quick recap: Uther, Ygraine, and Uther's council/court people met Arthur and find out through Geoffrey (and Merlin) that Arthur is in fact the legitimate heir of Uther and Ygraine. (a bit of arthurian legend reference? anybody?)
This was suppose to be an Arthur-centric story with Morgana-Merlin drama...I wonder what happened
"Are you sure I should go?" asked Arthur adjusting the collar freshly ironed shirt.
"Absolutely positive." replied Merlin as he readjusted the collar.
"But it has been barely than 3 months since I became Prince!" said Arthur
"Exactly. These negotiations will be the perfect chance for you to prove yourself to everyone, especially King Uther."
"I am very certain that I will be of no help to the negotiations - I've barely started learning table etiquette let alone politics between two countries!" exclaimed Arthur sadly.
"Nobody remembers table etiquette." stated Merlin calmly, "Arthur, you study diligently everyday with Geoffrey to learn about Camelot and the different laws and regulations. I see you working very hard. As for politics between countries, Camelot and Achadia have been on peaceful terms for many generations. This particular negotiation should pass smoothly. No problem at all."
He and Merlin stood facing each other, eye to eye (though Merlin seemed maybe just a slight taller than Arthur was). Arthur sighed, letting out a breath he realised he'd let build up inside of him. Merlin gave Arthur's outfit a once over, making sure he looked appropriately dressed.
"You'll be fine, trust me." he said before abruptly spinning Arthur around and pushing him out of his room with a firm pat on his back.
"Argh, Merlin!" shouted Arthur at having been suddenly shoved out of his room.
-o-
The journey to Achadia's capital city, Glenndale , took three and a half days. Arthur particularly enjoyed the journey and getting to know the land. Actually, he was glad to escape Camelot for a little while. Having lived in the castle for the past 3 months or so was truly amazing. But Arthur missed the open land, the countryside where he was raised up , and most of all he missed his family. He'd felt confined. Every day would be spent mostly indoors so that he could be privately tutored on the different subjects. He might spend a few hours in the training field where the captain of the knights, Sir Leon, would try to coach him in swordplay. There was one time that he when went hunting which Arthur found enjoyable. Arthur most of all, felt lonely. Kay had to return back home to help out with the farm. He'd written back to Arthur on several occasions asking how Arthur was coping. The nobles of Uther's court generally avoided Arthur though Arthur wasn't deaf. He'd heard the names they'd been calling him. King Uther only spoke and dealt with him if it was necessary. The only people that did talk to him normally were Merlin, Lady Morgana, and Queen Ygraine.
"How are you feeling? Do you have a sore bum?" asked Merlin, maneuvering his horse next to Arthur's. Arthur looked at Merlin strangely, but couldn't deny the fact. He hadn't much experience with riding in the past.
"My bottom's just fine." lied Arthur. Merlin laughed at his discomfort and the sped his horse forward to catch up with King Uther. The Lady Morgana rode up beside Arthur.
"Don't worry, Arthur, you'll become accustomed to riding soon." she said, smiling with amusement, before also moving forward to join Uther and Merlin in their conversation. Arthur's cheeks (on his face) flushed pink with embarrassment.
Glenndale was a beautiful city that made its sprawling mark in valley of Wear. Running straight through it was the River Wear. The river ran through most of Achadia and had many branches that kept the land fertile and kept its agricultural industry alive. Near the end of the valley and towards the mouth of the river were a series of cliffs. Situated atop the cliffs, overlooking Glenndale, was the castle.
"We've arrived, if you haven't noticed." said Merlin to Arthur.
-o-
King Donahue of Achadia placed the silver chain back on the mantle and gripped the edges of the fireplace tightly. He drew a slow, practiced breath, counting to ten, before spinning around. Warmth from the flames pressed against his back holding him upright. To his right a group of nobles reclined on ornate couches. They were low to the ground and their only purpose was for enjoyment. A supply of plush cushions and pillows were always close at hand. In front of him was a table lavishly laden with the many delicacies of his country. Donahue's favourites, salted meats and smoked fishes, were in particular abundance. He reclined on his on royal couch and dismissed any approaches from others who asked if he wanted company. His own servant passed by with a tray of food and a goblet of watered down wine. Donahue accepted those without a word. There was the sound of a door opening and closing and the thumps of heavy steps.
"Heeey! Donny! Where are you?" boomed a friendly voice. The voice belonged to a big man. He had a very amiable face, a simply affectionate smile, and was a downright jolly person. Donahue on the other hand was of a slimmer build, with black hair reaching his shoulders that he liked to have in a ponytail, light green eyes, and a permanently emotionless expression on his face.
"Ah, Uncle Peverall, nice of you to join us." replied Donahue, raising his hand to beckon him over. The man Peverall was not actually the king's uncle but rather a very close friend of Donahue's father and in return dear to Donahue himself.
"Ah there's my boy. Well, I can hardly call you a boy now what with you basically a man already. Turning seventeen already…seems such a short time ago that I stood by your father's side watching you waddled after him…" Peverall drifted off, his usual smile drooped slightly.
"Um, yes, well…Did you want to talk about something in particular, uncle?" Donahue changed the subject quickly, not wanting to linger on the topic.
"Oh yes!" Peverall regained his jovial atmosphere. "One of Camelot's messengers arrived at the gates. The party has just arrived"
"Excellent, I'm sure that you're overseeing the preparations then." said Donahue
"Yes, of course. Although…when the messenger listed the members of the negotiating party to be attending he mentioned that the Crown Prince of Camelot would be attending in place of the Queen." said Peverall
"Camelot doesn't have a Crown Prince.", said Donahue, his brow furrowing.
"Hm, strange, that's what I thought." said Peverall, "Still, it changes nothing; our terms stand with King Uther."
"If they still stand after the negotiations." interjected Donahue, "Our terms were drawn up between King Uther and my father. Uther is a hard man; I can't really see him acknowledging the proposals of a seventeen year old King."
"Oh the young are burdened!" cried Peverall jokingly, "Worry not, King Uther may be firm but he is reasonable. And both of you have much to gain from each other, he won't just throw that away. Here," Peverall filled Donahue's cup with more drink, "come now, you shouldn't be so pessimistic, Donny."
Donahue took the cup and sipped slowly. He was still tense and the stress filled his shoulders and hardened around his neck. The drink didn't really help.
"I propose a toast, my boy."
"To what, may I ask?"
"Well let's see, to your long lasting health and cheer. How about to this land's prosperity? Oh! Your birthday is coming up in three days. That's worth toasting."
Donahue scoffed at the last one. "Ah well if you say so."
They drank. The last think he remembered was dozing off while staring at the fireplace.
I thank google and baby boy name websites for the names of the OCs and place names. 8)
Sorry for just kind of skipping ahead 3 months, but I felt it was appropriate in order for the story to really start to pick up
Thank you for reading and for your continued reading of this chapter!
any feedback/comments are welcome, even if they are just a smiley.
