Close Enough to Start a War

[gilli-ann.livejournal.com]

Author: gilli_ann
Title: Close Enough to Start a War
Rating: G
Character/s: Merlin, Arthur, Morgana
Summary: Morgana manipulates, Arthur notices, Merlin ponders the future
Word Count: 250
Prompt: 465 'Honeymoon'
Author's Notes: S3 Canon-based. The ficlet's title comes from Adele's song 'Turning Tables'.



Close Enough to Start a War

"Seems the honeymoon phase of my personal truce with Morgana is over almost before it begun," Arthur said, irritation plain in his voice as he threw his sword on the table. "During supper she was goading father into participating in the upcoming military campaign."

"Nothing may come of it," Merlin said as he took Arthur's cloak. "Perhaps you should wait and see?"

Arthur sighed. "Honestly, I'd like to, but she knows how to manip... eh, convince the king."

"She's very persuasive," Merlin agreed, turning away to hide his sour expression.

"She agreed to stay out of state affairs just five days ago. Morgana used to keep her given word. She's changed. I can't disregard this."

Merlin nodded.

Arthur rubbed his temples. "As the saying goes, she and I - we're close enough to start a war."

'That's the truth on many more levels than you know', Merlin thought in response. But he managed to stay silent.

Yet if Uther were to die, and the matter of the succession was brought to a head, who could say it wouldn't be for the best? Gaius advised caution, but in his heart, Merlin disagreed. He wanted Morgana and Morgause permanently vanquished. Arthur didn't know it, but with Merlin by his side he was never going to lose his throne or any battle for Camelot, no matter which evil ploys the two sorceresses cooked up.

Arthur would be king. The greatest sorcerer to walk the earth and the last dragonlord would see to that.