WHEN ARTHUR MET GUINEVERE
Summary: This is the story of how Arthur and Guinevere first met told as a modern fiction so there's a fair bit of AU and OOC. Multi chapters and rated T just in case. In this one there's planes, meetings, the dodgy (or not) uncle, and the appearance of a hacky sack - who remembers playing with those? Anyone? Someone? :)
AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you all for the alerts, story and author favourites, and reviews - they're much appreciated. Special thanks to Faatima for your wonderful review - i try, but the best thing about this story is all the support and comments its gotten, thank you all of you for them! They make working for the Govt (which i do - like Leslie Knope) more bearable ;) Hope you enjoy the next bit! :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin...Or India...Rats!
Chapter 27: The One With Persuasions
Merlin is suddenly startled awake by Arthur's PA Marilyn handing him a cell phone whispering that Gaius is on the line for him. He glances over to where Arthur is sprawled, dead to the world, sleeping with his mouth open and snoring faintly. Smiling, he nods his thanks to Marilyn and unbuckling his belt, moves towards the back of the plane so he won't disturb Arthur's sleep. They will be landing back in the city in about an hour's time.
"Hello Gaius!" He says cheerfully, standing up straight and stretching his long arms in the corridor.
"Hello Merlin. How are you and Arthur?" Gaius sounds a bit odd, and Merlin, having been mentored by Uther's oldest advisor for a long time, can tell.
"Tired, but relieved that the trouble has abated a bit, and even though we have those legal hearings in a couple of weeks, I think PI can look forward to a wee bit of breathing space. Gaius…Are you alright? You sound a bit out of sorts..."
"Oh you know me, too much work, not enough time spent doing my gardening. Merlin, I am calling because, well I wondered if Arthur might've spoken to you about the leadership here at PI over the next few months?"
Merlin frowns and shrugs, "No, not really. Well apart from the usual dysfunctional Father/Son stuff they battle with, you know him. He doesn't talk much about it. Why? What's up?"
"Something…but it could very well be nothing Merlin. I don't want to say too much about it on the phone, nor do I usually tolerate office politics and gasbags, but I feel that…perhaps, the CEO is not…himself, and I believe there could very well be a…change of leadership soon here at PI –"
"Wait, you mean, the old coot's actually going to let Arthur step into the reins? No way! Woo hoo! This is huge Gaius! What a-"
"Merlin! Pipe down! And please do not refer to your employer as an 'old coot'!" Merlin rolls his eyes good naturedly but holds his tongue. He knows Gaius is not really annoyed with his choice of words because he continues to talk on; clearly he is bothered about something.
"No, that is not what I meant at all…but I – well it doesn't really make sense to me either and he certainly hasn't spoken to me about it so I should not speculate. By the way, you should check your emails – a memo has been sent out that there will be an important conference for all heads-companies and regional heads today at 2 pm in the CEO's conference room to discuss someth-"
"To discuss what? You don't think…! Gaius?...He wouldn't…choose someone outside the company? What about all the work that Arthur's done? The good things that he-"
"Yes, yes my boy…We all know that but as I said, we will all find out properly this afternoon. When do you touch down?"
"In about an hour's time. So…what do I tell Arthur?"
"That there is a conference at 2pm at headquarters but Merlin – what I just said now is strictly between you and I only. I don't want to upset Arthur unnecessarily with feelings and gossip when it hasn't –"
"Well I think he should be at least aware that something is-"
"Merlin! Do not say a word. Promise me?"
Sighing, Merlin nods into the phone.
"Yes Gaius."
"Good. Safe flight. I shall see you this afternoon. Bye Merlin".
"Goodbye Gaius".
Merlin ends the call, and walks back to his seat. He looks over at Arthur still asleep, trying not to make too much about what Gaius has just told him unofficially. He also notices the laptop in front of Arthur is still on, and he looks at the page that's uploaded on the screen.
"Jaipur- The Pink City". The webpage is filled with pictures and suggestions of what one can do if they visit this lovely city in India.
Merlin stifles a laugh, and moves back to his seat, re-buckling his belt. He has already booked Arthur's tickets, hotel and transfers with his own card – since the sleeping 007 doesn't want to arouse suspicion from anyone from PI (most probably the Dragon), and Arthur is due to leave early Friday morning – tomorrow.
Message from: Crazy Curls India
Message: U looked much beta ystrdy wen we Skyped Arthur :) Anotha beautiful day hia. U bk home yet?
Message from: A Pendragon
Message: Thanx, think it was the chat that did it :) Yep. Havn quick lunch home then bk 2 HQ. Confrnc 2pm, IDK wat abt. R u havn a gud day?
Message from: Crazy Curls India
Message: Yes. Lovely, warm weather. Playd football wth class, we are making kites and putting on a play this wk. Hope u get sum gud rest.
Message from: A Pendragon
Message: Sounds gr8. Cold n grey hia. Eatng funi smelln cheese sammy 4 lunch. Sounds like ur havn a gr8 time, wish I cud b there. B safe Guinevere
In Jaipur…
Gwen sighs as she reads Arthur's last text, walking through the school gates, and stopping to wave to her students as they rush home. Another day is over, and she is looking forward to going home to spend time with her host family after a busy day teaching.
Gwen's POV
This place is amazing…I am so glad I came, that I am here doing what I want to do, working with other people and learning about life outside of Camelot and everything I know…But? But nothing…Come on, there's a but…There always is. I miss him…I miss him like…Like how when the boys were playing during recess and little Sami hung upside down on the tree branch and said he wanted to be Spiderman, I remembered how Arthur had told me when he was 7 he wanted to be Spiderman too. Stupid, idiotic, random things like that…It's like, whatever I do, wherever I go, I can't seem to get him out of my head and I don't want to…Is this what being in love is like? Have you ever been in love Gwen? No…not that I know…God, I am a sap. I just wish he was here. Even if it was just for a day. So I could talk to him, hear him laugh and make fun of Merlin (no, not that, but just to hear his voice), to see him be a clown, do his Montgomery Burns impersonations and marvel at the naughty monkeys and their antics. Sigh…Since I've been here, we've been in constant contact – emails, texts, we even Skyped last night which was good. He was wearing a rumpled shirt and removed his tie. He tried to hide the noodles packet but I spotted it on the counter. He didn't say anything for a moment when we first started chatting so I asked him what was wrong and he said "nothing, you just look…beautiful." I was wearing my lavender salwar kameez that Mira gave me the first day I arrived. He made a joke about how I should have a red one too just like Uhura and that made me laugh. He looked tired, but when he smiled at me (okay, so it was him on a computer screen nonetheless, but hey it was still him!), that 'famous Arthur Pendragon smile' which Morgs and Ellie go on about all the time, I know now what they mean…Only this time, talking to him, watching him talk to me, I know that he was smiling at me…That this is how he was around me…It made my night…well it was my night, they're like five and a half hours behind us. Even though we're ahead of them (time wise)Yes, I am that sad, I even Googled to check the time difference so we could organise to chat at a convenient time…He is back home now…I hope he has a decent rest now after all of the stuff that happened with their company at Brighton. Stop it Gwen! Three months is not long…is it?
Reaching her house, Gwen waves to Mira and her youngest son Naveen before entering her room to put her bags down. Maybe it's the heat, or all the day dreaming over Arthur Pendragon that causes her to send this text in a moment of madness.
Message from: Crazy Curls India
Message: Take care. I wish u were here 2. I miss u. So much…
Exhaling loudly, and trying not to blush or smile too much, Gwen looks up as her door opens and Sarah is standing there with little Naveen, shouting at her to join them. Putting down her phone, she puts her sandals back on and picking up her shawl, follows them back out of the house into the late afternoon sunshine.
At the same time in Camelot City…
Arthur stops chewing his sandwich and looks down at the text. Putting down the sandwich he reads it again. Slowly.
"I miss u. So much…"
Sighing he grins, then talks out loud, half laughing at the wonder of it, "She misses me…Hah! She misses me!" Realizing he is in his house, shouting to no one in particular and possibly looks a tad certifiable, he grins and then settles back to eat the rest of his sandwich leaning on his kitchen counter. Any doubts he had over whether he was making the right spur of the moment decision to fly over to see her leave his mind as he starts to think about what sort of an excuse he will give at the office today for his brief holiday.
Arthur's POV
I miss you too Guinevere…I'll be there soon…
The vast conference room is full today as all the regional and senior management teams wait for the CEO's announcement, talking quietly amongst themselves and helping themselves to refreshments. The large screens show the regional management teams and Merlin and Elyan take the time to wave discreetly to Percival, Lancelot, and Gwaine, sitting with their respective management teams on different screens. Gwaine, ever the jokester takes the moment to cross his eyes at the two of them, while Percy shakes his head good naturedly and Lancelot grins.
Arthur finally makes his appearance, tired but looking better than he has in days, and as Merlin observes him as he takes his place next to him, he appears to be in a very good mood.
"You seem happy. The long sleep on the plane did you wonders then?" he offers as Arthur waves to his friends on their screens and greets other people in the room.
Shrugging he grins cheerfully at Merlin, "Yeah I guess. So any idea what this meeting is about? I called Mathieu but he was tight lipped as per usual. Gaius didn't say anything to you about it did he?"
Merlin swallows hard and busies himself with his files, trying not to feel guilty for not having told Arthur anything about his conversation with Gaius earlier. Not that there is much to tell.
"Uh, well, no not really. Maybe you should ask your fa-"
He doesn't get a chance to finish off his sentence because at that moment, the main doors open again and in strides Uther, Gaius, Mathieu and Agravaine Du Bois. A tense silence ensues in the board room as all the directors sit up straighter in their chairs looking at the fourth man as he makes his way to a designated space on Uther's right at the head of the table. Arthur suddenly frowns and looks sharply from his father to his uncle, both of whom settle down, greeting other people in the room as they take their places.
"Merlin!" Arthur nudges him quietly as the CEO begins to discuss the agenda for the meeting, and goes through the notes.
"Yes?" he reluctantly whispers back.
"What is Agravaine doing here? Since when does he attend meetings? I thought his company was in some sort of merger right now?" Arthur's tone is puzzled.
Merlin shrugs and answers quietly, "No idea. Maybe he was in the neighborhood and just wanted to stop by and say hi?"
Arthur gives him a withering look and Merlin shakes his head feebly. He also wonders to himself what the Dragon is up to this time.
They don't have to wait long to find out and tune back into Uther's response to the Brighton reports and other business.
"…So let me reiterate that as a global company, we may suffer from setbacks from time to time, such as the one we just experienced with our firm in Brighton but rest assure that owing to the swift and thorough efforts of the Deputy Executive Officer and his team we have been able to regain our investors and the business community's confidence. The battle is not over yet, and you all know what needs to be done, but I am confident this issue is under control. Now, moving on to the main purpose of our conference today, I have an announcement to make. As you know it is customary for all heads to submit to a yearly physical and I was advised over a week ago to take some time out of my busy schedule – time to relax. Hah! But you know physicians?" Uther pauses, attempting to make a joke and it is a cue for everyone to let out a brief chortle, before he continues.
"Therefore, I will be having a bit of a sabbatical for a couple of months, beginning next week. In my absence, I know that I need to have someone on site to act for me. Therefore, I have decided to appoint Mr. Agravaine Du Bois – whom you all know as a major shareholder of this company, and although he has persistently always declined to join the management side of our company, preferring to be informed at our regular shareholder meetings instead, he has agreed to come on board and assist us. I am sure you will all join me in welcoming him to the PI fold. Agravaine?" Uther pauses, and turns to where his brother in law is sitting quietly. Agravaine smiles and stands, politely making a slight bow to the people present in the room and on the screens above.
The directors sit in silence as they contemplate what the CEO has just said. No one, save Merlin, Elyan, Gaius and their friends watching from their different screens dare to look in Arthur's direction. He sits motionless, staring straight ahead, his face is set and he appears to be clenching his jaw. He doesn't even seem to notice Gaius trying to catch his eye to give him one of those lightening reassuring nods.
Uther tries not to look in Gaius or Arthur's direction and tackles the uncomfortable silence with a show of brisk clapping, which of course allows everyone else to do the same thing as Agravaine sits back down.
"I am aware that some of you may be wondering why I have chosen to appoint Agravaine to step in instead of Arthur. As the CEO I felt that I needed to have someone that was well versed with the practices and norms of Pendragon Industries, and would be able to act as I would on all and any potential damaging issues that may arise at any time. I feel that at present the Deputy Executive Officer is better served dealing with the Brighton affairs and ensuring that plans are in place for the future for our presence in Brighton City.
Our communications team will ensure the proper notice goes out to the investors and public and it will be business as usual here. Arthur I am counting on you to work closely with Agravaine who will be assisted by Gaius and other senior management in his role. Now, having said that, is there anything that we can report on the latest US, Asian, Latin American, and European trends? I'd like to talk about our shares."
Arthur's POV
What…Just…Happened? Did my father?...Since when does he take breaks? Or holidays? Is this why he was a bit weird on the phone on the other day? How could he do-? What about?...He must have his reasons but…I can't believe he could do this to me….I just can't…I don't even want to look at Gaius or Merlin or the others…I know what they're all thinking; "poor Arthur, never going to get a break, not a chip of the old block, Uther will never let him run this company, he has to call in his estranged brother in law"…I don't want people feeling sorry for me…Or Merlin asking me how I feel. How do I feel? I am fucking angry! That's how I feel…I'm confused…I don't get it. I want to talk to him about it, but I don't want to upset him. Arthur…What? You can't have it both ways; either you find out or you don't…Sigh…Shit!
And just like that, Uther Pendragon forges on, making all of them move on to the next topic. Merlin looks at his friends and shakes his head slowly. Percival, Elyan, and Lancelot look worried, while Gwaine just looks pissed off. When he hears his friend finally speak, he notes that Arthur answers in a wooden, yet professional tone, joining in the conversation as the others talk business. Merlin suddenly wishes the meeting would be over so he could talk to Arthur alone.
Across the broad oak table, Agravaine takes note of all the reactions and smiles behind his hands.
It is late afternoon when Arthur finally gets a free moment (and works up enough nerve) to approach Uther.
"Mathieu, I need to see him. Urgently." Arthur hovers by Mathieu's desk for a moment, before Uther's assistant nods towards the door.
Arthur raps softly on the door and enters to find Uther lying on the couch. Something he can't remember seeing him do for a long time – especially at the office. Arthur frowns and stops as some of his anger and confusion saps away and for a brief moment he wonders again if his father is really alright.
"Father…? Are you okay?" he finally asks, moving to sit on a chair near the sofa. Uther sits up rather hastily when he sees his son and moves off the sofa towards his desk, nodding his head and casually flicking his wrist.
"Yes yes, of course. Just a bit tired. It will be good when I have some time off. The manor has not been in the best shape for a while…It will give me some time to see to the renovations and my golf. So what brings you here?" he is now at the mini bar on the sideboard and nods towards it and Arthur shakes his head, willing himself to calm down before he speaks.
"Father…I want to know why. Why…How could you?...The rest of management are probably wondering why too…You hardly speak to Agravaine and now you're…I want to know why."
Uther's face clouds momentarily, then returns to its usual even expression. It is his patronizing tone that is the worst and allows Arthur's resentment and dismay to return.
"Arthur…I told you last week when we…exchanged words that in order to run this company certain things needed to be…maintained and that perhaps you were not in the best position right now to do that. When I rang you in Brighton you showed no signs of considering what I had to say, or agreeing to my very reasonable suggestions. Therefore, when the physician ordered me to take some rest, I had to make the best decision for the company, so I spoke to Agravaine that night after you and I talked and-"
Arthur is so incensed he forgets his temper and stands up moving closer to his father who is now mixing himself tonic water.
"Father! I cannot believe you could do this! Just because we differ on our opinions of how I want to live my life, you would hold that over my ability to take over from you? To assist you when you need to have a break? You chose Agravaine over me? A virtual stranger? A man who never talks to us because of what happened to mother all those-"
Uther slams down his glass and angrily turns towards his son, "Don't you ever mention your mother to me! You know nothing of what happened! Agravaine is not a stranger! He is your family! Your only living relative and you will show him every respect in accordance to that and his new responsibility here at PI! You need to calm down Arthur. Now, I'm sorry if you think I did this as a punishment to you – that is not what happened Arthur!"
Father and son glare heatedly at each other before Uther moves to sit behind his desk. Arthur follows him over there, not bothering to sit down and stands facing him, arms crossed.
"So what did happen Father? Why don't you just admit in a public statement to the world that you don't think I am worthy of running this company? Clearly you have never agreed with anything I have tried to do. In fact, since I've been back here, all I've gotten is complaints and criticism of how I am running things. Then, if that's not enough, you question me at every opportunity about how I live my life. So you tell me that this is not what's happening!"
Uther puts both hands on his desk, as if he's trying to calm himself down.
"Arthur! I told you that this company is built on traditions and there are rules to follow! If you cannot follow them the way you are expected to, how do you expect to run it successfully? Your words and actions give you away son! You must understand that you are not…ready yet. That is why I asked your uncle to come back. He is here to help you! To help you make that…transition. It has never been my intention to deny you your birthright – I just want to ensure you are ready for this challenge. The way you speak now is that of a small spoiled boy, not someone who should see it from my point of view – I am thinking of your future!"
Arthur snorts, and runs a hand through his blonde hair. He is still angry but knows that his argument is pointless as Uther's mind is already made up, and the decision has already been made public.
"So that's it then? I am just supposed to accept it and work with my uncle until you return? And then after that? What then? When do you suddenly realise that I am 'doing what I am supposed to do by this company?'"
Uther tries not to wince with irritation as he hears the sarcasm dripping in Arthur's questions. Sighing, he leans forward in his chair, surprised because he feels horrible right now.
"Arthur, part of being a good leader is to accept that you have shortcomings that can use some assistance. That is the role your uncle will be able to provide you, and you will carry on, and do your normal tasks. You should take this as a wakeup call Arthur. This is how we are meant to manage and lead our company. I would also take this time to consider everything I told you before Arthur – and not withstanding, your life choices."
Sighing inwardly, Arthur walks swiftly towards the door, and with his hand on the handle he turns back to his father, "I just wish you had more confidence in my abilities…I am sorry that once again, it is not enough for you. Good bye Father. I hope you have a good rest".
He slams the door as he leaves and Uther falls back in chair, closing his eyes as he feels the beginnings of a headache coming on.
That's where your wrong son, you've always been good enough for me, perhaps it's just that I have never been good enough to tell you that, he thinks sadly. Shoving this regretful thought out of his mind, he buzzes the front desk.
"Mathieu? Bring me the Europe files please?"
Arthur pours himself a glass of water from his mini fridge and picking up the faded hacky sack Merlin bought him years ago when they were young undergrads pulling an all-nighter for an exam, he starts to play with it. Flipping it up in the air, and catching it with his foot, then his knee, then his shoulder. He continues to do this for a couple of minutes, trying to wrap his head around what just happened with his father.
Arthur's POV
Am I being too nice? Spineless? Or is he right? This is just business. This is how it needs to be? For the company's sake? I suppose if I really feel that strongly about it, I can leave. I can resign and go work somewhere else. Tell him that he can stuff it. But do you want to? No, not really…If I had to go it wouldn't be what I wanted but…No. I like my work. I believe in what I am doing here. Okay, maybe that makes me sound like a self serving git, but I think I've established a good team here – that there are positive things we've brought into this company…I only want what's best for PI too. That's why I came back. I just can't…My life is my life. Why can't it stay that way? Separate from who I am here? Damn it! The worst thing is my father also knows that I don't want to leave either! He is trying to keep me in my place- work wise ok, I get it, but why is he so insistent that he muddles in my private life too? What more does he want? Sigh…Now more than ever I can't wait to leave tomorrow! To be on a plane to India where I can see Guinevere and spend time with her, listen to her laugh and talk about everything and anything and be myse-
Arthur continues playing with the hacky sack and doesn't hear the soft knocking. He is startled when he sees Agravaine standing in his doorway, looking apologetic for the interruption.
Arthur stops what he's doing and grabbing the hacky sack, he returns it to his shelf and moves back to the desk.
"I am so sorry Arthur…I knocked but…Is this a bad time?" Agravaine's quiet voice is polite. Arthur shakes his head and swallows away his irritation, fixing a smile on his face.
"Not at all. Please come in Agr-Uncle Agravaine. Would you care for a beverage?" He asks, waving him towards an easy chair.
Agravaine shakes his head and takes a seat opposite from Arthur.
"Thank you no, and I won't take up more of your time – I know you've been working very hard in Brighton for a couple of days and you need your rest. I just wanted to come by and have a little talk before next week…" Agravaine allows his voice to trail off as he focuses on the younger Pendragon's face, his own expression becoming pale.
"Is something wrong?" Arthur asks, concerned.
Agravaine smiles fondly, and shrugs, somewhat embarrassed.
"No, forgive me Arthur, it's just that…as you mature, you remind me so much more of your mother…my dear sister Ygraine…It is quite…well, she and I were very close growing up and…Sorry, you mustn't mind me, rambling on about old times, I am sure you have heard all the stories about how she was –"
Arthur shakes his head and leans closer, "No, I haven't...I mean, I don't know much about her...We don't…uh really talk about her much actually so…" he clears his throat and looks enquiringly at his uncle.
"Anyway, as I said Arthur, I want to just paraphrase what Uther has already made clear in the board meeting today. I am not here to take over from you. I am merely here to help guide you. I know that perhaps you feel that this is not the case but I wish to reassure you that it is just that".
Arthur nods slowly and looks evenly at his uncle.
"Uncle Agravaine, I know my father has his ways of running things and that as long as he is head of this company he wishes things to remain so, but sometimes the old ways are not necessarily the most successful so-"
Agravaine interrupts him in a soft voice, "Arthur, if I may, I know that your father and I have not been close for…quite a few years and because of that, regrettably, you and I have not spent a lot of time together since…your mother passed. However, I believe that your father and I are completely in agreement on one thing and that is your welfare and future. We both want to ensure that you are ready to take your place at the head of this company. To fulfill your destiny as head of Pendragon Industries. I may not have always been there for you growing up, but I have hopes that I am not too late to assist you as you move from strength to strength here at PI." Agravaine pauses shrewdly as he watches Arthur look at him critically, as if he is weighing his words. Agravaine takes a moment before continuing.
"I control a great deal of ownership within this company Arthur, and even though I have always preferred to dabble in my own affairs and leave this company to you and your father, I have long admired you from afar, reading of your innovative practices here, so I am well aware of all efforts you have made since you returned from working in the regional office. I wish to congratulate you on this and to offer my advice as you continue to work in this way".
Arthur nods slowly, listening to Agravaine, keeping his expression neutral.
"Uncle, I have made changes that Father does not approve of, how do you propose to act for him if you will not oppose them?"
Agravaine smiles widely and stands up with his arms spread out.
"Arthur, I am not going to be your Father while he is away, nor should you expect me to be. I am not here to put you in detention, but merely to steer you along the hallways. You are doing a good job, you just need some positive reassurance and I believe that I can assist you with this while reminding you of the PI principles to which your father expects the company to run on. I would also…I would very much like the opportunity to maybe spend more time with you. Get to know the future head of PI? If this is something you would like to do at all I mean…" he lets his voice trail off as he moves towards Arthur's door.
Arthur jumps up and goes to open the door for him. He nods and smiles at his uncle, somewhat unsure of himself suddenly.
"That would be good…It would be nice to talk about my mother and uh, catch up sometime. Uncle Agravaine, uh…thank you…for stopping by."
Agravaine pauses with his back to Arthur and smirks before turning to smile at his nephew.
"You're most welcome Arthur. I will see you on Monday." He turns to leave and Arthur remembers.
"Oh, yes, about that. I have informed my staff that I am taking a couple of days off…To get some proper rest…So I will be back in the office on Wednesday morning."
Agravaine hides his surprise as he turns back again towards Arthur with an enquiring smile.
"Oh? Well that is good news Arthur. You've been working so hard in Brighton, you deserve some time to rest. Going anywhere special?" he asks casually.
Arthur shakes his head, "No not far. Just a couple of days off…to rest…sleep…nothing special really".
Agravaine studies the younger Pendragon, knowing that he is not being honest, but choosing to play daft, he pats his nephew's shoulder gently.
"Well good for you. Enjoy your time off".
As Agravaine walks away from Arthur's office, he is already deep in thought.
This is already working out better than he had even imagined it would.
A/N: Sorry...no real 'Arwen' love this chapter but it's coming (kind of- promise!) :) Also this was kinda long - it just took on a life of its own, grew legs and ran...So what do you reckon Agravaine's up to? He could be a bridge over troubled waters?..Or not...Anyways, thanks for sticking around and reading folks! Love reviews and your thoughts so please drop us one if you have time :) Up next: INDIAAAAAAAAA! :)