Title: The Future is Now (Chapter 28)
Rating: PG
Pairing/s:
Character/s: Arthur, Morgana, Hunith
Summary: Arthur and Morgana have important meetings.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 731
Prompt: 338. Newcomer
Author's Notes:
Chapter 28
Arthur stood in the reception area of the House of Lords. He had an appointment with the verification committee. He checked his documents again as he waited for someone to escort him in.
The door opened and a tall dark haired man entered. He smiled as he approached Arthur. “Arthur Drake? I’m lLord Weatherly. I hear you here to claim your father's title.”
“Yes my lord. My father has abandoned his duties and I wish to claim his title and affirm my rightful claim as heir to the Barony of Sommers.”
“How is your father?” Lord Weatherly asked.
“He is as stubborn as ever. He thinks i'm mad for doing this.” Arthur looked at the documents in his hand. “I have all the necessary documents to substantiate my claim.”
“So I see.” Lord Weatherly waved him to the door. “We have been waiting for your father to come to his senses but I think granting you the title would be a better option. It's unlikely your father would object at any rate.”
The walked down a corridor and Lord Weatherly opened another door. “This way.” He ushered Arthur in to a large room filled with rows of chairs. My Lords, we have a newcomer joining our ranks. This is Arthur Drake. He is here to claim the title of Earl of Cardiff and heir of Barony of Sommers. Shall we begin?”
The Lords took seats and Arthur went to the podium at the front of the room.
A man stood up from the front row. “I do have one question before we begin. I’m Lord Halsey. My youngest son is a student of Professor Monmouth. I have heard rumors that you also wish to claim that you are descended from the mythical King Arthur. Is that true?”
Arthur took a breath. He hadn't expected that to have news to have circulated yet. “I have proof that King Arthur and I are one in the same.”
“My son has told me of this Excalibur Prophecy. I think it's hogwash.” Lord Halsey looked at the others in the room. “It's madness. How can we give title to a mad man?”
“As I said, I have proof. I have the sword and King Arthur's blood. A test is all that I need to prove that I am speaking the truth.” Arthur looked at the faces in the room. “I am not here to lay claim to the Crown. I am here to claim my birthright under English law.”
Lord Weatherly stood up. “If he is who he claims to be then your head will be the first to roll. I have heard of this Excalibur Prophecy. My grandmother believed it and she was quite the skeptic. Halsey sit down and let him make his claim for the titles he's here to claim. His royal connection can be verified later.”
“My apologies.” Lord Halsey sat down. “I didn't mean to make you feel on the spot. Please proceed.”
“Thank you.” As Arthur started his presentation, he wondered if all newcomers to the house of lords received this treatment or if it was reserved just for him.
Morgana sat with a cup of tea in the kitchen of the Dragons Egg. It had been a busy morning. She was trying to decide if she should advertise for help when the bell on the door announced a customer. She put down her tea and went to the front.
“Good morning. Are you Morgana Drake by any chance?” The darkhaied woman asked.
“Yes I am.” Morgana smiled. “Would you like some tea? The scones and biscuit were made fresh this morning. I could….”
“That's not why i'm here.” The woman looked morgana up and down. “I'm here because my son says he's in love with you. I thought we should have a talk. Privately.”
Morgana blinked. “You're Merlin's mother? You're Hunith Emrys?”
“Yes. I'll take tea and one of those scones over there.” Hunith pointed to the booth in the back. “Join me.”
“Yes of course. It will be my pleasure.” Morgana nodded.
“No need to kiss my arse, dear. Just get the tea and come talk.” Hunith walked over to the both and sat down.
Morgana put a scone on a plate then made two cups of tea. She had a feeling that Merlin's mother wanted more from her than a simple ‘get to know you’ talk.