Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Chapter 21 – The Legend
With The King's assurance that his friend, and The Princess, would be found, Roy was content to re-join his family. Gwen looked to Arthur most unimpressed that he had quite possibly lied to the little boy, but Arthur was unrepentant; he was convinced that they would find their children. Once everyone had had a chance to spend a bit of time with their families, Arthur called them over and they began to plan. Knowing they had dealt Morgana a blow that would take some time for her to recover from, they believed that they had bought themselves enough time to plan for her next attack, get their families settled with their memories returned, and with any luck also finish the semester, for those still in school. They naturally decided that the safest place was Camelot, and given that Morgana had already proven that she was not adverse to using their loved ones against them, the Knights' wives and children, along with Hunith and Gaius, would move into the castle immediately. None of them were terribly concerned with their jobs, knowing that having a crazy witch who'd been trying to destroy you for two thousand years after you once again was as good a reason as you could get to take a leave of absence. Merlin also assured them that anything they needed he could either use his magic to create, or he did have a rather vast fortune at his disposal; living for so many centuries meant you tended to accumulate a lot of money. There was also the royal treasury which stood untouched for all these years and not one person doubted that selling even just a few coins would see any money woes they had disappear; rare coins could be quite priceless and you didn't get much rarer than two thousand year old coins owned by the legendary, and previously mythical, King Arthur.
The children's schooling proved to be the greatest problem in case Morgana attacked while they were there and unprotected. With the varying ages of the children, and not all living in the same town or city, there were more than a few schools between them meaning the obvious answer of having Merlin use his magic to protect the school was not an option, or so they thought. Merlin assured them that he could protect the five or six buildings the children were in and would even transport them to and from school himself so they were not spending a great deal of time in the open while travelling.
"You can do that?" Arthur asked. "You couldn't before. When you decided to protect every village against Morgana and Morgause's illusions you needed the help of other sorcerers to do so. "
"Yes, but I hadn't fully come into my power back then. I assure you I am more than powerful enough to protect five or six schools." While his response allowed them to breathe easier it reminded them all just how reliant they were on Merlin and his magic. They couldn't fight Morgana without it, nor protect their families from her; they were essentially powerless without Merlin. Back in their time they had undeniably relied on him, but they were not all but powerless. Morgana had Saxons at her command, magicless Saxons, and so there was a large part of the war that they could fight on their own. There was many an occasion when Morgana would send her disciples on a mission where no magic at all was used and so Merlin did not need to be called in. Now, however, Morgana was using her magic at every turn and there was little they could do without Merlin. The warlock didn't seem to mind though, he seemed quite happy actually, and Mithian quietly assured them that Merlin had confessed that he had not been this happy since their deaths nearly two millennia ago. And so they trusted that Merlin did not in any way resent their use of him, and that what was asked of him was not too draining on him or his powers. He had never before kept quiet if he was upset or thought they, though predominantly Arthur, was using him or treating him unfairly and so they trusted that if anything was amiss they'd hear about it. With the children's schooling figured out came The King, Queen, and Knights' own schooling of which there were a few weeks left. They were prepared, of course, to forego the rest of the semester if Morgana forced their hand, but with exams just around the corner they would ideally be able to finish them. Vanora, Elena, Alaria, and Mary insisted that they at least try, and that with all the studying they were to do that it would not be conductive to live in an environment with rambunctious children. The Knights protested, not wanting to leave their families, but were told that they would still get to see them several times a week, they just wouldn't be officially living with them as they needed to focus on their studies. The Knights caved to their wives wishes; they had gone this long without seeing them at all, they could go a few more weeks with added visits.
With the plans in place everyone prepared to disperse but their exit was cut off when they heard footsteps outside the doors. The Knights and Arthur sprang into action, unsheathing their swords and preparing for battle.
"I thought you said the castle was protected and none could enter here?"
"I did." Merlin answered. "Though with a few exceptions."
"Such as?" Percival asked as he and the others lowered their swords a bit; Merlin did not appear concerned, so they had less reason to worry.
"Your families, for one." He said as the doors began to open. "And Camelot's citizens for another." He finished not a moment before a strangled cry left The Queen and she rushed into the newcomer's arms.
"Nan!" She cried, hugging her old nursemaid tightly.
"Oh, lovey!" The old woman murmured in return. The two held onto each other for awhile before Gwen led her over to where the others were gathered. Everyone greeted her fondly, and she them, before Arthur himself led her to a chair so she may rest.
"There's more, Sire." She said once seated, pointing to the door. They all turned to see several heads poking around the corner, all of them recognizable.
"George?!" Arthur gasped, seeing his former manservant.
"Audrey, Sefa." Gwen murmured at the sight of the castle's Head Cook and her own maid.
"My King, My Queen." They greeted humbly, offering a quick bow. Five more followed behind them, one of the kitchen maids, two guards and two pages.
"But…how…?" Arthur asked Merlin once they'd all been greeted properly. Merlin had told them that their bodies and that of their families had been buried on the Isle of the Blessed, Merlin knowing that they all would be needed to form the new Golden Age, but the other inhabitants of Camelot had not. The rampant, ancient, magic on the Isle of the Blessed did not touch them, so Merlin assumed that only those the ancient magic touched would be reborn.
"It appears I was wrong." He said, looking just was confused as everyone else. "I thought only you lot would be reborn, but…" He shrugged having no explanation for this occurrence.
"Well…we are most pleased to see you all." Gwen assured them.
"And we you, My Lady." Sefa smiled at her mistress.
"We have come to re-enter your service, Sire." George spoke in the proper, somewhat haughty, tone of voice of his that they knew so well.
"Oh." Arthur muttered, not sure what he had expected when they all appeared. "That is not necessary, George, really. We all have present day lives, as we're sure you do, and The Queen and I don't even live here just yet. Anyways, we spend most of our time in the modern world, where things are much simpler." He tried to politely explain that they did not need a manservant or maid.
"If you do not want us here, Sire, we will of course vacate the premises." Said George, his stoic expression never wavering.
"That's not what I meant." Arthur quickly backpedalled.
"Excellent. Then Sefa and I shall move into our old quarters and ensure that everything is ready for Your Majesties when you do return home." Both George and Sefa left before either Gwen or Arthur could say another word.
"Aye, me as well." Audrey spoke up next. "I noticed the…take away containers in the bin." She said as if it were an offensive term. "Clearly you are not eating properly without me here, but I'll fix that right quick. So long as someone hasn't destroyed my kitchen." Her eyes narrowed on Merlin, who in his youth was often a source of irritation for the Cook as he snuck food every chance he got; that most of it was for Arthur was conveniently forgotten as she chased him out with a spoon.
"I swear I haven't touched your kitchen in two thousand years." Merlin held his hands up in surrender. "But if you wish I can update it for you. I can't give you electricity, but running water I can do, as well as a proper oven and the like." She looked suspiciously at him before nodding, knowing how hard cooking was back then, and that it'd be near impossible with only one assistant. Merlin muttered some words and his eyes flashed gold and the castle groaned again, just as it had when they first arrived and he added indoor plumbing. When it was over, Audrey nodded her thanks, barking for the kitchen maid to follow her before leading the way towards her domain. "I've also updated everyone's quarters since they're all staying." Merlin told those who remained.
"But why are they staying?" Arthur almost grumbled. "There's little to nothing for them to do here. Don't they also have lives in the present?"
"If I may, Sire." Nan spoke up.
"Of course, Nan."
"Given you've been reborn as well I'm certain you know how disconcerting it can be to have two people inside your head." They all nodded empathetically; having two people in your head was confusing at best, and downright maddening at worst. "They're doing the best they can with their past selves fighting for control, and I'm sure they'll be more inclined to return to their modern lives once things calm down some and your destinies are fulfilled."
"And you?" Gwen asked. Nan scoffed and waved her hand dismissively.
"I'm an old woman no matter which life I'm living. I could sit in the retirement home I've been in with no visitors, or I can be here with all of you." The look she gave Gwen made it clear that she included William and Eleanor in that group and was wondering where they were, but wisely did not mention it. Gwen smiled softly and patted her hand and Nan knew her charge would explain once they were alone. Things were seemingly sorted but the clearing of a throat reminded them that the two guards still remained.
"Oh, we do apologize." Gwen said, turning her attention to them. "Our minds are just completely scattered right now."
"Please do not apologize, My Queen." One of them said.
"And you two? You're staying as well?"
"Aye, Sire. If you'll have us."
"I don't know." Arthur said with amusement. "What say you, Sir Leon, Sir Percival? As First Knights of Camelot, captaining the guard falls under your dominion."
"Well, Peter and John were two of the best." Leon said, not even bothering to hide his smile.
"Had the makings of fine knights they did, if only they weren't so adamant that they did not want to face the trials." Percival added.
"Stop teasing them." Gwen instructed. "John, Peter, we welcome your service, as always."
"Thank you, My Lady." Peter said with a small bow. "And as our first act under our new command…" He trailed off as both he and John left the room for a moment and returned with a man none of them had ever seen being marched between them.
"It is not necessary to manhandle me." The man snapped, both his arms being held by one of the guards.
"We caught him just outside the city gates." John reported. "And not with the few hundred other people camped out on the hill, but literally just outside the gates."
"Another one of your exceptions?" Arthur asked his Court Mage.
"Yes." He answered simply. "We knew she'd be in contact. Didn't want to make it terribly difficult for her."
"Release him." Arthur commanded. "Queen Elizabeth sends one of her Yeomen of the Guards as messenger?" His amusement was apparent for normally they served a ceremonial position as the monarch's bodyguard and it was undeniable that the man before them was one of them, or at least he was dressed in the red and gold uniform of one of the Yeomen of the Guard, bearing the badge of Queen Elizabeth II stitched across the front.
"Y-yes." He said. "The Queen was unsure how to approach this matter. She thought it best that she send someone easily recognizable and a bit-" He cut off, seemingly unsure if he should continue.
"A bit more medieval?" Arthur finished for him, still clearly amused. The man cleared his throat uncomfortably and nodded. "Well, since the Yeomen of the Guard were formed in the late 1400s, you're a bit off – by more than several centuries actually – and-"
"Enough, Arthur." Gwen growled. "Elizabeth was no doubt only trying to make us feel more at ease. It is not as if this is a common occurrence and she sends messengers to reincarnated British monarchs every day."
"You are right, of course, sweetheart." He said wisely. "You have my apologies, sir. I spoke only in jest, I assure you. What is your name?"
"Michael, sir."
"Michael. Please, continue."
"Thank you." He said, gaining some confidence as the woman that was clearly Queen Guinevere put him at ease. He pulled out an official looking paper out of the satchel he carried. "On behalf of-"
"Hold." Arthur interrupted. Michael looked up, wondering how those three words could warrant an interruption. "This is to be a formal audience then? Not just Queen Elizabeth sending a private message?" Michael nodded slowly, as he processed what Arthur said and finding nothing wrong with it. "Then if you will indulge our ancient customs." He said as he took Guinevere's hand and led her to their thrones at the back of the chamber, both glad at least that they were in the presence chamber and not the throne room with the ornate gold chairs. The two took their seats as Merlin, Mithian, and the Knights fell into their usual places as council members and the others sat or stood at the back. "Come." Arthur called and Michael made his way to the centre of the room. "A formal audience usually includes more pomp and circumstance, and dress." He added, he and his Knights were still in their armour while Gwen wore a simple day dress. "But as the castle is far from fully staffed, do forgive our manner of receiving you. Normally you would be treated with much more courtesy and ceremony as befitting the emissary of another monarch." Michael nodded in understanding, assuring them that it was alright. "Now I promise not to interrupt again." He motioned towards Michael as a sign for him to continue.
"On behalf of Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, I hereby offer greetings and salutations. Her Majesty hopes that all is well with Your Majesties and she asks if you would consent to an audience with her and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, in central London." The room was silent for a few moments, as if they waited for him to say more.
"Is that all?" Gwen finally asked.
"Yes." Came the reply. The two ancient monarchs shared a look, but did not voice their thoughts.
"When does Queen Elizabeth propose this meeting take place?" Arthur asked instead.
"At your earliest convenience."
"Will tomorrow do? It is a Saturday. No classes." He added for his friends.
"I shall ask." Michael said, sounding happier than he had during this entire visit. He pulled out his phone. "Er…I just need to leave for a moment to find service…"
"You'll find there's cell service in the castle." Merlin said. "You can make your call in the far corner, or the corridor if you wish more privacy." Michael nodded and left the room.
"It took about as long to read out her list of titles and styles then it did to deliver the actual message." Tristan observed.
"Hmm." Arthur hummed in agreement. "I've no doubt Elizabeth meant for a more private message then a formal audience. The shortness of the message and request for an audience instead of commanding it says as much."
"Her councillors probably got a hold of the messenger and told him to say them, to remind us that it is her, and not us, who is the current and rightful monarch." Gwen added. "You'll notice there was no such embellishments to the actual message. He probably refused to change or add to the message itself but agreed to list her titles and styles beforehand."
"This is one of the main things I was concerned of." Arthur sighed. "We are not here to overthrow Queen Elizabeth, but few will see it that way."
"Especially as you are still High King and Queen of Britain." Leon insisted. "You cannot just drop your titles because it is making some councillors nervous. You may not wish to supplant Queen Elizabeth as the reigning monarch, but you are monarchs yourselves, and they should not be allowed to forget it." Nothing more was said as Michael walked back into the room.
"Tomorrow afternoon works well for Her Majesty, if that is acceptable."
"We are agreed then." Arthur stood from his throne and looked down on the emissary, allowing himself to appear as kingly as possible in his armour and without his crown. "You may inform Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, etc., etc., that I, Arthur Pendragon, by the Grace of God, King of Camelot, High King of a united Britain and Duke of Lyanesse, do hereby accept her request for an audience on behalf of myself, Queen Guinevere and our court. We will travel to Buckingham Palace tomorrow, arriving after the lunch hour." Michael nodded, put less at ease by the way Arthur stared him down and the formality with which he spoke.
"Her Majesty has offered to send cars to get you."
"That won't be necessary. Merlin will transport us." Michael's eyes shifted to the man who legend said was a very powerful sorcerer, and was met with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes.
"Wonderful. Her Majesty looks forward to receiving you."
"And we her. John and Peter will show you out." He answered in dismissal. The two guards came forwards and this time courteously asked the man to follow them. One led the way while the other followed behind Michael who turned for one last look at the legendary king.
"Well played, Sire." Percival murmured, badly hiding a smile.
"Let him report to the councillors, and Queen, what he will of this meeting. As Sir Leon said, we are just as royal as she and we will not allow them to forget it." He then took his eyes off the closed door and addressed those present. "Merlin, Mithian, Leon and Percival I want you there with us. The rest of you may choose to come or spend the time with your families. Apologies Leon." He added knowing the First Knight wanted to spend time with his wife and child, but also needing him there.
"It is quite alright, Sire. I'll have the night and morning with them."
"I think we're all coming." Bors said. "A few hours in the afternoon won't kill us. They'll be safe here."
"Now that she's sent her messenger I'll remove that exception from the wards. No need to let anyone else approach without our permission." Merlin added.
"Good. Now tomorrow, we follow Elizabeth's lead. We will be as formal or informal as she wants, but we will not let her councillors set the tone of our meeting unless she does. If I am right, things will be quite pleasant."
oo00oo00oo
At 1 o'clock the next afternoon Merlin flashed himself to the gates of Buckingham Palace to warn of their arrival. He had been right that the palace staff were not sure how they would arrive and so had had someone stationed at the gates looking out for them. With the warning given he returned to Camelot before flashing both himself, his wife, Arthur, Gwen and the Knights of the Round Table directly into the inner courtyard at the bottom of the palace steps, in exactly the same location that a car would have dropped them off. There were several people there to greet them who watched in awe as they appeared before their eyes, as well as at the splendour before them. They had decided to start things off formal and so every single one of them were decked out as befitting their stations, The King and Queen wearing their ornate crowns. Arthur and Gwen offered their hands to shake when it appeared that none knew how to greet them; with bowing being the proper form of greeting in the past and with it being entirely optional today, it could get quite confusing and as there was no precedent for past kings and queens coming back to life, they decided to set their own. They were led into the palace and walked for a few minutes before reaching a closed door where they paused for a moment. It looked like the man who had led them here wished to say something, most likely to instruct them on how to properly greet and address The Queen, but thought better of it. He knocked twice before opening the door and standing aside to admit them. Both Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh stood waiting for them and it was only their own royal upbringing that allowed them to notice the slight widening of the eyes when the two modern royals laid eyes on their party; it appeared that having a neutral public face was something that had not changed in two thousand years.
"That will be all, Meyers, thank you." The Queen said, addressing the man who had led them there.
"But, Your Majesty-" A look was all it took to silence him and the man bowed his head with a "yes, ma'am" before exiting and shutting the door behind him.
"My Lady." Arthur greeted once they were alone, taking her offered hand, though bringing it to his lips instead of shaking it. "It is an honour to meet you both. I am King Arthur Pendragon. This is my wife, Queen Guinevere." Gwen smiled and offered a deep nod to Elizabeth along with a handshake before doing the same for the Duke of Edinburgh, her smile brightening a bit when Prince Philip followed Arthur's example and kissed the back of her hand. "This is my Court Mage, Merlin, his wife Lady Mithian, the former Princess of Nemeth, the First Knights of Britain, Sir Percival and Sir Leon, along with the other Knights of the Round Table, Sir Bors, Sir Gwaine, Sir Dagonet, Sir Galahad, Sir Tristan, and Sir Lancelot." The others greeted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as well before they were offered a seat.
"I apologize that seating is quite scattered." The Queen said, indicating the various chairs around the room. "Please move them where you like, and I shall call for more chairs."
"Please do not trouble yourself, Your Majesty." Leon said. "We are quite content to stand, and would prefer it in fact." The other Knights had taken up stations around the room with him and Percival standing behind the couch that Arthur and Gwen sat on, Merlin insisting Mithian take the chair next to it before taking a position next to his wife.
"You seem on high alert." Elizabeth remarked.
"Always, Your Grace." Percival answered with a smile.
"They are just being cautious. We have had a few run ins with the witch Morgana, who has been intent on destroying us for two thousand years." Gwen explained.
"I see."
"But enough about Morgana, for now at any rate." Arthur said. "I assume you asked us for an audience to gain some assurances that we are not here to re-take the throne."
"Not at all." She replied. "I never thought that was your intent for it would serve no purpose. Britain is a constitutional monarchy, My Lord. The sovereign possesses very little real power and serves an almost entirely ceremonial position. As such, attempting to overthrow me and take the throne for yourself would gain you nothing. Unless, of course, your Court Mage's power is such that he can bend people to his will and reinstate an absolute monarchy."
"I could." Merlin admitted now that the attention had been turned to him. "I am the most powerful sorcerer to ever exist after all. However, I have no desire nor intent to do so, Your Majesty."
"And what is your desire or intent?"
"The same as it has been for two thousand years. The same desire and intent as Arthur's: to see a new Golden Age, an era of unparalleled peace, be brought to Britain."
"And how do you intend to achieve that?" Prince Philip asked.
"We are not sure." Arthur answered. "We've no doubt that Morgana appearing in this time is why we have risen again. She will not hesitate to destroy and kill to gain her end of becoming High Queen of Britain. But how she will go about it in this time, with magic all but gone from the land, and how we in turn can stop her, we are unsure." Neither The Queen nor Prince Philip spoke for a moment, taking in that bit of information.
"You said risen again as if you expected it." Elizabeth said finally. "You are unsurprised that you are here in this day and age?"
"The specific day and age matters not." Gwen said. "But we did know that there was a very good chance we could rise again, yes."
"How? Why?" Philip asked the follow up questions. The two monarchs looked to Merlin to explain the prophecies.
"The ancient prophecies of the Old Religion, the religion of magic that existed in our time, speak of The Once and Future King who would bring a peace to Britain like never before seen. It was said he would be the cause of a peace so absolute that he would rise once more when Britain was in the greatest need and bring about that peace again." He explained. "Prophecies can change. We learned during our lifetime in the past that while the prophecies speak of The Once and Future King, The Once and Future Queen would stand by his side and only together would the peace Britain needed come about. Arthur and Guinevere are The Once and Future King and Queen, so we knew that if the prophecies were true, and we believed they were, then they would rise again. We just didn't know when."
"That is quite something." Elizabeth murmured. "And this, sir, is why I asked you here." She addressed Arthur. "Until not long ago you were legendary figures, often associated with mythology. I wanted to know why and how you were here, and I admit to not a small degree of curiosity about the truth behind the legend. I did not think you were trying to steal my throne." Arthur looked a bit sheepish and Gwen shot him a small smirk for having shot his mouth off.
"My apologies, My Lady, I meant no offense. But after your messenger's not so subtle reminder that you are Queen of Britain in this day and age can you blame me?"
"No. And he should not have reminded you so. I assure you that was not my intention."
"Regardless, it does bring up the topic of having two British sovereigns in one time and place. Something you are, no doubt, wanting answers to." Arthur surmised and she did not deny it. "We have not kept up with the media or what people are saying about us, but we are certain that that exact question has been asked by others, and that a common answer is that I was a British sovereign, but am not in this day and age. We wanted to assure you, and your government, that we agree with them."
"You do? You have no desire to try and retain your title or power as king that medieval monarchs had?" Philip asked.
"Let me be clear, I agree that I am not the sovereign king of Britain in this day and age. Not that I am not a king."
"And you believe that you can have it both ways?" Was the next question.
"Yes. I was born the Prince of Camelot, I was initially invested as King of Camelot and upon pulling the sword from the stone I became The High King of a united Britain. I am also The Once and Future King, my royalty cannot be denied and I have no intention of relinquishing my crown. But that does not mean that I wish to take your place. This has never happened before, there is neither protocol nor precedent for a dead king coming back to life, so we must forge our own way. Upon my Queen and I fulfilling our destinies and bringing peace to Britain we will retire to our present day lives. Possibly we may attend the odd royal function at your behest, if you deem it appropriate, and if we so wish it, but we will otherwise remain private citizens. However, regardless of whether we are private citizens or not, we will always be The King and Queen of Camelot, and High King and Queen of Britain."
"If I may intervene." Mithian spoke up when they did not seem to fully understand. "Britain, in our time, was divided into nine kingdoms. One of which was my own kingdom. My father was King Rodor of Nemeth and I was his heir. However, when Arthur ascended as High King he united all nine kingdoms into one, making the other monarchs essentially obsolete. Instead of forcing them to relinquish their titles, Arthur allowed them to retain them, though it was understood that they were kings and queens in name only. I believe what Arthur speaks of is similar. He will remain King in title, but he will not be ruling over Britain in any capacity."
"Princess Mithian is correct." He said. "Should everything go as planned I will not be ruling over anything or anyone."
" 'Should everything go as planned?' "
"Morgana is quite powerful and is the unknown variable in all this. No matter my intentions I cannot guarantee what will happen." He felt compelled to say.
"Well, we shall cross that bridge when we come to it." Elizabeth said.
"Perhaps now you would be willing to tell your story? You mentioned the sword in the stone. It is real? Excalibur is real?" Philip looked quite excited at finding out the truth of the Arthurian legends, and his wife too appeared far from disinterested. In answer, Arthur stood and unsheathed his sword, the usual shimmer of light appearing as Excalibur came to life.
"Oh yes. It is real." They spent the next few hours telling their story and explaining the various parts of the Arthurian legends as they came to them. They told them of their lives, how he and Gwen met and that they were married when she was only five, though left out the more personal bits such as Uther's insistence, and Arthur's refusal, that they consummate their marriage when Guinevere was but eleven; regardless of how impactful such things were for them, they were unimportant to this tale. They told them of Arthur, and then Guinevere, discovering Merlin's magic and how it was banned in Camelot. They spoke of Morgana's betrayal and the never ending war as well, giving a great deal of background information as they went. Somewhere in the middle of telling Britain's current Queen and her husband about the Dorocha, Merlin excused himself from the room. He returned nearly an hour later when they were speaking of their final days.
"We were holding a tournament to celebrate our five years of peace. Afterwards…" Arthur hesitated; this was not a subject any of them enjoyed. "I caught Guinevere and Lancelot together. Or at least thought I had. We are unsure whether or not this is where Chrétien de Troyes got his idea for their affair in his book, though we don't know how he could have known, there was no time for word of it to have spread throughout the castle, let alone the entire kingdom."
"Arthur." Merlin tried to interrupt.
"Not now Merlin." He said. "In my anger I put Guinevere under house arrest and banished Lancelot. Thankfully though my men knew me too well and told him not to go far for he'd be returning shortly. Merlin helped calm me down and it didn't take long to realize that they would never betray me so. It was Morgana, and her illusions once more that made me see what I did."
"Arthur." Merlin tried again.
"I said not now, Merlin." He growled. "I was on my way to apologize to Guinevere and beg forgiveness when the alarms sounded. The Saxons were at our gate, and we did not stand a chance…there were too many of them and we were woefully unprepared for such an attack so-"
"Arthur!"
"We all perished. What Merlin?" He snapped, turning finally to face the sorcerer.
"We need to return to Camelot. Now." He said, looking quite urgent.
"Why? What's happened?" Gwen asked, concerned.
"Nothing bad." He assured them, and his bright eyes gave truth to that. "But we have to go. Right now."
"Fine." Arthur grumbled. "My Lady, My Lord, I apologize for our quick departure. Apparently there is some urgent business we must attend to."
"It is quite alright." Elizabeth said, offering her hand again and once more receiving a kiss instead of a handshake, Gwen receiving the same treatment from Prince Philip. "Thank you for indulging us."
"We look forward to our next meeting, we are sure this will not be the last."
"Yes, perhaps next time we can show you around Camelot." Gwen offered.
"That would be lovely."
"One last thing before we go." Arthur said. "Although we are a bit late, or a bit early if going with the official day…a very happy 90th birthday, Your Majesty." He offered a courtly bow and even a wink, which she seemed unsure what to make of.
"Thank you." She said simply, though was still smiling. Arthur backed up to stand next to Merlin who did not even bother leaving the room and simply flashed them back to Camelot.
"Alright, Merlin, what is so important that you had to cut our meeting with Queen Elizabeth short?" The King demanded once they were home.
"I found them." He said with a bright smile, pointing behind his King and Queen. The two turned and froze at who they saw, though the two in question were already in motion.
"Mama! Papa!" Two little voices cried out as they ran towards their parents. Gwen fell to her knees with a strangled cry when they neared and received them both in her open arms, holding them as tightly as she could.
"Oh my darlings!" She cried, pulling away just enough to be able to look at them. "My beautiful, beautiful darlings!" Arthur joined her on the floor, wrapping his own arms around his children with tears coming to his own eyes when they cried "Papa!" and Eleanor wrapped her tiny arms around his neck.
"Missed you." William murmured into his mother's chest.
"As we've missed you." She murmured back. "Both of you. So very much."
"We don't have to go away again do we?" Was his next question.
"Absolutely not. We're together now and we will never have to part again."
"Good."
A/N - I still feel a bit weird about bringing Queen Elizabeth and her family into this simply because for whatever reason I find it weird to write about real people while they're still living, though I'd have no problem writing about Henry VIII, or Queen Victoria for example. Anyways this is where my inspiration led me, I still stand by my previous words of if King Arthur was real and was reincarnated today that there's no way he and Queen Elizabeth wouldn't meet, especially with all the stuff going on in Britain that centres around Arthur. This will not be the last time we'll see Queen Elizabeth or Prince Philip, though they're not about to become main characters or anything. They'll be on about the same level as the other monarchs of Albion. They're there and I'll bring them in when needed, but then they'll go away until I need them again.