The Secret Kingdom

Endings & New Beginnings

Elia stood at the front of the hall, her eyes fixed on Guinevere. After the happiness of finding out that she could stay, she was once again swept up into the fresh memories of what they had lost.

Guinevere sat stoically on the throne, looking out that those gathered there.

"The king is dead," Leon said. "Long live the queen!"

The phrase reverberated through the hall as everyone joined in, Elia as well. She glanced over at Merlin, who was standing next to her, a pained expression on his face. She reached over and took his hand, squeezing it. He smiled briefly at her before returning his gaze to the front of the room.

A few days had passed since Arthur's death. Elia stayed to offer what help she could, but she would need to return to The Willows soon. They would need to bury their own dead and then make preparations for the others to leave for the docks. It was not a task that she was looking forward to, but it was one that she needed to take care of. She and Elidren had stayed up late into the night nearly every night, discussing plans.

Merlin would go with her to see the elves off, thankfully. She wasn't sure if she could get through it on her own.

Saying goodbye to her family and her home. Again.

"Gwen," Elia said softly, walking up to the queen once the ceremony was over.

Guinevere offered a brave smile, but Elia could still clearly see her pain. Elia embraced her.

"I just... keep thinking that perhaps... he'll come riding back in through the gates... that there's been some horrible mistake," Gwen said softly. Elia stepped back at studied her. "How am I supposed to do this on my own?"

"You're not alone," Elia said. "There are so many here that will help you. Myself and Merlin included. We will stay at your side as long as you want." Guinevere smiled at her and pulled the elf into another hug. "Have courage, dear Gwen."

"Thank you," she said softly. She then stepped back and looked around the room. "Suppose I should get to work... being sole ruler."

She smiled again and then walked off, others quickly stepping up to offer words of comfort.

"She will be fine," Elia said, sensing Merlin at her side. "You will as well."

She looked over at him.

"Did you see that?" he asked.

"Don't need to," Elia replied. He nodded as Bridget walked up to the two.

"My queen," she said, bowing before her.

"You showed great bravery on the field," Elia said.

"I only did what I was supposed to do," Bridget replied, though a sheen of tears filled her eyes.

The young elf was still battling her own guilt over Mordred though she knew there was nothing that could have been done.

"Are we really to go to The Isles... without you?"

Elia nodded, glancing at Merlin.

"It would seem that Fate wants me here," she said.

"Perhaps... I could stay as well," she said. "You will need help."

Elia smiled as she pulled the elf into an embrace.

"No. You must go with the others. I cannot guarantee that you would be safe here," Elia replied. She looked over Bridget's shoulder, meeting Cameron's eyes. "And I feel that Cameron will need help with our armies."

Bridget stepped back from her.

"What?" she asked.

"With Rhys gone, someone will need to replace him, both in the army and on the council," Elia said.