Merlin grinned as he looked around the clearing at the gathered villagers and knights, all of them chanting. He felt as though he was finally doing something to fulfill his destiny. That they were finally moving forward. He took in Arthur's face as the young king's resolve seemed to come back.
In that moment, Merlin felt as though they could do just about anything, and that there was no way they could fail in retaking Camelot. This would be the time they finally overpowered Morgana once and for all. Then perhaps he could focus on finding a way to convince Arthur to finally allow the return of magic and those who practiced it to Camelot.
A shout sounded from somewhere towards the back of the gathering, drawing Merlin's attention. He could clearly hear the sound of thundering hooves. At first, Merlin grew nervous, worried that Morgana's troops had found them. But then there were cheers.
His mouth fell open as a large company of elves rode into the clearing, the silver and green banners of The Willows flying. Leading the company was none other than Elia herself, with Trevor and Elidren at her sides. They were all in full armor, as though they could ride into battle this very second.
Merlin's hope only grew, knowing the elves would be a boon on their side. Though he could not help but wonder just how they had known to be here. There had been no time to send word though he had no doubt that Arthur intended to do so before they launched any sort of attack on the castle.
Of course, it was then that Merlin recalled their gift of foresight. A trickle of nerves went through him as he glanced at Arthur, who stood at his side slightly gobsmacked, though he hid it well. He did not know of this and Merlin was curious as to how Elia intended to explain their arrival without it.
Elia hopped off her horse and strode to Arthur. Stopping just in front of him, she laid her right hand upon her heart and bowed.
"Heard you were in need of some help," she said as way of greeting, her green eyes twinkling.
"How did you know?" Arthur asked.
"That best explained in private," Elia said, glancing around. "All that matters right now is that we are here to lend aid. We have a debt to repay, after all."
"We could use the help," Arthur admitted, relief clear in his eyes.
Merlin was certain it was clear in the faces of all who were around them.
"We will gladly follow the Once and Future King into battle," she replied.
Both Merlin and Arthur looked from her to the large host of elves behind her. It was much bigger than the party they had used to rescue the elves. Granted retaking Camelot was a much bigger task.
"Come. There is much to discuss," he said, motioning for Elia to walk with him.
"Very well, King Arthur," Elia said.
The two leaders walked away while other elves quickly moved to set up camp, shouting out directions in their tongue. Elidren and Trevor followed just behind the two leaders with Fianna not far behind them. Merlin moved to quickly catch up with her.
"Did she see this?" Merlin asked the elf softly when he reached her side.
His eyes were fixed on Arthur and Elia, both deep in conversation, though he could not hear what was being said.
"Yes, but unfortunately, she saw it too late. It had already taken place and there was no time to warn you," she said softly.
"How did she know to come here?" Merlin asked.
"She saw this place too. What would happen here," Fianna replied. "And I believe she is about to tell your king."
Arthur suddenly stopped and frowned at the queen, though Elia remained calm as she gazed up at him. It was as though she expected this exact reaction from him.
"You have this gift?" he asked, his voice raised slightly.
Merlin glanced around, relieved to see that it was no one but their small group within listening range. Surprisingly, he felt no guilt over keeping this information from his friend. At the same he knew Arthur would no doubt be upset with him once he found out that he too had kept it secret.
Maybe it was best to not let on that he had known about their foresight.
"We felt it best not to mention it during the proceedings. Not to mention, it isn't perfect. Those who have this gift cannot will visions to happen, nor can they always easily interpret them," she said, crossing her arms in front of her. "Half the time, what we see doesn't even come to pass."
"It still would have been good to know," Arthur shot back.
Elia narrowed her eyes as her arms dropped to her sides, rising to her full height though she was still shorter than the king. Merlin couldn't pull his eyes from her, finding himself even more drawn to the fiery queen.
"It would not have changed a damn thing about this situation. I assure you, we left as soon as I saw the attack. If I had seen it sooner, I would have sent word to warn you," she said sternly. "You must trust me, Arthur. I did not keep this from you out of malice. I kept it from you for our own protection."
Merlin held his breath as the king glared at the trees around them and then turned his gaze back to Elia. He still didn't respond for a time, his silence worrying Merlin. Thankfully, Elia didn't seem to be the slightest bit concerned.
Finally, Arthur sighed, scrubbing his face.
"I know," he said, looking back at her. "Just as I know that we need your help if we are to retake Camelot. But I'm still not happy that you kept this from me. I thought we had a certain level of trust."
"We do. My apologies, your majesty. But you must understand why we did not say anything. What if Agravaine had known?" she said. Arthur didn't respond, though he didn't need to. Regret was clearly written on his face. "You would have eventually told him and we did not trust him."
"And it would seem that you were right about him in the end," Arthur replied glumly. "Is there anything else I should know?"
"In regards to our abilities, no," Elia replied. "We didn't lie. We cannot wield magic like others. We heal. We sometimes see the future. That's all that matters right now."
Arthur looked as though he had more questions, but thankfully didn't push the matter. Merlin filed the exchange away for later. He fully intended to question someone more about the elves' abilities.
"Very well. Follow me. We have plans to make," Arthur said, motioning her to follow.
Merlin glanced over, sharing a small, relieved smile with Fianna.
"Looks like we're in for a very long night," he muttered, his own plan forming in his head.
Elia stood in the woods, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm her nerves. They would attack the next morning and she should be resting, but instead, she was standing outside her tent, looking through the branches to the night sky. Going through the plan in the hopes it would help settle her mind so that she could sleep.
Arthur would lead, while she and her warriors would fight alongside his knights – their archers providing cover for the first wave. It was simple enough, though she knew all too well that victory was never guaranteed. Especially when one's foe was Morgana.
However, even though they were on the cusp of battle, Elia found her mind much clearer. More at ease. There had been no troubling dreams or could-be visions, could-be nightmares since they left The Willows. For the first time in a long while, Elia felt like the master of her mind once again.
But at the same time, there was turmoil in her heart and she knew it was because she was once again in Merlin's presence. With everything that had been happening at The Willows, she had managed to push him mostly from her thoughts, save in her dreams. But now that she had seen him, looked into his eyes, the dull ache in her chest had returned.
It was torture to be so close to him yet to know she could never have him.
"So, you must be Queen Elia," a voice said from the shadows. Elia looked over, seeing a smiling woman approaching her. "I'm Guinevere. Merlin's mentioned you."
Elia's eyes widened as she fought off the blush that was no doubt spreading across her cheeks right now.
"It is nice to meet you," Elia replied. "I have heard of you as well, though I fear not as much as I would have liked." Guinevere looked to the ground, a small grimace of pain crossing her youthful features. Elia's heart went out to her. "Merlin says that you are very brave. And you have been through so much..."
Guinevere looked up at the queen, nodding.
"Exile wasn't so bad... some of the time..." she said.
"You can be truthful with me. I will see it regardless," she replied.
Guinevere's eyes widened before she reached some sort of realization.
"Merlin mentioned that... you can see things in others," Guinevere said, stepping closer to her.
"I can," she replied, though her thoughts then turned to Bridget.
That wasn't always true, it seemed. She had not seen that the young maid would become a traitor. Elia shook her head, deciding now was not the time to obsess over that mistake. Besides, Bridget was not here - they left her in The Willows under the watchful eye of Arbelladon.
"When you've been alive as long as I have, you learn to become very good at reading others. Seeing things that most cannot. I see heartache in you. As well as strength," she continued.
"Suppose we do the best that we can with what has been given us," Guinevere said.
"That is true," Elia said, looking up at the stars again.
"I may not be an elf, but... I believe I sense heartache in you as well," Guinevere said softly. Elia looked over at her, smiling sadly. "And well... Merlin may have mentioned some things in the short time we've been reunited."
"A woman's intuition is a powerful thing," Elia said. "But... I cannot dwell on things that cannot be."
"You don't know that," Guinevere said. "There is always hope."
"It is a fool's hope," Elia said. "My people's laws forbad it."
"But you are queen... can't you change those laws?" Guinevere said. "Arthur did it for-"
Elia looked over at her, seeing the young woman struggle with her words for a bit.
"What I mean to say is, there is always hope. And you have the power to change things," Guinevere finished, meeting Elia's eyes. "After we take back Camelot tomorrow... you can change the laws."
Elia thought for a moment, wondering if it could be so easy. From her discussions with Elidren and what she knew of the elders, it did not seem so.
"I am not sure," she said, her brow furrowed. "Change can take a while with the elves... Time I'm not sure Merlin and I have."
"But you signed an alliance with Camelot. If you could do that, surely you could make this change for your own happiness," Guinevere said.
Elia could sense Guinevere's belief in her words, and though it moved Elia, she was still just as sure that there was no way forward for her and Merlin. Guinevere must have sensed this, for she placed her hand on Elia's arm and spoke more strongly.
"It is a hallowed duty to lead a kingdom. But... do not give so much of yourself that there is nothing left," she urged. "Not to mention, the world is changing, whether the elves like it or not. Surely they can accept this if it means your happiness."
A sad smile spread across Elia's face. She knew the woman meant well, but she did not understand.
"It is not that simple. Ruling a kingdom comes with many sacrifices. This is but one that I must make. It is more important that I choose my people over my own happiness," Elia replied.
Guinevere let out a soft grunt of frustration as she looked to the ground, likely searching for more words that would somehow reach Elia. While she appreciated her efforts, the elf queen was certain there was nothing the mortal could say that would change her mind.
Finally, Guinevere huffed in annoyance as she gave Elia an apologetic smile.
"My apologies... I just... I know Merlin well. I've seen the way he looks at you, and the way you look at him. I just wish there was some way for you to be together," Guinevere said. "That perhaps someone could find happiness..."
Her voice hitched and Elia felt her heart break. She stepped over and pulled Guinevere into a hug, likely shocking her.
"Thank you. I do appreciate your words. I too wish there was a way, but I fear the minds of elves take too long to change. I have won the victory of an alliance with Camelot... I fear a union with a mortal would be too much," she said softly.
She then stepped back, seeing Guinevere smiling back at her. She squeezed her hands and was just about to say more when movement in the woods just over Guinevere's shoulder caught her eye. She remained calm, not wishing to alarm the mortal woman.
"I should return to my tent," she said, giving her another smile.
Elia then took off toward the woods, glancing back only once to make sure that Guinevere was walking towards her own accommodations for the night. She then turned her focus completely to silently tracking whatever was lurking in the trees.
Elia walked behind the line of tents, deftly fading into the shadows. The person was moving towards the edges of camp and obviously did not know that she was following them. She reached for her dagger, pulling it from its sheath before stopping, her eyes wide.
She knew that stature. That movement.
"Merlin," she called out softly, slipping the dagger back into its sheath as she deftly made her way to him.
He had stopped and was turning towards her, a surprised look on his face.
"Where are you going?"
Merlin gulped as he looked around, obviously nervous that someone else had seen him.
"There is something I have to do," he said softly. "Please understand."
Elia didn't say anything at first, her eyes scanning over his face, searching for the reason why he would abandon their camp. She knew he was no coward, which meant he had some sort of plan in mind. Her eyes then widened when she realized the direction he was headed.
"You're going back into Camelot," she said. "Alone."
"Trust me. This must be done," he said vehemently, though still keeping his voice hushed. "I know what I'm doing."
Panic seized her heart, which was an altogether unfamiliar and unwanted feeling. Walking back into Camelot alone and unarmed was sure to be signing his death warrant, even if he had magic.
"What if you get hurt? Or killed?" she whispered back.
His brow furrowed, Merlin walked back to her, pausing for a moment before reaching out to take her hands. Elia jumped at his touch, feeling sparks moving up her arm.
"There is something I can do to help push things in our favor tomorrow, and I must do it," he said urgently. "I'll be back before the siege, but Arthur and the others... they cannot know about this."
Elia blinked a few times and then swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She could see the conviction clearly in his eyes. Merlin was going to do this regardless of her wishes. And if it could help them tomorrow, they would need it.
While Arthur's knights and her warriors were strong, there was no telling what tricks Morgana had up her sleeves. Especially with magic involved.
"I understand," she said softly.
She hesitated slightly before stepping forward and briefly pressing her lips to his. She could not help herself, especially since victory was not quite guaranteed tomorrow.
"Come back to me, Merlin," she whispered.
A beautiful smile filled his face as Merlin slid one hand around her waist and pulled her flush against him, his other hand gently cradling her cheek.
"I will," he vowed before kissing her again.
She could feel his promise in that kiss. More than that, she felt alive in a way she had never experienced before. Elia knew it was dangerous to be out here like this. Kissing him like this. But she wanted nothing more. There was every chance one or both of them could be grievously injured tomorrow.
Beyond that, she wanted one more memory of him like this before she returned to The Willows.
When his lips left hers, it took Elia a moment to regain her breath. When she finally did, she looked up and met his eyes.
"There are five elven sentries around the camp. They are hidden in the trees. You will not see them so be aware," she said.
Merlin smiled, pressing one last quick kiss to her lips.
"You think I'd sneak out here without checking where the guards were stationed? You underestimate me, my queen," he quipped.
A burning started in Elia's belly and quickly spread through her. She knew that she needed to push Merlin on his ways or something very dangerous for the both of them was bound to happen.
"Go," she whispered. "And hurry back."
Merlin nodded and then reluctantly let her go. He backed up a few steps, almost as though he too did not want to end things there. But thankfully he turned and continued on his way, disappearing into the trees.
Elia remained there a few moments longer... well after she could no longer make out his form in the night.
"Please, come back to me..."