Here is Chapter 3. This is a bit shorter than the others and it shows Merlin and Arthur out in the 21st century. We also have the introduction of the reincarnation of Gwen. I hope you enjoy this one and please review, please?

As I have said in the beginning of Chapter 2, I still have to map out Morgana and Mordred's plot. For now, it is all about Merthur and the beginning of Arwen.


Chapter 3: The Once and Future King and Queen

Instead of going to a tavern, Merlin decides to take Arthur to the market as it is a bit similar to how Camelot was. All of the people gathered in one place, see people meandering through stations to purchase different goods could help ease Arthur and help adjusting to this century a little easier. Merlin pulls into a space and Arthur looks out of the windows to see many people going to their cars or getting out of them to go to the market.

"What is this place, Merlin?" Arthur asks as we watches a couple with two kids getting into their car.

"It's the market. A lot of people come here to buy stuff, eat, or just socialize. It kind of reminds you of Camelot, eh?" Merlin answers.

"Minus the cars and maybe different types of clothing then yes, it reminds me of Camelot," he replies too distracted by the various people.

Merlin and Arthur roam the different sections of the market place with Arthur admiring the plethora of items up for sale as well as the jovial atmosphere permeating the area. He sees several families with the kids happily enjoying cotton candy or popcorn while the adults shop for anything and his heart aches that he never got the chance to create a family with Guinevere. He remembers how they would talk about starting a family once Morgana's threat was over. They both agreed they would not want to start a family while Morgana was still trying to seize the throne. Both could not fathom what it would be like if Morgana had kidnapped their son or daughter.

"You all right, Arthur?" Merlin asks, stealing him out of his reverie.

Arthur looks to Merlin and grins at him. "I'm fine. Are we going to eat? I am famished."

Merlin laughs and nods. "I am, too."

The two head to a small, little café in the market place. Merlin helps Arthur with ordering what food and both agree on the big English breakfast the café offers. As the two finish their meal, Arthur looks around the place becoming fascinated by the various types of people in different kinds of clothing. As we watches the people, his eyes focus on a familiar person. Across the way, he sees Guinevere looking at fabrics in a tent. His breath hitches at how beautiful she looks in twenty-first century clothing. She is wearing dark blue jeans with brown boots over the bottom and a long, violet coat that was buttoned up. Her hair is worn down with soft curls at the ends. He smiles as he watches her converse amicably with the owner of the tent and tries to catch Merlin's attention.

"Merlin," he grabs Merlin's arm without turning away from Guinevere. "I see her, I see her over there at the fabrics' tent in the purple coat."

Merlin looks at Arthur worriedly before following his gaze and sees Gwen where Arthur said she'd be. "What are you going to do?" he asks.

Arthur sighs and shrugs. "I don't know. She obviously would not remember who I am considering that is not my Guinevere but just someone who looks like her," he looks to Merlin with sad eyes, "What do I do?"

Merlin shrugs. "I don't know, Arthur. You could go up to her, but don't expect her to recognize her. Treat her like you just met for the first time. Do you remember the first time you met her in Camelot?"

Arthur scoffs and looks down as he tries to recall his first meeting with Guinevere. How did that go? She was starting her first day in the castle as Morgana's maid and he was the arrogant, pompous jerk of a Prince. He had gone to Morgana's chambers to talk to her when Guinevere answered the door and he had asked to see Morgana. When he entered, she left the room and he watched her leave. He remembers she had somehow stolen a part of his attention her first day and that was it. He did not really have a real conversation with her until Merlin came.

"I don't really remember our first meeting," he lies.

Merlin nods and thinks Arthur could screw this up. As Merlin tries to think of a way to help him, Arthur abruptly gets up from his seat.

"What are you doing?" Merlin asks in a startled tone.

Arthur stares him like it should be obvious what he's about to do. "I'm going to talk to my wife," he answers and stalks off in Guinevere's direction before he or Merlin can talk him out of it.

Arthur tries his best to control his nervous stomach and erratically beating heart as the distance between him and Guinevere gets closer. She is still at the tent and he thanks the heavens she is still there. He is closer to the tent and takes a deep breath before entering the tent. He pretends to look at several of the items on sale as she continues looking at sewing kits, fabrics, and sewing machines. He glances towards her and smiles at her. She sees him glancing at her and smiles at the attention she is getting. She musters up her courage and walks to where he is.

"Hello," she greets.

Arthur glances at her and smiles. What should he say, "hello" back? Then what happens after they have exchanged greetings? Does he say his name? Does she say her name? Can he keep himself from blurting out something that could potentially scare her away?

"Hello," he greets back.

There is a moment of silence before she says, "I've noticed you staring at me the whole time you've been in here and I am flattered, very flattered. I, um, I am not very used to this."

Arthur chuckles and turns to her when his breath hitches at how beautiful she looks. "Forgive me if I made you uncomfortable in any way, it's just I do find you very beautiful," he tells her.

She bites her lip before looking down and trying to stifle a giggle. "Thank you and you are quite attractive yourself," she replies.

He smiles a little too smug. "I'm Arthur," he finally says sticking out his hand.

"I'm Gwen," she says taking his hand. "Are you new here? I have never seen you around here before."

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Gwen. I am. I'm staying with my friend Merlin," he replies. "Is 'Gwen' short for anything, if you don't mind me asking?"

She giggles at his politeness. "No, its just 'Gwen'. How about you? Do you have nicknames that could be short for 'Arthur'?"

He chuckles and shakes his head at the memory of Merlin's various names for him. "Not really, but my friend does have various names for me like 'clotpole' or 'dollophead'."

Gwen bursts out laughing at the names Arthur just said. "Those are such unique names. I have never heard anyone call someone a 'clotpole' or 'dollophead'. This friend of yours is pretty inventive."

Arthur nods in agreement. "He is special," he adds.

Gwen is about to reply when she hears her phone buzz and reads a text from her brother. "Oh, excuse me, I better be on my way. My brother is waiting for me," she says as she puts her phone back in her purse. "It was really nice meeting you, Arthur. I hope I get to see you soon."

She exits the tent, but before she disappears, she looks back at him with a smile. Arthur smiles back to her before waving her goodbye. Gwen waves back and leaves the tent. He follows her out and watches as she disappears into the crowd. His heart is beating erratically as he remembers their conversation and he cannot wait to see her again. He cannot wait to see her smile, to hear her laugh, and to be near her. It does hurt that he pretty much has to start all over again, but he accepts the challenge of making her fall in love with him all over again. His Guinevere would have to awaken, right? There has to be a trigger. Maybe Merlin and he can travel to the lake where Morgana's spell over Guinevere was broken, but he remembers this century's Gwen is possessed by nothing; she is just a reincarnation of his Guinevere.


So what do you think of our King and Queen meeting again? More to come soon, I promise. But in the meantime, review REVIEW!