Heart Themed Canvas [UsUk]

A Wish For A Smile [Ch.7 END]

A/N: So yeah chappys,its the end if this story,NOT the book,its the end so its pretty short,enjoy!

In Which There Are Happen Endings For Seven People (Plus Matthew)

The quest was concluded, the dreams came true, and lost hope was found. All that was left was for everything to end as only these sorts of stories can.

Princess Deirdre never was able to stop her flirtatious behavior. Apparently there were some things that not even a great wizard could change. It did not matter though, because fortune was kind and Sir Francis could flirt just as much as she. He was the first man to so amorously return her affections. She was the first woman to embrace his romantic ideals, instead of slapping his hands away. Never was a couple better-matched, and thus it stood to reason that they were wed not long after that fateful day. Several of the stuffier members of the court protested the princess marrying a strange knight from a strange land, but Deirdre was happy and so the queen squashed all protests. The young men who worked at the castle, meanwhile, were simply glad to no longer have the princess flirting madly at them, every second of the day.

As for the princes, they became even more renowned as knights and leaders. Prince Cormac became famed as a father to his soldiers and was known as Cormac the Great. Prince Pywll, while still no stranger to fear, learned to charge at his foes instead of running and hiding. For this, he became known as Pywll the Daring. Prince Finn, meanwhile, learned to swallow the cross words that once constantly graced his tongue. Everyone found it delightful to be in his company, and he became known as Finn the Gregarios.

And as for Arthur, that single smile was all it took to make him a new person. From it, he began to laugh. From that laugh, he began to joke. And from that joke, he began to be happy. He did his best to hide this, making it quite clear that he would not stand for nicknames like his brothers had been given, but in secret, he became known as Arthur the Joyous.

As the only person to find Arthur's smile, Alfred was hailed throughout the kingdom as a hero. He was congratulated and cheered for by all. After the feast, he was brought before the royal family, in the throne room.

"Noble hero Alfred," said the queen, "you have found Arthur's smile. Do you know what that means?"

"It means that he is happier and healthier," Alfred replied. "And I say so much the better, as nothing suits him so well or makes him look half as handsome, besides."

"S-shut it!" hissed Arthur, feeling his ears turn red and, against his will, another smile creep across his face.

"It means that you have won whatever you wish," the queen quickly said. "Whatever it is your heart desires, it shall be granted."

"Really?" Alfred looked puzzled. "Heart's desire?"

"Yes," said Arthur. "I will grant it to you." When there was no response to this, he continued. "Is there anything you want?"

"Oh! Yes, to be sure," said Alfred. "I want to continue to travel to new lands, having as many adventures as possible and saving all who are in need!"

Arthur blinked. "Erm, is there anything else?"

"No."

"You don't want money or a noble title or...anything?"

Alfred's eyebrows drew together, as if he could not comprehend why someone would want those. "No, I - wait! There is one thing!"

"Name it," said Arthur.

"In one year's time, I want to return to this kingdom and join you again at the feast you will hold."

There was that bloody smile again, Arthur reflected. How did he manage that? He left the smile on his face completely because it was too much trouble to fight, of course. "I would like that very much," he said to Alfred.

And with that, goodbyes were said and Alfred left the kingdom in search of heroic deeds to do. While all who saw him go swore he went alone, everyone heard him talking animatedly with someone he referred to as "Matthew". Arthur simply smiled at this. Of course Alfred would be able to notice Matthew, but naturally he would say nothing if Matthew wanted nothing said.

Humming for the first time in his life that he could recall, Arthur returned to his cottage. He magicked the door back to normal wood and left it open at all times. Every day people visited him for help, and you can be certain he never turned a single one away.

One year passed, in this way and that, and it came time once more for the feast. The queen was there, with the princes and princess and Sir Francis. The joy was unconfined, with dancing in the streets and drinking in the banquet hall.

You can bet any amount of money that amidst the crowds of guests, Royal Wizard Arthur was there. He watched and waited until at last he found -

Well, I think you know the rest.

I tell this tale with great certainty, dear readers, for I myself was at that banquet hall. I watched it all while in great cheer, and drank until my whiskers were wet with beer.