Arthur had worked for MI6 for several years now and was one of their best agents, the work had changed in that time or rather who he was working against. Less the Russians more the Terrorist organisations and how they were infiltrating society. It wasn't as glamorous as the films made out either. A lot of it was paperwork and foot slogging even for agents in the field. But it gave him a feeling of job satisfaction that no other job would have. But tonight he wasn't working, he was attending a charity do organised by his half-sister. Like most agents he had few family ties, it was safer that way, but he did have Morgana. Arthur's mother had died when he was a child and his father had died just before he left university. Not many people knew that his father had sired a child from an illicit affair, even he hadn't until after his father's death. It was only that Uther had left money to his illegitimate child in his will that meant his two children could finally learn about each other. The only other relative was an Uncle on his mother's side that he was estranged from and hardly ever spoke to.

Morgana was three years younger than Arthur, the daughter of a well-known member of the British Aristocracy Lady Vivienne La Fay and her husband Lord Gorlois La Fey. The couple had one other daughter Morgause who was five years older than Morgana and was the true daughter of the couple. Vivienne had had an affair with Uther Pendragon after her husband had been injured in a skiing accident and had broken his back. But he had loved his wife and brought up his wife's love child as his own. Morgana and Arthur decided to keep their exact relationship secret to save Gorlois any embarrassment. They had always been friends anyway so they would just keep it that way.

Arthur walked in looking as always extremely smart, in his made to measure suit, he not only had a good job but he was a Peer of the Realm which made frequently made a perfect cover when he was working, but tonight just meant he would be a target for many of the unmarried women attending. The room was crowded and full of what could only be described as the top end of society. As well as a good smattering of title people there was also a far few self-made multi-millionaires. It looked like Morgana's charity would do well tonight. Arthur couldn't help but wonder how much the charity could make if all the ladies just donated the jewellery they were wearing or the man their expensive watches rather than have yet another evening out. Personally he always thought these do's were an excuse for a party and to allow those attending to be seen to be helping those less fortunate, rather than because they actually wanted to help. After all every on in the room including himself could easily donate the total raised by themselves without going out of the door.

Arthur spotted his sister across the crowded room she was with her husband Leon, talking to a young man and another couple. He gradually made his way through the crowds and collected a drink from one of the many circulating waiters as he did so. He was almost there when Morgana spotted him and waved. Getting to her he gave her a peck on the cheek "Hello Morgana sorry I'm a bit late, but I did at least turn up"

His sister was wearing a bright red full length dress that was almost backless and one of her family's diamond necklaces that set of her décolletage to its best effect. Her long flowing hair was hung loose about her shoulders. "Arthur it's good you at least came." She turned to the group "This is my very good friend Lord Arthur Pendragon. Arthur, this is Gwen and her husband Lance de Lac, and Merlin Emrys who all work for Medecins San Frontieres the Charity we are supporting tonight and are here to represent them with their London Representative who I believe you already know, Agravaine de Bois."

"Good evening" Arthur greeted the group then looked at Morganas husband "Hello Leon, good to see you as well." He then turned back to the three representatives "Stirling work you do as well, I would be interested in talking to you all. As Morgana says I do know Agravaine, but it's always better I find to talk to those actually doing the job and not sitting in an office" It was clear that Arthur didn't hold the missing man in very high esteem.

Merlin looked at Arthur and smiled he had caught the tone when Arthur had mentioned their London boss "Don't worry I think we all think the same of our esteemed Mr De Bois, but we're nice people, or rather these two are once you get over their complete devotion to each other, rather sickening actually"

Arthur looked at the couple and smile "Is this rather annoying person with you?" he asked them in a joking tone

"Oh don't listen to him, he's a poppet and we know he loves us really" Gwen said smiling at her fiend "He just pretends to be against love"

Lance was holding his wife's hand and by the looks he was giving her Arthur felt the raven haired man's comments probably had some basis of truth. You work together? He asked politely.

Lance looked at Arthur "We have up to know but alas we are going in different directions. Merlin is far braver than us he's off to Syria to help the refugees but we are going to be based at home now as we want to start a family."

Arthur looked at Merlin "You're a brave man will you actually be going to Syria itself?"

"Yes to Aleppo, we are desperately short of doctors there, unfortunately the taking of foreign hostages makes it too dangerous for people with families relying on them. I only have my mum and she understands having done work with refugees herself." Merlin said casually. "Its supplies as well that we need, that's why we're here tonight. I know some people think we shouldn't be in Syria itself but concentrate on the refugee camps in Iraq, but people need help everywhere and I feel strongly we should go where we are needed regardless of the risk."

"You're a brave man" Arthur told the young man honestly. I wish you luck in your endeavours and I will be donating tonight."

Merlin smiled, it was a smile that lit up the room and was clearly genuine. Looking at Arthur he spoke in a quiet voice "Could you make it very clear where you want the money to go. Only some people sometimes give money only to find it goes to the office work and not the field." Merlin said candidly.

"Merlin! Be careful" Gwen looked around to see who was about.

"Well it's true, some people thing office carpets are more important than medicines and bandages" Merlin said with feeling.

Arthur laughed "I'm sure that's true in fact I think someone here tonight is one of those sort." He liked the young man's openness. "To be honest you don't look old enough to be doing this sort of work, how long have you been qualified?"

It was Merlin's time to laugh "Oh don't worry I'm old enough, I and I've been with the charity for three years."

"So that make you at least thirty?" Arthur guested "You don't look a day over twenty five"

"It's my relaxed lifestyle that does it" Merlin joked

"It's not fair is it" Gwen said "He's always had a baby face at eighteen he had an awful job getting served with drinks."

Agravaine De Bois walked up to them at that moment stopping the conversation "Hello Arthur I didn't realise you were coming tonight?" he said in his normal grovelling tone. "Glad you've met our field workers. Now can I get you a drink, I'd like to introduce your to Sir Glenville while you're here"

Arthur's put on a professional smile "Sorry Uncle I'm here to find out about the field work tonight and not to speak to Glenville, if he wants to talk to me tell him to ring for an appointment, as to a drink I've had one and I'm driving"

The older man ignored the brushoff and continued "Well there so many other people here you should meet, Most of the office is here"

"As I said I'm more interested in the field workers" with that Arthur turned to Merlin "Now you were telling me what the donations are used for" with that Agravaine tried once more.

"I can give you a breakdown of figures we have the hand outs" Uncle you know me I want the real facts and not the polished and presented information before I part with cash, I don't believe in the charities where more goes on admin that field work. So good day" with that very deliberate and rather pointed comment the other man finally gave up and walked away.

Gwen looked up at Arthur "Oh I'm sorry we didn't realise Mr De Bois was your Uncle" she looked very embarrassed as did the other two.

Arthur threw back his head and laughed "Don't worry, it's not my choice, a more intolerable man I have yet to meet, he likes to point out he is my Uncle it helps with his cronies. I don't care for him and I never have much"