Arthur avoided the Magic Room for the next few nights, he didn't want his father becoming overly suspicious. He assumed that when he returned he would be going alone, but to his surprise that wasn't the case.
"I know you're going back. To that place," Percival said awkwardly shuffling his feet. He had caught Pendragon about to sneak out of the darkened loft. Before Arthur could protest or say a word he added, "and I would like to join you."
"What?" Arthur was stunned.
"I...I don't want to be considered a turn coat or nothing...it's just I made a promise," Percy muttered.
Arthur thought back to the night he had spent there with Percy and Leon. As far as he could remember Percy had hardly stayed in the club, for the most of the evening he had been missing. Arthur nodded, it would be good to have a friend there.
They drove off in Percy's white Packard heading to the outskirts of Camelot. Even though night had fallen awhile ago, the streets of the city were still very much alive. People in cars drove off to foreign places, in fine dinner wear. Others slunk about looking for parties that were still going. Very few were worried about the coppers, who had become lazy and were on the bankroll of someone, the city was coming a part at its seams.
Once they arrived, to Arthur's surprise, Percy didn't follow him inside. Instead he remained outside talking to the valet...the one who had decided to call Arthur, Princess. So that's what his promise had been. Arthur smiled and made his way inside. It would appear that romance was in the air. As soon as he entered the establishment he found Lancelot and Gwen sitting quite close to one another in a booth.
The band was playing music, not the usual quick stuff, but a much slower, softer version. Couples were dancing, close to one another, hands clasped faces close.
Arthur had arrived later than usual, and Merlin was already there. He smiled as he watched his friend come over.
"How're you liking this atmosphere?" Arthur asked with a smile.
Merlin rolled his eyes, "please. I'd rather just leave now."
Arthur was surprised. "I'm shocked that men aren't swarming for your attention."
"They know its held with someone else," Merlin flitted his eyes up at Arthur, to see if he got the hint. He didn't.
"What a pity for all the good men of Camelot," joked Arthur.
Merlin sighed, "yes I suppose so, although the ones here aren't usually the good sort."
"Then it is a pity for the villainous ones as well," Arthur added.
"That it is," Merlin said dryly. "Come, this place is dead."
Merlin grabbed Arthur's sleeve and led him out of the Magic Room, only to find Gwaine intertwined with Percy. Merlin gagged a bit, as a joke, and continued dragging Arthur to his car.
"Where are we going?" Arthur asked.
"We're meeting a friend of mine. I was promised tea, and a good evening with him," Merlin mused. "Figured you should meet him anyway."
"Why?"
"Well you seem a fan of the Magic Room, he is just one of the great men who keeps its doors open." Merlin explained climbing behind the wheel.
They drove deeper out into the country side once more. The drive was silent, and after a short while they made it to a small tumbledown sort of cottage. Merlin got out of the car and gave a knock, Arthur could hear some muttering inside, and then they were bid to enter.
It was a cramped little cottage. Every surface was covered with books. The room was hazy, as its sole occupant was just recently smoking opium.
"Welcome Emrys, and who is our guest?" asked the man in a rich gravely voice.
"Kilgharrah, this is Arthur. Arthur this is my adviser Kilgharrah," Merlin introduced the two.
Kilgharrah was a tall man with hair that stuck up about his ears. His skin was mottled from age, and almost translucent. He had a flat head, with a long nose, on its tip were currently balanced a pair of horn rim glasses. He held out a claw of hand, and with a firm grasp he shook Arthur's own. Even though it was clear the man had been smoking awhile, his eyes were still bright and wary.
"The pleasure is mine. Would you boys care for some tea?" He asked standing to prepare the water.
Merlin agreed for them both. Kilgharrah disappeared into another room, presumably the kitchen.
When he returned, he was carrying a tray with four cups of tea.
"Why are there four?" asked Arthur picking one up.
Kilgharrah just looked down on Arthur with a serene smile. "It would be rude to only have three."
Arthur looked bewildered. Merlin just laughed. "Kilgharrah just has a sense for these things."
Suddenly there was another knock on the door. Kilgharrah shuffled about to go see who it was.
"Did he just predict that there would be another guest?" whispered Arthur.
"Oh yes, he has a feel for this, in his bones," Merlin said with mock seriousness. The smile dropped from his face, "he's always been able to predict things. Always is calling me at odd hours to tell me to do things. Hasn't been wrong yet."
Arthur nodded, he would need to be careful around Kilgharrah then. The old man returned with his guest, a man who was very familiar to Arthur.
"Arthur meet Gaius," Merlin said jumping up to shake the other man's hand.
Gaius looked over at him with mild surprise, but his face betrayed nothing. "Arthur. Nice to meet you."
"And you sir," Arthur shook the hand. "I'm not really sure why Merlin brought me here, to be honest."
"Yes, why did you bring your...ah...friend?" asked Kilgharrah taking up his pipe, blowing a puff of tobacco.
Merlin gave a crooked smile, "The Magic room was full of couples, and I had to rescue him from it."
Gaius chuckled softly at the boy's antics. "And you didn't choose to go to another dance hall?"
Merlin shrugged. "I had an appointment with Kilgharrah. I figured he could come along."
Kilgharrah nodded softly, slightly out of it, "tea?"
Gaius took the mug offered to him and sat down. The others joined him in chairs around the small room. That evening they avoided talking business as to not isolate Arthur. Instead they talked about all the deplorable things happening in Camelot...the ones not related to the Druids, that is. It was a lively discussion, and only Arthur was blind to all the crooked smiles Merlin was giving him. Too soon it became very late, and Merlin offered to drive Arthur back into the city.
Once they were gone it was just the two old men.
"That lad with Merlin, that was Arthur Pendragon," Gaius muttered. What a headache this all was.
"Will he give you up?" asked Kilgharrah puffing on his pipe.
"I doubt it," Gaius said warily. "Those two together..."
Kilgharrah had a pleased smile on his lips, like a cat that had just gotten his canary. "Oh yes, two sides of the same coin."
Gaius looked at the old man like he had gone mad. "It doesn't seem very wise..."
"Not wise?" Kilgharrah puffed. "Most certainly it will end in tragedy!"
Gaius looked worried. "I must tell someone."
Slowly Kilgharrah shook his head, "best not. Let it all flow as it's supposed to."
"But tragedy?"
"For the best, old friend. After the tragedy Camelot will be a better place. Druids will be accepted," Kilgharrah had a serene look on his face. But in his gut Gaius knew he had to do something.
It was late, but Gaius knew where he had to go. He headed to the apartment kept in town by Morgana and Mordred. He knocked on the door, once, twice.
"Hullo?" Mordred opened the door, looking dead on his feet.
"I've got something to tell you," Gaius said. "It concerns that new boy Merlin's been with."
"Arthur?" Mordred was still rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"He's the single heir to the Pendragon Syndicate," Gaius hurried on.
Suddenly Mordred was completely awake. "Arthur...Pendragon."
"That's him."
"What is he doing with us?" asked Mordred in disgust.
"Trying to find a way to destroy us, just like Uther wants. Protect Merlin. Do whatever, but don't let that boy die," begged Gaius.
Mordred nodded, sending the old man away to rest. He turned to the living room.
"Did you hear that?"
Morgana had a look of complete blood lust on her face. "How dare he use us? How dare he come after Merlin? Pendragon, I will kill you myself if I have to."
Mordred nodded grimly. This meant complete destruction.
As y'all can see this is following a similar pattern to the show. Except reasons for actions have changed slightly. Please leave a review and or follow/favorite. It means so much to me, and it actually motivates me. Thank you to those who have! Sorry for the short-ish chapter. ~T.W.o.W.