Lady of the Court

V

Merlin walks in to see Ava sitting on her bed, reading a book out loud to a young girl. The child has her head laying on the lady's lap, letting her black curls be moved. The small person is sound asleep. Once Ava notices this, she sets the book down, motioning for Merlin to remain quiet. He nods his head, walking over to Ava. The two kiss each other before he sits down on the bed. He accidently touches her shoulder, earning a hiss of pain from her.

"Sorry," he mutters, repositioning himself. She carefully moves the girl to the other side of the bed before curling up to him. He softly plays with her hair. "Who is she?"

"Titania. We can't find her family."

"Is that who we heard scream?"

She nods her head, getting more comftorable. He looks at the sleeping child once more. She looks what he would expect his and Ava's child would be. The idea of it gives him a sense of peace and a glimpse of the future. Their future. Maybe he won't die a hirrible death trying to save Arthur. Maybe him and Ava could actually be together. Ava's breathing evens out and soon she is sound asleep.

"Goodnight m'lady," he mutters, kissing her forehead. He eventually falls asleep, curled up next to Ava.

~~~

Ava wakes up, sandwiched between Merlin and Titania. Both of which are sound asleep. The male reshifts his position, waking up.

"Morning," he smiles, moving a curl behind her ear.

"Morning," she responds. As the child moves, she motions for Merlin to be quiet. He gets out of bed, pulling on his boots. She slides out with him, the two walking towards the door. He presses his lips against hers. She willingly kisses him back. The two pull away, looking at each other.

"You know she reminds me of what I think our daughter would be like," he mutters, looking at the sleeping child.

"A bit odd, but I have to agree."

The two look once more at the girl. Who could she be? Ava will have to discuss living arrangements with Uther. The child sits up, rubbing her eyes. She looks at the younger couple.

"I want to go home," she states.

"Where do you love?" Ava asks.

"So far into the woods. Papa and I were trading supplies. Mama is waiting."

The young couple look at each other. If she has a family, they can't hold her here. Ava grabs her usual green cloak along with a red one Uther had made when she first arrived. She ties it around the young girl, and puts on her own. Grabbing the young girl's hand, the small group move out. Once out of the castle, Merlin kneels down to be at the same level as Titania.

"Do you know how to get to your home?" The girl nods her head. "Can you lead us?"

The girl nods her head once again and the three set off. They walk past the city walls and into the woods. The girl seems to be at ease here. Further and further they walk, the thicker the woods grow. Yet she seems certain on the path. It seems as they go along, she starts to age. By the time they reach a circular clearing, she is a young teen. She has to be the same height as Ava. Pointed ears peak out from under her curls.

"Mother," she calls. "I'm home."

"I see that," a woman replies, stepping out from the other end of the clearing. She also has black curly hair and foresty green eyes blank of emotion. "And your father?"

"Killed."

Ava and Merlin both are confused. Just a couple hourse ago, the girl was a child. Now she is almost an adult. The mother looks at the young couple.

"Thank you. The fairy kingdom will be grateful to have its princess home."

This takes a second to register in Ava's mind. Titania gives Ava and Merlin each a hug. She goes to give back the red cloak, but the red head refuses. Titania and her mother walk off into the woods, leaving the couple.

"Did that just happen?" Merlin asks.

"We talk to a dragon for advise, and that's what you find confusing?"

He shrugs, looking around.

"We probably should get back before Arthur questions it."

"Worried you'll get replaced again?"

Merlin picks her up and flings her on his shoulder. She lets out a squeal as he starts running back to Camelot, holding her that way.