AN: I started posting this years ago, and then just stopped working on it and as I hated having an uncompleted story up, I took it down. However, I decided to revisit it and I want to finish it this time, but also give it a much needed edit. *Much* needed.

This story only follows canon up through Sins of the Father in season two.

This story is a sequel to my story Arthur (Pendragon?), while you can certainly read that if you like, I am providing a recap as well.

Recap: The story was set during the second season, sometime after 'Sins of the Father'. Morgause used magic to remove all memory of Arthur from history. With no one remembering who he was, he sought help from the druids and learned that everything Morgause had told him about his birth and his mother's death was true.

Returning to Camelot he spent many months living as a commoner and working as a blacksmith. Believing he might never return to his life as prince he pursued a relationship with Gwen and eventually married her.

Morgause eventually made her move, exposing Morgana's magic in front of Uther. Morgause attempted to kill Uther, but Arthur and Merlin stopped her. Killing Morgause broke the spell.

While Uther was happy to have his son back, Arthur accused him of spreading hatred throughout the kingdom. Uther reconciled with Morgana and promised Merlin he would try to accept magic.

Arthur assured Gwen his feelings for her were no different now that he was a prince again and she told him she was expecting a baby.

Chapter One

Uther paced his study. Gaius stood to the side, watching him intently trying to read his face, trying to predict what the man would do. Uther's steps grew quicker his turns became sharper. Suddenly he turned to Gaius, and erupted with:

"I don't like it! It's not safe! I never should have agreed to this."

"You agreed to it because Arthur asked you."

"Yes, Arthur asked." Uther ran a hand across his face. "I hoped somehow agreeing would fix things. But it hasn't."

"I'd hoped you'd agreed because it was the right thing to do," said Gaius, a hint of reproof in his tone.

"Is it the right thing to do? It's dangerous."

"I understand your concerns nut they have as much reason to be afraid as we do."

"We're inviting druids into the castle. If this is a trick-"

"They are probably just as concerned that we may be trying to trick them. Besides, we do have Merlin. He can keep an eye on them."

"Yes, Merlin." Uther frowned at Gaius. "Merlin….and his magic. It's quite remarkable isn't it? Your assistant having magic all this time."

"At our age we have learned there are always surprises."

Uther glowered for a moment and then, in spite of himself, his lips twitched. "You always were one for surprises weren't? I rather suspect more than I ever knew."

"I am still and always have been your friend."

Uther reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I know. And a friend I sorely need now. I've all but lost my son."

"No," said Gaius, "you haven't. You've gotten him back. There is much to be grateful for there. You two simply…spent some time apart. And now must learn to live together again."

"Along with his new wife."

"You have much to be proud of in his choice."

Uther let out a huff. "She's a commoner."

"She is now the princess of Camelot. And," he added gravely, "you must learn to accept her if you have any hope of restoring your relationship with Arthur."

"I know. I know." Uther began to pace again. "And I am trying."

"Yes, I know you are."

"But this delegation of druids-"

"Is an important first step. You can't just accept magic now, and expect all these past years to be forgotten."

Uther shook his head. "I just don't know anymore. I have distrusted and hated magic for so long."

"Maybe it's time to do away with hate," said Gaius kindly. "We cannot change the past but we can embrace a new future. That is why the druids are coming. And I hope that is why you have invited them here."

There was a knock on the door.

Arthur groaned and rolled over, trying to ignore the sound.

The knock came again.

Arthur groaned again, and he felt Gwen beside him, sitting up in bed and pulling the dressing gown around her shoulders. He knew he wasn't going to be allowed to ignore it.

"Come in!" she called.

"Go away!" Arthur grunted.

"Oh that's friendly," said a voice he instantly recognized.

Arthur rolled over onto his back and lifted his head to see Merlin coming towards the bed..

"Merlin," he said, "I thought when father hired you as an advisor, it would mean I wouldn't have to return to the doubtful-pleasure of you waking me up in the morning."

"Well normally yes," said Merlin, "Believe me, my heart bleeds for your new man servant. The poor boy does not look up for the job of dealing with you twenty-four seven."

"It is hardly a twenty-four seven position."

"Oh trust me. Dealing with you is full time work, and over time and spare time, all rolled into one. However it is nearly ten and the druids should be here soon. And since the whole 'your father getting along with magic' is very important for me staying in Camelot with my head attached, I would rather you didn't oversleep today. And were all ready, spic and span, to great the delegation. So here I am."

"I'm tired," sighed Arthur, pushing himself into a sitting position. "Gwen was sick last night and-" Arthur cut himself off abruptly. Gwen rolled her eyes and gave him a look.

He and Gwen had talked about it when the memories of Arthur had been restored a little over two months ago. She hadn't wanted her pregnancy to be announced yet. She wanted to try to find her place in the castle, and with Uther, before coming forward as the mother of the future heir to the throne. She wanted to be accepted for herself first and as the mother of Uther's grandchild second. She had argued if the baby was announced immediately she would never really know where she stood with the king.

It had been an uncomfortable time all around. Uther was not entirely happy about Gwen and Arthur, and Gwen could see that, even though the King tried hard to hide it as he attempted to reconcile with his son. Arthur could see it too.

But it had been a complicated time in more ways as well. Arthur's return to memory had shaken many people. Everything, relationships, beliefs, doubts, fears, it had all been thrown in to the air and landed in disarray, forcing everyone to sort through the mess as they found it.

And then there was magic. Uther had promised to try. He had hired Merlin as an advisor for magic matters, although it was plain to anyone with half a brain that he was still uneasy around someone who'd gotten so close to the throne and hidden magic for so long.

Arthur supposed he himself was struggling too. His life had been so happy and good with Gwen back in the cottage. It had been simple. Having a baby together there would have been beautiful. And now…everything was complicated again. Although, he had to admit, one thing wouldn't miss was the blacksmithing. He wouldn't object if he never saw another anvil as long as he lived. Sometimes he daydreamed about banning them from the kingdom.

"You're not feeling well?" Merlin asked, looking at Gwen with concern.

"Ah, I'm fine now I think. Must have been something I ate." Gwen smiled at him reassuringly.

Merlin opened his mouth to press the issue, and Arthur decided it was best to distract him. He jumped out of bed.

"Fine I'll get up!" He grabbed his shirt and started pulling it over his head.

"Well hurry!

"I'll be down soon.."

Merlin left and Arthur glanced towards Gwen.

"Sorry about that."

"It's fine," she laughed, getting out of bed as well. "I almost think we should tell Merlin. He has clearly proven he can keep a secret."

Arthur chuckled and coming over, took her in his arms. "True. But if my father catches him keeping one more, I'll not answer for the consequences." He kissed her. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better. I'll be fine. It's all natural. Don't worry about me."

He paused for a moment to run a hand through her hair and kiss her again, then reluctantly, let her go and walking over to a table by the wall, poured some water into a basin and scrubbed his face.

"You're worried," commented Gwen after a moment, as she studied his face in the mirror.

He sighed and nodded. "It's very important that this goes well with the druids. If it doesn't…"

"Who are you concerned might stop it from going well? Uther or the druids?"

"Both. And if anything happens it won't be safe for anyone in this castle."