Howdy folks! Thank you sooo much for the continued interest and comments with my story, even though I did have to put it on hold while sorting out RL matters. I really appreciate it guys. Hope y'all enjoy the next chapter :)
Chapter 35: The One With Signs
"…Stress and exhaustion appear to have gotten the best of you Uther", Dr. Grayson continues, shaking his head with concern as he checks and signs Uther's charts. Pendragon Senior tries making protesting noises and struggles to sit up.
Arthur has not left his father's side since they had gotten to the hospital. Even now after Dr. Grayson had arrived via helicopter and had checked him and ordered several tests and pronounced that Uther was suffering from stress and exhaustion, he still remained on edge.
"…It's imperative that you try and relax as best as you can. Surgery is not something you should take lightly, especially when one is dealing with cancer and-"
"Yes, yes, so you all keep telling me! I was only making a few phone calls to check on one or two things, you can barely call that work! Honestly, anyone would think I was dying!" Uther's voice is weak yet as impatient and curt as ever.
Dr. Grayson sighs and nods his head, murmuring about seeing to the tests and leaves the room.
Agravaine clears his throat and then excuses himself, saying he needs to talk to Gaius and follows the doctor out.
Arthur moves his chair closer to his father's bed.
"What?" Uther demands, struggling to sit up straighter and wincing as Arthur bends over to help him get more comfortable.
"Why were you even doing work Father? You heard the doctors…", Arthur asks him gently.
Uther leans back and closes his eyes momentarily.
"I just…wanted to see for myself how things are going. This merger is big business for PI – for your future and Agravaine mentioned that you have been working much too hard so I thought I would just take a look at the documentation myself – that's all".
Arthur bites back a response in his head and instead settles for silence.
Uther opens his eyes and studies his son who looks wiped out.
"But…as you all rightly put it, I do need to…trust that all is well. That you are fine with things and that your uncle knows what is best for the company. Arthur? Why don't you go stretch your legs for a bit? You know these doctors; they will keep me here forever so I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!"
He shakes his head, "No, I'm fine".
Uther sighs impatiently, "Well, go and get a coffee or something! I'm not the only one that needs to relax."
Arthur nods slightly and tells him he'll be back soon, shutting the door quietly as he leaves.
Arthur's POV
God! What a day this has been! I find out my father has cancer, he collapses, and now he's at the hospital. I heard Agravaine talking about the media that's camped out front. No idea how they found out but I expect I'll have to call Jennifer Cain our Communications Director in so I can deliver a statement. I guess I'm lucky that one good thing has happened today – apart from M&M announcing they're getting married; I woke up with the woman of my dreams in my arms and-oh shit! Guinevere! She must be so worried about me. Crap! Ten missed calls and six messages! She's not picking up her phone…Maybe she's mad at you…No, she wouldn't be. She's probably sitting outside your building in the cold right now. I'd better call Merlin to go get her. Where is he anyway?! What did my father mean about needing to take another look at the documents? Why would he need to do that? I wonder If Agravaine's been…no, he wouldn't…He's probably just still peeved because I let the Legal department keep the documents back and he has been pushing this merger like crazy. It's almost as if he's…Maybe I should go through the reports again – myself…
"Hey Arthur!" Merlin calls as he sees his friend coming into the waiting area. Gwen jumps up and they both go to him. Merlin smiles grimly and nods towards the private room doors.
"Gaius called me and I brought Gwen. Thought you might need some company", Merlin says quietly.
Gwen touches Arthur's and he pulls her in for a long hug. She feels him relax for a moment, then straightening up; he looks over his shoulder, and leads her away from the waiting area, with Merlin trailing behind to the area near the lifts. Gwen looks at him, a little confused.
"Arthur…?" she half asks as he shakes his head and plasters a tight smile on his face.
"I'm fine…My dad's okay, he's just suffering from exhaustion and stress from the procedure he's had. The doctors say he's been working and he's not supposed to…He's definitely not in a good shape to be at the office right now…Guess it was a good call to bring in Uncle Agravaine then eh?"
Gwen frowns slightly over Arthur's shoulder at Merlin but doesn't say anything, just keeps her arm around Arthur.
Merlin nods slowly, "Sure…So we noticed the paparazzi out there-"
Arthur runs a hand through his already messed up hair.
"I know! Shit! If Gaius hasn't done it already please call Jennifer. She and Gaius will need to put out a brief statement for me to say out front. Nothing revealing – just what the doctor said. No one else but me talks to the media Merlin. Make sure of it please."
"Already done."
"Thanks", Arthur replies, watching Merlin leave them and then he turns to Gwen.
"Thank you Guinevere…for being here. For caring. I'm so sorry I didn't call you after I left you this afternoon…I just…needed some time to think. I ended up going over to my dad's house. I guess now, it was lucky I did since…um, when he fell…I was there so…"
Arthur doesn't finish his sentence, and Gwen sees that faraway look in his eyes so she just pulls him to her and lets him lean on her shoulder.
All too soon Merlin returns and clearing his throat behind Arthur's back.
"Sorry but Agravaine wants to see you and we're putting the press statement together now".
Sighing inwardly, Arthur pulls away from Gwen and gives her a quick kiss as he tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I'm sorry I need to attend to all of this and see to my father", he says quietly, pressing his forehead to hers.
"Go on, they need you. Call me later okay? If you need anything or could use some company. I'm just a phone call away you know", Gwen tells him with a smile as he leaves.
"Arthur?"
He pauses and turns to look at her.
"I love you", she says softly. Merlin, she can tell without even turning around has an idiotic grin on his face.
Arthur gives her a half smile and inclines his head, "And I you".
Agravaine Du Bois quickly hangs up his mobile when he sees Arthur walking towards him at the refreshment stand. He busies himself making a cup of coffee and asks if Arthur would like one too.
"Arthur, how are you holding up my boy?" he asks as he hands the young man his coffee and they sit on the easy chairs.
Arthur takes a sip of the scalding beverage and shrugs. It's been a long day and to hell with politeness right now.
"I'm not sure. I don't know how I'm supposed to react after being the last person to know about what was really going on with my father. Why don't you tell me how I should feel Uncle?"
Agravaine moves closer to Arthur and puts one hand on Arthur's arm.
"Arthur…I am truly sorry that you had to find out about Uther's illness through your own detective skills and that this has happened. Believe me, I spoke to him many times about confiding in you, about telling the senior management in a 'need to know' capacity so that you may best assist him – both privately as he is convalescing at home and with official duties. It is indeed a –"
"How long have you known? That he is ill I mean?" Arthur interrupts him, finishing off his coffee.
Agravaine leans back, looking apologetic, "A while. He got the test results and contacted me not long after…It is indeed a pity that he felt you couldn't handle the news and produce results for the company when, we've all seen the great work you're doing…", he lets his voice trail off as he watches Arthur's expression change from annoyed to despondent.
"Why do you…He told me that it was for the best, the less people that know in the company the better but…I'm his son. Surely he might have…Well…Told me," Arthur's voice is pensive now and he seems to be talking more to himself.
Agravaine shrugs good naturedly and pats his nephew's hand again.
"Your father is a sound businessman who has a lifetime of experience running one of the most successful companies in the world Arthur. Everything he does is for a reason and if that is what he has told you then you must trust in him and not take it too much to heart. You are the very reason he works so hard you know…He is grooming you to take over from him one day and right now, the best thing for you to do is take those lessons and put them in practice. Also…maybe it might be an idea worth considering…that you could perhaps spend some time with him now that he's on bed rest. Have a bit of a break and just make sure he has a decent rest…You know? That sort of thing…"
Arthur nods, "Yes, that's a good idea – someone needs to keep an eye on him. For a few days - I can clear my schedule. I'd really like to do that – if he'll let me. Well, after the press talk now I can –"
Agravaine leans in again, "Yes, that's the other reason I wanted to see you…Seeing as how your father's health is still…delicate and that you obviously need - and want to spend some time with him, I would suggest that you leave the office in mine and Gaius' capable hands. How many times have you been at press conferences when these media morons have sidelined you?"
Arthur shrugs, "Not many…even though some of them like to give as good as they get. But this is different. My father's health is a private matter, and the reputation of the company are at stake here so of course I must do this. So-"
"So you must trust that I can help you my boy. And I have. I think it's a splendid idea for you to spend time with Uther. He won't say it of course Arthur but he will enjoy your company. You know he is going to need you now. More than ever. He needs support and you must show him that you are ready to take over. Completely".
Arthur nods and seeing his uncle making to stand up, does as well.
"Wait, uncle Agravaine. What are the contents of the press conference? May I see the outline please?"
Agravaine pulls out the hard copy for Arthur who scans the document, before initialing it.
"Well, since you will be able to do the press statement without me, I guess I'll go sit with my father. Oh and Uncle Agravaine?"
"Yes my boy?"
"Thank you. For the advice".
Smiling his thanks, Arthur leaves to go back to Uther's room. Agravaine remains standing with his untouched cold coffee and smirks to himself.
"You're most welcome Arthur. Most welcome".
"Sir, with all due respect, we beg to differ. It would be best if Arthur does this press conference", Merlin states firmly. He looks over the table at Gaius and then towards Jennifer, PI's Communications Director who both nod in agreement.
Agravaine raises one eyebrow at Merlin before speaking.
"Mr. Arthur Pendragon has entrusted this task to me – surely you of all people, as one of his so called friends can see that his first concern at this moment is for his father's health and he is not in a proper state to do the conference. They will use his emotional state and play on it. This is not what PI needs right now, hence I will do it", he replies smoothly.
Merlin opens his mouth quickly to retort but Gaius beats him to it.
"What Merlin means Sir, is that in these circumstances with a lot of media speculation and the possible risks that this could put our company under, it would still be best if Arthur were to make the statement. Show the investors and the business community that the company is not in any trouble, that the leadership is sound and so forth. Arthur has been groomed as 'the face' of PI, he weathered the media backlash during the Brighton scam with finesse and we have full confidence that he would be-"
Agravaine stands up angrily and cuts him off.
"Gaius do you realize how borderline insubordinate you all are sounding right now?! Do I need to remind the three of you that Uther Pendragon is taking an extended leave of absence and that I am in charge while he is away?! Under all the governing company policies and legal requirements it clearly states that I, Agravaine Du Bois am 'Officer in Charge'. Not Arthur Pendragon!
Therefore, you may all think it is the natural course for his son to speak to the media out there, but you are being ordered now by me to draft this statement and ready the press for me to speak to them in one hour exactly. Should you wish to discuss this further do so with the risk of receiving an official warning letter from me by the time you reach the office tomorrow morning".
He pauses to watch his words sink in as a tense silence fills the room. Merlin bristles with anger and makes to open his mouth again but is silenced by Gaius' lightening shake of his head.
"Do I make myself clear?" he asks coldly looking at the three senior officers. Hearing nothing, he sits back down and then waves his hand indicating that they should get on with it.
Jennifer clears her throat and gestures to the statement.
"So basically what we have is a general statement about Mr. Pendragon fainting at home due to exhaustion where he is recovering from a minor procedure. He is in good spirits, and will remain here at St. Katherine's for observation before doctors expect to discharge him tomorrow. He is currently taking a break from official duties and he will soon be back on his feet and ready to resume office. You will remind them that you are only standing in for him assisting Arthur, er Mr. Arthur Pendragon, etc, etc…"
"So what will you say if you're asked about his absence? Or about Art-Mr. Pendragon Jnr's leadership at the company?" Merlin can't resist asking and is rewarded by a glare from Agravaine.
"You don't mention it, save for the fact you are working closely with Mr. Arthur Pendragon in Mr. Uther Pendragon's absence and that things are well. If they ask you, repeat what you've read on the statement and remind them as casually as you can that you're not here to talk business matters, just to reassure everyone that the CEO is well. As for why he is away, stick to the statement; a minor procedure and that he is away to rest for a while and will soon resume work. Sir, I also strongly recommend that we do not allow for any questions because this may lead them off topic and we want to focus on positive outcomes for the CEO's speedy recovery", Jennifer answers looking directly at Agravaine.
Merlin opens his mouth again but Gaius throws him another warning look to leave it be.
While the others talk amongst themselves, Merlin watches Agravaine as he asks Jennifer and Gaius questions and nods, listening to their answers.
"What are you up to?" he wonders to himself.
Uther watches as Arthur pours water for him.
"Is this enough?" he asks his father, showing him the cup.
Uther suddenly remembers something that happened years ago.
It was the day he and Ygraine had found out she was pregnant and they came home and slow waltzed danced happily in the afternoon rain all around her garden, before Mrs. Potts had come out to scold them and sent them in to change. Later that night, as he lay in her lap on the carpet in their bedroom, she had placed his hand on her stomach and then they'd talked about the baby and what their child would look like.
Uther had kissed her stomach gently and then sitting up he kissed his wife on her lips gently before reaching down to caress her tummy once more.
"If this baby takes after you in spirit and heart then I will be forever blessed", he whispered. Ygraine laughed quietly and kissed him back before looking at him closely.
"That's wonderful to hear my love. I hope you will never have to ask yourself if it's enough". She had said in that typically cryptic way of hers before he'd kissed her again and changed the subject.
Uther had never really known what she'd meant then. Over the years, many of his memories of her had faded – because of the time and sadness. He wonders why he is able to remember this particular memory now and –
"Father?" Arthur asks, still waiting for a response.
Uther shakes his head and smiles at his son.
"Sorry…Um filled up please", he answers and nods his thanks as he receives his drink.
Arthur checks his phone and gestures up to the mounted TV in the room.
"Merlin says the press conference is about to begin. I can go watch it outside if you're not up to it…"
Uther waves him off impatiently and reaches for the remote control.
At the press conference...
…" Thank you for making yourselves available at a very short notice today. The purpose of this press conference is to share information concerning the health of the CEO of Pendragon Industries Mr. Uther Pendragon. Mr. Agravaine Du Bois will be delivering a prepared statement to all of you shortly. We are not here to talk about business information concerning the company and should you require any further information please forward your questions to me Jennifer Cain, care of the Communications Department at Pendragon Industries. Thank you. Mr. Du Bois?"
All eyes turn to watch as Agravaine makes his way to the temporary podium to read the statement.
At Gwen's flat...
"Guys? It's starting!", Morgana yells as she turns the volume up. Gwen and Elyan quickly come into the living room and sit down next to Morgana. She had called Gwen to ask if she wanted some company and brought over some pizza. Elyan had come home to check on Gwen after he'd received a text from Merlin telling him what had happened to Uther and that Gwen was on her way home from the hospital.
"Mr. Du Bois?" Elyan asks, raising his eyebrows in surprise at Gwen.
"How come Arthur's not doing it?" he asks.
Gwen's POV
I don't know. Hmm…What? I don't know…It just seems a little…odd…
At the Press Conference...
…"We are happy to confirm that Mr. Pendragon is fine and the doctors have told him that he can go home tomorrow where he will continue to rest, play some golf, and take a leave from his official duties until such time the doctor gives him a complete clean bill of health. Unfortunately, over at Pendragon Industries its business as usual for the rest of us", Agravaine concludes jovially, eliciting a low murmur of laughs at his joke.
Agravaine then steps back and leans closer to Jennifer, Gaius, and Merlin.
"I think we should take a few questions here", he states firmly, all the while smiling confidently at the crowd.
Gaius and Jennifer shake their heads slightly, conscious that they are within earshot of others while Merlin openly glares at him.
"Sir, I strongly advise that we stick to the original plan of-"…
Jennifer never gets to finish her sentence before Agravaine steps forward again, signaling to the crowd who immediately quieten down. Nodding in their general direction, the microphones and recorders go up as they all start shouting out at once.
"Mr. Du Bois?! Mr. Du Bois?!"
Agravaine looks down at the man holding a Camelot News Centre mike in front of the podium and nods.
"Ben Jackson from CNC here. Could you please shed some light on the recent leadership changes within the organization? What with the CEO being out and you in, where does that leave his son Arthur?"
Agraviane waves his hand nonchalantly as if to say this is not an issue.
"Ben, as we've stated, the CEO is not out, he is merely taking some time off to play golf and travel – something we could all use a bit more of! I am a family member and he asked me to step in to assist Arthur in his-"
"Mr. Du Bois? Kelsey Jones, CCB. How long will your tenure be at Pendragon Industries? Are the stories that it will become permanent true?"
Agravaine smiles slightly and shakes his head, "Kelsey, this all depends on how long the CEO will be away. I am not there to take over anything; I am just helping my family – like anyone else would if they were able to".
"Jena Harders, News of the Century. Sir, what about the reports that the latest merger is not going well? We've had reports that PI may lose out."
Agravaine smirks and shakes his head, "Jenna we're not here to discuss business – but rather to give you all an update on Mr. Pendragon's progress, now if-"
"Is it true that you were brought in to straighten out the young Pendragon? Is this why he CEO is not ready to hand the reins over to him yet?" Jena Harders persists.
Merlin sucks in his breath and glances over at Gaius who hasn't moved or changed his expression since Agravaine went back out.
Agravaine takes his time answering and it has the desired effect.
"Now now Jena, perhaps it would be better if you guys at News of the Century stuck to reporting on alleged alien babies found at Stonehenge …", he replies cheekily and then pauses as the other media people laugh with him, before carrying on, "As I said earlier, I am merely here helping my brother in law and working with my nephew in a formal capacity. I am not prepared to speculate on any personal issues and neither should any of you".
He nods at Jennifer who quickly comes forward and ends the conference despite protests from the crowd.
In all of the confusion, no one except Merlin notices when Jena Harders looks up and catches Agravaine's eye and nods at him quickly, getting one back in response.
"Gotcha!", Merlin mutters to himself.
At Gwen's flat...
Gwen looks at Morgana and Elyan in surprise and they both shake their heads.
"Okaaaay…That was…weird", she comments as she gets up to make some tea. Elyan nods and goes off to call Gwaine who is watching it from Dublin.
Morgana follows her in to the kitchen.
"I know. Did you see how odd Gaius and Merlin looked standing behind him? I'm glad I suggested that Merlin wear work clothes to the hospital. You know? Agravaine seems a little scary", she says while taking cups out of the cupboard.
Gwen looks up at her.
"What do you mean by that?" she asks her.
Morgana shrugs as she turns around with the tea bags.
"I don't know…I just…he just reminds me of a snake or something. I know its mean but…something about his face…Sorry, I think watching all those B grade Anaconda movies again was a bad idea!" she laughs and stirs her tea.
Gwen bites her lip and nods thoughtfully.
"Yeah…I guess".
In Uther's room…
…"Mr. Du Bois? Kelsey Jones, BCB. How long will your tenure be at Pendragon Industries? Will it become permanent?"
Agravaine smiles slightly and shakes his head, "Kelsey, this all depends on how long the CEO will be away. I am not there to take over anything; I am just helping my family – like anyone else would if they were able to".
Uther scowls and switches the screen off. Arthur looks over at him in surprise.
"Why did you turn it off? Don't you want to see the rest of it?" he asks.
Uther shakes his head.
"No! It will just annoy me even more! Why are they allowing for questions?! What is Agravaine playing at?! This is not the time for-"
"Father, calm down…I'm not sure why, but surely there must have been a reason for it? I will speak to Agravaine and Gaius about it but…there is nothing you can do right now except rest. The media will buy it if you actually do it".
Uther nods and looks at his son and his expression softens when he sees the worry evident on Arthur's face.
"Arthur? I'm sorry…for not being honest with you sooner about the cancer. I should have, I know but…After your mother died, it was…hard for me…the company and – with you. I am not making excuses because it is what it is. It's just that…I have hopes for you to be the best leader this company can hope for. To succeed and go far – what we both wanted for you. I know I can be…hard on you sometimes but…there are things you must learn and understand if you are to take over from me someday. Its…not been easy for you, I know that but…Son, I think you're doing a marvelous job. You have really grown up since coming back and, if I don't say it often enough that is my mistake. You have a lot to do and…well, the way things are now, I will need you more than ever", he pauses and looks away as his eyes begin to moisten.
"The company needs good leadership and I know you are almost there. If you want it that is", he looks at his son who nods vehemently, ignoring away a lump in his throat.
"It's not easy as you've seen firsthand – there are a lot of sacrifices you will have to make. You have to be willing to put work and the company first. That and the reputation and practices we adhere to. Do I make myself clear?"
Arthur swallows hard before replying, "Yes Father".
Uther smiles and leans back, suddenly feeling tired again. He gestures towards the silent TV.
"Now, what say we look for some of that really bad reality TV that Merlin's mother swears gets you out of your sick bed in no time?" he jokes.
Arthur grins faintly and switches the machine on again.
"BEEBEEP!"
Glancing down at his phone and seeing a text message from Gwen, he pushes the guilty feelings and quickly switches the phone off.
Smiling at his father, settles down in the arm chair to watch mindless TV.
The next few weeks are busy for everyone. Gwen is trying to keep her cool with helping the difficult but super efficient Mrs. Riggs on sponsorship for the school's 30th anniversary benefit fundraiser and she finds herself staying late at the school yet another night and groans in frustration because she knows she has to cancel her plans with Arthur.
Gwen's POV
It's been crazy lately and the past month has flown by. I am super busy and Arthur took some time off to hang out with his dad at home which…by all accounts sounds like it was a pretty good idea. They talked, watched football and did some much needed 'father son' stuff. Uther will be going back for his follow up surgery soon so I imagine he's trying to rest up. Since Arthur's been back at work he's been flat out, but with a sort of renewed energy, like he finally feels that things are good with his dad and where he stands with PI. I am so happy for him. I love seeing him so pumped but…I feel like he's been a bit distant – like he's been holding back. Still, it's a difficult time for him, finding out his dad is sick, trying to work at their relationship. Everyone's different; maybe he is dealing with this in his own way and that's okay. I mean, I always let him know I am here – if he ever wants to talk or share. We do manage to juggle stuff so we can be together and he's a great boyfriend – when he's there but - Oh and don't forget the fact he hasn't told his dad about you two yet! Okay, yeah there is that…Don't say it like it's an afterthought, you've thought about it…Yes, but he's got a lot to do, and his dad's recovering. I guess he's waiting for the right time. Yeah okay…Don't be like that! Well…You were the one who said you don't want to feel like you're hiding things. I am not hiding! I have told all the people who I care about that we're together – yeah but do you think he will? I don't know…I love Arthur. Yes, and that's fine. He loves you too but at some point you two do need to talk about it right? Yeah…I know but…What? Not yet…
Arthur pores through the last of regional reports in his office and occasionally looks up to glare at Merlin who is busy tapping a pencil (loudly) on the legal pad on the table in a typical annoying Merlin way.
"Must you?!" he finally snaps as he reads the last page.
Merlin stops and smiles apologetically, before chucking the pencil at him.
Arthur shuts the folder and then gives him a devious grin.
"Merlin…You know if I retaliate now, the pencil will leave a mark somewhere on your slightly girlish frame, hopefully your forehead?" he states in a cocky way.
Merlin rolls his eyes and chuckles before looking at his watch.
"Uh oh, it's gone past 7! Sorry Arthur, I did say I would tell you when it was 6 so you had time to go home and get ready before meeting Gwen but-"
He is interrupted by Arthur's phone ringing. It could just be his imagination but it almost seems like Arthur takes his time answering the phone when he sees the caller ID.
"Hi you…Oh you know, buried in paperwork as per usual. Our regional meeting starts in a few days and I need to be ready. Yes I'm off to New York in two days so yeah….How are you? Really..? Oh that's too bad. I just hope you're not stressing yourself out too much. I know you're doing a wonderful job Guinevere. I'm proud of you...Seriously? Sure. No I'm fine…No no don't do that. I…I don't know how much longer I'm gonna be here, and I don't want you to wait up. Sure…Um...How about I call you? Okay. Yes…Me too. I will…Good night Guinevere".
Arthur hangs up and stands up, busying himself with organizing folders to take home.
Merlin looks at him curiously, then seeing his friend is not paying attention, throws another pencil. Which hits him square on the forehead.
"Oww! Merlin! What the…?!"
"What gives? Why did you tell Gwen you were gonna work late at the office?" he asks Arthur who is now rubbing his slightly reddened forehead.
Arthur shrugs awkwardly and resumes his packing up.
"Well, I do have to work…but I figure I could get just as much done at home…" his voice trails off as he catches Merlin's frown.
"Oh give me a break! So I'm going home! I am still working! And she's busy anyway, with the benefit thingy! It's not like-Wait, why do I even have to explain myself to you?! Go home and sort out your own relationship!" he blurts out suddenly irritable.
Arthur's POV
What the hell?! Calm down dude! What is wrong with me? Nothing…Okay maybe I am just a bit stressed out…Yeah that tic in the jaw line is going into overdrive…I was afraid you were going to get 'lockjaw' and that would've been really awkward. Why did you say that to Gwen? I…I am busy. Yeah but-I just need time…To do what? Why? Geez lay off! I…I don't know why…'All together now: He groans mentally and wishes he had just stopped talking to Merlin because he knows he sounds like an idiot right now…'Er…what was that?! Oh that was me – you telling myself (you again) how slightly bi-polar you sound right now. Thanks for nothing. That's okay; you are doing a big FAIL all on your own mate.
Merlin's eyes widen in surprise and he nods slowly, raising his palms up, trying to sound casual as he replies, "Okay, sure…Good night then".
Arthur scowls and picking up his jacket, stalks out of the room.
A/N: So there we have it..Uther is not dead (now don't all jump up and down with joy at once please), Agravaine is…well no, he's still a tool, Merin is…Merlin ;) and Arthur is back to towing the line…maybe. We'll see. Thank you for your interest in the story, the comments, and the support. It makes me feel better than eating a whole punnet of strawberries…Okay maybe not (because I love strawberries) but it's pretty darn close :) xx IslandGem