The Secret Kingdom

The Tourney

Merlin walked into the tent the next day, interrupting Elia while she was putting on her elven armor - the worn brown leather that they had previously seen her fight in. Her long hair was pulled back in a high bun of intricate braids. Merlin immediately wondered how she intended to wear a helmet with her hair as such.

He was curious to see how she was faring. He had seen the other elven warriors who were to take part in the tournament up early that morning training, but Elia was conspicuously missing. She had been sequestered in her rooms until just before the tourney was to begin.

"Nearly ready, then?" Merlin asked, smiling.

Elia glanced over at him and nodded.

"See, even Merlin supports me in this," she said, looking towards a corner of the tent.

Merlin followed her gaze, finding an unhappy Trevor standing there, his arms crossed in front of him as he frowned at the queen.

"I still think this is foolish," Trevor replied. "No matter what Elidren... or the servant... say."

Elia laughed lightly and continued with her armor.

"Please. You've seen the way the council here looks at me. They think I'm a silly little girl who hasn't the foggiest idea of how to lead a kingdom or an army. The only way they will take me seriously is if I win the tournament and show them how strong I am," she said. "And his name is Merlin."

"You don't need to prove yourself to these mortals!" Trevor retorted. "If they do not agree with what you offer then we leave and continue on as we always have."

Elia immediately stopped her work and slammed her hands on the table, her eyes blazing, rapidly changing from her previous cheerful disposition.

"What we've always done is not working, Trevor. Do you or do you not want to survive?" she said, her voice full of venom.

Merlin's eyes widened as he took a step back, thinking in that moment he had never seen her look deadlier. And he would rather not ever be at the other end of her wrath.

And perhaps he should take the moment to sneak away.

"I just feel that maybe you're not thinking this through," Trevor pushed. "That you're letting those old codgers get a rise out of you."

"I've been thinking for a long time and it is time to act. It is time to move our people forward and this alliance will take us there. It will ensure that we survive for centuries to come," Elia shot back. "And if it takes winning a tournament to get this alliance, then that is what I will do."

"Or it will get you killed and then where will we be?!" Trevor shouted back, stepping towards her. Elia just rolled her eyes. "I've backed you up on many of your outlandish schemes, not knowing if they would work, because I trust you and I trust your insight. But this time, you are going too far, Elia!"

Both elves went still, staring each other down, the only movement was the slight narrowing of Elia's eyes. And yet, even without movement, the anger coursing through both of them was apparent.

"You have always stood by me, Trevor. And for that I am grateful. You must trust me on this. It will work," Elia said, lowering her voice slightly. "Please... you are my oldest friend and my closest ally. I need your support."

Trevor studied her for a moment before finally huffing.

"Fine. But if you get hurt or killed, I reserve the right to say I told you so," he said before trudging out of the tent, scowling at Merlin on the way.

Elia pushed off the table and smiled slightly, her anger suddenly disappearing.

"That was intense," Merlin said. "And I get the distinct feeling that he does not care for me."