Chapter Text
How did this happen?
Arthur wakes quite unlike himself. With no harsh sunlight nor any loud eerily cheery voice. If he didn’t know any better, Arthur might assume that he simply had awoken early. Before first light. Yes. Arthur might of assumed so, if not for the cold pressure on his back, or the chill in the air and the overall lack of comfort that he is used too. The blonde king blinks, eyes opening to see a dull grey. He sits up abruptly, wincing lightly. Turning to see what had caused his discomfort, only to be greeted by a small stone. One he has apparently been laying on. Arthur let his eyes dance around the room. No. Cave. Arthur let his eyes dance around the cave, adjusting to the lack of light.
“Oh look who decided to wake up” A voice called out from behind him. Turning towards the noise, Arthur was greeted to a familiar face. Or faces. Sitting around a rather small fire, sat friend and foe alike. “Sleep well, queenie?” Gwaine joked, eyes betraying his aloof demeanour. Cautiously taking a step towards the group. Arthur didn’t dignify his knight with a response. Focused entirely on who else was huddled around the fire.
There was; of course, Gwaine. His queen, Guinevere. Leon, one of his most trusted knights, Lancelot, another of his trusted people. Gaius, The court physician, Mordred, A newer knight bust a trusted one none the less. Much to his displeasure Morgana sat with them, Off to the side, isolated. Face a perfect mixture of rage and resentment. For the briefest moment their eyes met and Arthur could feel all his own inner turmoil readying itself to overflow. His attention was quickly captured to the only other figure, stood alone. With a straight back and cold eyes. Arthur felt his breath leave him.
It was impossible. It was wrong. His eyes flickered over his form, as if willing the apparition to disappear. To haunt him no more. Because the dead cannot come back to life, And Uther Pendragon was dead. No doubt about it. And yet, there he stood, breathing and living. Vaguely Arthur could hear chatter amongst his fellow captures. His brain paid them no mind. Focuses entirely on his father, His supposedly deceased father. The face that haunted his dreams and nightmares alike. He took another step.
Closer.
Closer.
And Closer still.
“How?” Arthur voiced, head turning. Mind spinning. There was one answer of course and if the scowl on Uther’s face was anything to go by, they both knew it. Magic. It had to be magic. Magic that brought them to this damp dark cavern. Magic that brought them the warm glow of the fire. Magic that brought his father back. Arthur turned around, hardly able to, look at his father’s face any longer. His heart hammered in his chest, uncomfortably. He felt lost and cold. Distantly he could feel the calming hands of his lovely wife on his own, Calling to him, trying to calm him. It was a rather unsuccessful attempt, as his mind, body and soul leant out of her reach. Looking for comfort, for security. As his entire being strained in longing for what he could not see. For what he did not have.
He could feel the others gather, Offering reassurance. Questioning the situation. Debating for an answer. Trying to figure out why. It was important, Arthur knew it was important but his ears were ringing and his mind was foggy. Something was missing. Something was wrong.
“Missed a party, have I?” the voice of Arthurs manservant called, playful but full of fear. Arthur snapped his attention towards him, Merlin. Merlin offered an awkward and warry smile. Arthur’s vision cleared, the sand that had previously been pouring through his ears fell through. With a crackle, his senses attacked him in full. Merlin and Arthur’s gaze met. Arthur let his eyes wander over his servants body in worry, Noting only the grime that clung to his clothing and skin alike. Not hurt then. Good. Arthur decidedly brought his full attention to the room.
“Merlin!” Gwaine called with a laugh, bringing the skinny boy into a hug. Merlin smiled back, eyes warily traveling to all the companions. “Where were you, then?” Lancelot asked, patting his friend on the shoulder as Gwaine let him go. “Don’t know, where are we now?” Merlin questioned instead. The question was left unanswered as Merlin’s eyes zeroed in on the two outliers of the group. “What are they doing here?” all of the boys previous cheers eradicated from his body. Morgana Raised her eyebrow at him, a quiet rage filling her heart. Arthur had never seen such a hate filled gaze. “I’d like to know the same” She answered with a snarl, standing straight up right. Uther stared down at Merlin with little emotion, wondering what on earth gave this servant the right to talk to his king like that. The staring contest between the two was broken apart only when Arthur placed a hand on Merlin’s shoulder. Their eyes met, silently communicating with each other. After just a couple minuets Merlin let his gaze drop to the floor. Gwen eyed the two friends, however she knew better than to ask. Sure that her husband would tell her if it was terribly important.
“Excuse me” Gaius called out, drawing the attention towards himself. The older man held tightly onto a peach of parchment, holding it up. “What’s that?” Mordred asked, speaking for the first time. “I was getting to that” Gaius explained, clearing his throat “It’s a letter of some sorts, practically filled with magic”. Uther stepped forward, snatching the latter from his friends hand. Reading it over and obviously not liking the contents. Uther’s rage showed on his face as he crumpled the letter and let it drop to the floor. The others watched him, hesitantly afraid of the fuming man. Morgana then picked up the letter, reading silently. Arthur felt slight annoyance build up as they continued to read it silently, not sharing any information. And if Morgana’s smirk was anything to go by then his letter could not be good. “You know, if you wouldn’t mind reading it aloud, we’d all like to hear it" Merlin muttered, crossing his arms defiantly. Arthur silently thanked Merlin for saying what he was thinking, with the letter now thrown towards him. Arthur cleared his voice to read out;
Welcome, Friends and Foes of Camelot.
I’m sure you have many questions and I hold many answers.
I fear that destiny has swerved off the right path, in order to get everything back in place a little magic must be used.
Fear not, there is no lies or trickery.
There is no hurt here.
A place between realties, Between the present, the future and the past.
You have been chosen to see a great gift, Answers lie ahead of you.
The future is yours to grip.
Fear not and watch through the smoke as it will show you the truth.
I pray that you’ll find the answers you seek and be better for it.