Why did he feel like he'd met this creature before? The cat's eyes closed and it began to purr as Merlin stroked its head. "Where did you come from?"
The cat let out a small mewl before suddenly running away. Merlin feared for its safety as it rushed across the road but luckily there weren't any cars in sight. The cat's target seemed to be the floral shop across the street: Lakeside Gardens. Beautiful arrangements in the traditional colors of Christmas shone from the display windows in wreaths as well as filled vases. Merlin found the creations to be quite elegant and fitting for the holiday. The black cat stopped outside the shop's door – which was strangely open – and turned to stare at Merlin one last time before slipping inside.
Merlin was about to dismiss the whole affair when his magic spiked beneath his skin. His blue eyes whirled back to the floral shop and Merlin was out of his seat before he'd even known what he was doing. His heart sped up as he neared the shop and he felt a quiet curiosity as well as dread welling within him. His magic had reacted because Old magic had just been used within the store. Taking a deep breath, he summoned his power so it was just beneath his fingertips before striding inside.
Immediately he was met with the smells of cinnamon, flowers, and dirt. The shop's interior was covered with different displays from potted plants to giant floral arrangements appropriate for the season. Small pine trees in potted soil were decorated with tinsel, ornaments, and wired bows. Being attached to the Earth, Merlin found the place rather peaceful. If he hadn't been on the lookout for some form of Old magic, he would have relaxed his stance and enjoyed the thrum of comfort coming from the plant life.
"Welcome to Lakeside Gardens, how can I help you?"
Merlin whirled around. Standing behind the counter was a young woman with long brown hair and curious earthy eyes. Merlin forgot how to breathe as his heart leapt into his throat.
He nearly choked as he exhaled, "Freya."
"I'm sorry?" she prompted, her bright smile lowering a little from the way he was staring.
Merlin couldn't help it. It didn't make any sense. Freya was supposed to be dead, the Lady of the Lake. What was she doing in the heart of London in a flower shop? And, as painful as if was for him to realize, why didn't she appear to recognize him?
"Um, are you alright?" she asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Do I need to call for help?"
Merlin forced a smile, trying to hide his shock as well as hurt. "No, no, that won't be necessary."
Freya smiled though she seemed nervous. Her eyes shifted a little and she appeared to have the desire to disappear. "Was there something I could help you find?"
"Actually, I was looking for a black cat," Merlin decided to say, "I saw it run in here."
Freya stiffened. "A cat? I'm afraid I haven't seen any. Sorry."
She was lying. Merlin could tell by her shifting posture and her unwillingness to look him in the eye. But why would she lie about that? Did she have something to hide?
"I don't want to hurt it," Merlin consoled. "I'm just concerned. I was eating outside of the café when it came up to me before running across the street. It didn't have any identification and I just wanted to make sure it has a home."
Freya stared at him curiously. "Not many people care about stray cats, you know – particularly black ones."
Merlin gazed upon her, remembering the way she'd appeared in her bastet form all those years ago back in Camelot. Though everyone else labeled her as a beast, he saw nothing but her. "I have a certain soft spot for them," he admitted, his expression tender, "I feel they're misunderstood."
Freya's uneasy demeanor lessened a little. "You're being honest."
"Of course," Merlin answered. "I wouldn't lie about something as important as that."
And there it was: her beautiful smile he loved so much. "You're a cat lover."
"The lady has found me out," Merlin grinned, bowing slightly to her.
She laughed. "I'm Freya," she introduced.
"I'm Merlin."
Merlin froze. Had he really just introduced himself by his true name?! He hadn't done that in centuries!
"Merlin? Oddly, it suits you," she said, appraising him.
"You think so?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly.
"Yes," she laughed. "I must admit I've always had an affinity for the great wizard of legends."
Merlin stared. If he didn't know any better, he'd think she was teasing him. "Well, I've always been a fan of him myself."
"Do you think he was real?"
Merlin studied her. She didn't appear to be teasing him at all. She genuinely had no idea who he really was. Oh the hurt that brought! Here was the woman he'd loved for centuries yet she had no recollection of him whatsoever!
But he couldn't allow himself to despair completely; she was here, alive! Even if she didn't remember him, perhaps this was fate being kind enough to give them a second chance? Well, if that were the case then he wasn't about to complain; even if he had to force his hurt aside concerning her ignorance of their history.
Swallowing past the painful lump in his throat, Merlin nodded. "I believe he was real."
"So you think magic was real too?"
Merlin had half a mind to say no but after staring into those intense brown eyes, he couldn't lie. Not to her.
"I believe it was."
Freya's shoulders seem to tighten but she kept her voice friendly. "Do you think people still have it?"
Merlin shrugged. "People may think I'm wrong but I believe some do. How else do you explain when weird things happen? Not to mention all the magic tricks people can do."
"Yeah, but those are just tricks," she countered. "Slide of hand… illusions… no, I'm talking about real magic."
"Like what exactly?" Merlin wondered, slightly uncomfortable with this conversation.
"Like the kind that transforms someone into something else," she whispered so quietly he could barely hear.
"Transformations?" he prompted.
Freya suddenly looked up at him and he watched as she remarkably went from exposing raw fear to controlled, almost carefree, buoyancy. Laughing lightly she waved a hand, "Look at me, talking about nonsense. I'm sorry to prattle on. I should be asking you if you want any floral arrangements instead of your opinions on the possibilities of magic in the world."
"I don't mind," he answered. Hiding a growing suspicion over her desire to change the conversation, he decided to indulge her nonetheless. "My name often brings about the topic of magic."
"I've no doubt," she smiled, the relief in her tone practically visible that he'd taken the hint. "I don't think I've ever met someone with the name of Merlin before."
"It's a rare one," Merlin agreed, smiling. "In my defense, Freya doesn't seem to be a common name either."
"That's something we can agree on."
"Along with other things, I hope."
Freya's cheeks started to darken and she lightly bit her lip. Before she could respond, Merlin plucked a red rose from the nearest display and held it out to her. After a moment's hesitation, she accepted the bloom, lifting it to her nose to enjoy its scent. Opening her lovely brown eyes, Freya's smile widened.
"Nobody has ever given me a rose before," she admitted.
"Well then they're blind because you deserve not only one but as many as the world brings to life."
Freya's face darkened further but she was clearly pleased. Grinning, Merlin reached into his pocket and set a five pound note on the counter next to her. Freya looked at it curiously.
"What's that for?"
"Now you'll have to keep it," Merlin answered, pointing at the rose, "instead of having to put it back on the shelf."
Freya blushed even further. "Thank you, Merlin. It's lovely."
He watched as she put the flower in an empty vase on the counter, her fingers admiring the petals before turning back to him.
Merlin clapped his hands together. "So, would it be terrible if I invited you to have dinner with me?"
"It would probably be terrible having dinner with me," she softly muttered, her smile quicky fading.
"What? Why would you think that?" Merlin wondered, flabbergast, but then he remembered Freya had failed to see her worth in the past. She seemed to be having that same problem now.
"I don't know," she mumbled, her tone downcast.
Merlin took her hand and smiled warmly at her, hoping to convey all the feelings of his heart into his words. "I would consider it an absolute honor to go out with you" - he paused, wagging a playful finger - "But I have have to warn you, I tend to chase people away more often than not."
A ghost of Freya's gorgeous smile could be seen as she studied him closely. "I find that hard to believe."
Merlin grinned. "Believe me, I'm definitely not what one would consider normal."
"Well then that makes two of us," she weakly smiled in return.
"Then, can it be safe for two misfits to have dinner together?" he tried again.
"I suppose so," Freya answered, her smile growing.
"Great! I can pick you up when you're done with work."
Freya glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'm off in three hours."
"Then I'll return at that time."
Freya's smile was now reaching her eyes and Merlin nearly felt like his heart would burst. "I'll see you then," she said.
Sending her the biggest grin he could manage, Merlin tripped on his own two feet as he turned to head out the door. Steadying himself, he turned back to her and awkwardly waved. "Um, bye then."
Freya giggled before waving. "Bye, Merlin."
As he left the shop, Merlin had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Freya was really here, in London, and though she couldn't remember him she'd agreed to go on a dinner date with him!
So euphoric was he that he didn't feel his magic spike nor did he see the black cat now sitting on the floral counter, its nose admiring the rose he'd just given to the girl who had been standing there only moments ago.
Freya's back! Woohoo! And before any of you start asking: wait, how can she be back when she was dead not even a month ago when she healed Merlin in the lake at Hogwarts? That will be answered eventually, my friends. Just be patient.
Right, I've had several people say they were a little confused with the timeline so I'm going to try to explain. Merlin(1) will be the Merlin we all read about in Loss and Light while Merlin(2) will be the one we're now reading about in Quest for Albion. Okay, here we go!
Merlin(1) gets thrust into the nine hundreds while Merlin(2) who has lived the old fashioned way year by year up until the time Merlin(1) arrives, falls asleep in an Irish hovel until November of nineteen ninety seven. Merlin(1) returned to the past in November of nineteen ninety seven and lived naturally, becoming Merlin(2). The reason why Merlin(1) was thrust into the future was so he could gain incredible experience and knowledge that was necessary in his advisory role to Arthur as the two created Albion.
So, in a nutshell:
993 - Merlin(1) arrives in time of founders/ Old Religion casts a sleeping spell over Merlin(2) in his Irish hovel where he stays undisturbed until 1997
1997 - Merlin(1) along with Once King Arthur, Gwen, and knights returned to the past/ Merlin(2) wakes up in Irish hovel and learns the Future King has returned.
So, if you're following along with me here, you'll figure out that for a brief period of time there were two sets of each of our favorite Merlin characters running around in November of 1997: the ones from the past and their reincarnated forms (and, in Merlin's case, his older self). Except for Freya who, like I said earlier, is a special case and her situation will be explained later in the fic.
Oops, I guess I sort of spoiled future chapters by telling you reincarnated forms of the knights are walking around. Hehe. Well, I felt it had to be explained and it gives you all something to look forward to! Like how I'm going to bring them all back together and if they're actually going to remember their favorite warlock! Okay, I hope I explained that in such a way that everyone understands now. Sorry this AN is so long. But one last thing... I can't pass up the opportunity to request for you to:
Leave a review! You guys have no idea how much they boost my spirit! :)
