A/N: Okay so here is my first Merlin fic… hope you like it!

This is Merlin present narrating if that was unclear

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Chapter 1

The date is the 21st of September 1914. I have been waiting 9000 years for Arthur's return but still nothing. Having had to wait for so long, I have grown accustomed to a particular lifestyle of travelling all around the countries now known as Britain. I would live in one place for a while but then I'd been killed and I would wake up on the shores of Avalon, which always seems to be waiting for me. Then I'd go somewhere else; live a different life until I died. Starting always at the age of 19, I would never make it to 30. Seemingly, I just live too reckless a lifestyle but I don't really care anymore. I have seen every age of man since Arthur's death and I have lived thousands of lives. My appearance would change sometimes but I always keep my name for that is who I am. I am Merlin Emrys and this is the story of my 551st life.

…

I woke up as usual on the beach next to the Lake of Avalon. My hand went to my heart, relieving the last moments of my last life. (This time I had drowned, a man whom I had annoyed throwing me into the Thames. You may ask, why didn't I use my magic? Truth is, my magic hasn't returned for that sort thing; I believe that it will return when Arthur does. But back to the story.) I looked down into the still waters. My appearance had not changed this time; same high cheekbones; same bright blue eyes and the same shock of unruly black hair. My clothes were simple but up to date.

"Coventry, 1914. Here I come." After catching the train to Coventry, I wandered around the city so that I could get a feel for the new place. There was an advert for lodgings up a street called Dragons View and I took that as a good omen. I walked up to the house, feeling the change that I had stuffed in my pocket. (Magic is a wonderful thing. I always have correct change for the time period in my pockets. Not lots but enough for a short while) I knocked on the door and a kind-looking elderly woman came to it.

"Hello," she said cheerily.

"Good morning. I noticed that you have lodgings for a reasonable price, so would you consider me to be a suitable lodger?" I asked, rather formally. (I had learnt the hard way that formality got you everything)

"What's your name, dear?"

"Merlin, ma'am. Merlin Emrys," I replied.

"And how old are you, Merlin?"

"I'm 19." The woman smiled. She held out a hand and I shook it.

"My name's Rosie Stewart and I would be very happy to have you as a lodger." I beamed, thanked Mrs Stewart and came inside with her. After being shown all around the house, I was shown my room.

"It's not much…" said Mrs Stewart.

"But it's home." I completed for her. She smiled and left me. I sat down on the bed, looking around at the sparsely decorated room. There was an old oak wardrobe sat on the back wall that took up most of the room but I liked it. It reminded me of Arthur's dresser in Camelot. Also, there was a wooden chair next to it and on that chair sat a chest (The chest follows me; always appearing where I am. It contains memories, almost literally) I opened it and drew out Excalibur. (I had taken it from the lake after Camelot had fallen) It shone like it had been created yesterday, the runes still glowing faintly in the fading light. I placed it on my bed, allowing the memories to wash over me. Next, I brought out a piece of Athuisa's egg which glimmered like a lilac evening sky, dotted with stars. I took out memory after memory; Arthur's cloak, a shield with the Camelot crest of arms on it, seven medals for services to the country (Seven stories that do not need to be told here) and last of all, the lucky rabbit foot Gaius gave to me when I went to swap my life for Arthur's. I stroked it slowly, allowing a couple of scalding tears to roll down my cheeks before I packed up all of the memorabilia. Breathing hard, I composed myself before leaving my room.