Lancelot had left New York City behind for a while, just to re-centre himself. Before he had left he had spent several months just moping and it had gotten so bad Merlin, the old coot, had had to invent a quest to cheer him up. Of course that had led to dear friendships with Elaine and Marian, which he was looking forward to rekindling. But he knew he had been useless to anyone in the state he was in.
He had headed to the Texas, Mexico border, chasing down people who participated in drug-running and human trafficking. He had also helped several people enter the country illegally, and set them up in their new lives. It grounded him in ways his city life hadn't, but he was lonely. And it was time to return to where he had connections.
He had set up his life a little bit first, securing an apartment and getting that kitted out. Only then did he swan into Merlin's club on a quiet, icy Sunday night, very much keen to catch up with the wizard. In fact, Merlin was the person he sought out first.